Unfortunately houseplants from the store or greenhouse do not provide warning labels to help you know which plants could harm your pets, therefore making it very easy to introduce a poisonous plant into your home.

Several common household plants that if eaten or contacted can cause signs of illness in your pets.  The list below only provides some of the most common toxic plants.  Please see the link below for a more comprehensive list of plants with toxic potential.

www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control

Philodendron Group (Araceae) 

Common Names: Fruit Salad Plant, Ceriman (Cutleaf Philodendron), Fiddle and Split Leaf Philodendron

Typical Toxicity: Irritation of the mouth and throat tissues (drooling, vomiting); reported kidney toxicity in cats

Common Names: Easter Lily, Tiger Lily, Red Lily, Japanese Show Lily, Asian Lily, Stargazer Lily, Wood Lily

Typical Toxicity: Toxic effects are limited to cats, and include kidney damage or failure, dullness, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Note that only a small amount of any part of the plant can lead to very serious effects!

Other Lilies ([Mauna Loa] Peace Lily, Arum Lily, Calla Lily), are less toxic than those listed above.

Typical Toxicity: Irritation of the mouth and throat tissues (drooling, vomiting)

Common Name: Azalea

Typical Toxicity: This is a very serious and powerful toxin, and outcomes may include death. Signs noted may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and loss of consciousness. Although Azaleas are more commonly found as a garden plant than a household plant, they are often planted near the home or deck, and some varieties need to be brought inside during winter months.

Holiday Plants 

Common Name: Mistletoe

Typical Toxicity: Vomiting, diarrhea, small pupils, and low blood pressure

Common Name: Poinsettia

Typical Toxicity: Irritation of mouth; may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation

If you think it’s possible your pet has been exposed to a toxic plant, contact us immediately.  DO NOT WAIT FOR CLINICAL SIGNS.  If you are not sure what plant your pet has contacted, take part of the plant to the hospital for identification.