Did you know that a large number of houseplants are toxic to dogs? And some of them are found in many apartments.
Here's a list of such plants:
ARUM FAMILY (ARACEAE)
The toxic sap of plants in this family contains the amino acid asparagine and calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause throat and oral mucosa swelling, burning, blisters on the mucosa, respiratory arrest, and, if it comes into contact with the eyes, conjunctivitis and irreversible corneal changes leading to blindness. It can also lead to allergic dermatitis and kidney and heart problems.
Dieffenbachia
Monstera
Anthurium
Spathiphyllum
Caladium
Philodendron
Alocasia
Aglaonema
Zantedeschia or Arum maculatum
Zamioculcas
Syngonium
Hedera (Ivy)
ARALIA FAMILY (ARALIACEAE)
The sap and leaves contain the toxin gedunin, various toxic glycosides, and alkaloids, which can cause irritation of the mucous membranes and the gastrointestinal tract, suppress heart muscles, and even lead to respiratory arrest.
Hedera (Ivy)
Fatsia japonica
Polyscias
Schefflera
Fatshedera
Hedera (Ivy)
DOG BANE FAMILY (APOCYNACEAE)
Toxins in these plants have a neuro-paralytic effect, suppress the heart and lung function, and affect visual function.
Nerium oleander
Pachypodium
Adenium obesum (Desert Rose)
Mandevilla or Dipladenia
Gloriosa
Colchicum
MILKWEED FAMILY (EUPHORBIACEAE)
They contain euphorbin, and poisoning with it can cause severe and long-lasting burns and ulcers in the oral cavity and throat, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes (even temporary blindness), gastrointestinal dysfunction with nervous regulation disturbance, and allergic dermatitis.
Euphorbia pulcherrima (Poinsettia)
Codiaeum (Croton)
Euphorbia Milii
Euphorbia tirucalli (Pencil Cactus)
Acalypha
Ricinus communis (Castor Bean Plant)
PRIMROSE FAMILY (PRIMULACEAE)
This family includes cyclamens and primroses, which contain the toxin cyclamin, causing pain in the oral cavity and throat, mucosa burns, and breathing difficulties.
Cyclamen
Primula
AMARYLLIS FAMILY (AMARYLLIDACEAE)
They contain the alkaloid lycorine, which can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, excessive salivation, diarrhea, and, in large amounts, tremors, paralysis, and collapse.
Amaryllis
Hippeastrum
Zephyranthes
Eucharis
Valotta
Clivia
HEATH FAMILY (ERICACEAE)
They contain the glycoside andromedotoxin, which causes poisoning when ingested. The nectar of the flowers and leaf sap can lead to central nervous system depression, heart issues, digestive disturbances, nasal discharge, and excessive salivation.
Rhododendron (Azalea)
Hydrangea
NIGHTSHADE FAMILY (SOLANACEAE)
The green parts of these plants contain the alkaloids solanine, atropine, and scopolamine, which can cause vomiting, excessive salivation, confusion, hallucinations, visual disturbances, respiratory and cardiac issues, and paralysis when ingested.
Solandra
Solanum capiscastrum (Winter Cherry)
Browallia
Datura
Atropa belladonna (Belladonna)
Hyoscyamus niger (Henbane)
Berries of Physalis, potatoes, and eggplants
Please ensure that these toxic plants are out of reach of your dogs to keep them safe and healthy. If you suspect your dog has ingested any of these plants, seek immediate veterinary attention.