Many indoor and outdoor plants are poisonous to dogs. It's likely that you have a number of these at home. To be safe, keep houseplants out of a dog's reach. Restrict access to gardens. By limiting the outdoor range given to your dog, plants toxins need not be a huge concern.
If you suspect your dog ingested a toxin, contact your veterinarian immediately. The sooner treatment is offered, the better the chances of your dog's survival.
Dog Poison in Aloe Vera
People use Aloe to soothe burns and provide numerous health benefits. If a dog ingests the leaves and gel, the saponins act as a a dog poison. Symptoms of Aloe Vera plant's poisonous effects in dogs include:
- Darkened urine
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Muscle spasms
- Weight loss
Saponins are also found in Buckeye, English Holly, English Ivy, Hosta plants and Nightshade plants.
Azaleas and Rhododendrons
Azaleas and rhododendrons provide plenty of color in spring gardens, but they remain one of the deadliest to dogs. Plants in the Azalea and Rhododendron families often lead to death, even if the dog only ate a small amount of leaves. Symptoms include:
- Coma
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Heart failure
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Paralysis
- Shock
- Vomiting
Cardenolides Are Toxic to Many Animals
Cardenolides are found in a number of flowering plants. The plants are poisonous to dogs and cause:
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Coma
- Low blood pressure
- Seizures
- Vomiting
Plants containing cardenolides include:
- Bitter Root
- Burning Bush
- Dogbane
- Lily of the Valley
- Milkweed
- Yellow Oleander
Colchicine Plant Toxins Are Poisonous to Dogs
Colchicine is a dangerous toxin found in plants like Saffron Crocuses, Chionodoxa, Daylilies and Trout lilies. Dog poison symptoms from ingestion of colchicine include:
- Bloody vomit
- Bone marrow suppression
- Diarrhea
- Organ damage
- Rashes and chemical burns within the mouth
- Shock
Daisies and Chrysanthemums
Most every garden has daisies or chrysanthemums. They contain pyrethins and sesquiterpene, irritants that cause diarrhea, drooling, skin rashes and vomiting.
Other related plants poisonous to dogs include:
- Bittersweet
- Jerusalem Oak
- Milfoil
- Mums
Foxglove: Digitalis Poisons Dogs
Foxglove's tall spires of flowers look beautiful, but they contain digitalis. Digitalis is used as a medication to regulate a person's heart function, but an overdose leads to cardiac arrest. Signs of foxglove poisoning include:
- Diarrhea
- Heart arrhythmia
- Heart failure
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
Lycorine: A Deadly Dog Poison
Many homeowners use Amaryllis blooms to brighten their homes. Amaryllis plants are poisonous to dogs because of the lycorine, a serious toxin to many animals and humans. Symptoms of lycorine poisoning include:
- Abdominal pain
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Muscle spasms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
Lycorine is present in all members of the Amaryllis family. These plants include:
- Daffodils
- Jonquils
- Lilies
- Narcissus
- Snowdrops
Onions, Chives and Shallots
Rich in N-propyl disulfide, onions and relatives of onion plants are poisonous to dogs. While a small quantity wouldn't hurt, it's best to avoid letting your canine eat onions. Canine poison symptoms include:
- Anemia
- Blood tinged urine
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Do not feed your dog garlic, onions, leeks, shallots or green onions.