5 Poisonous Plants

Azalea

Azaleas are part of the Rhododendron family. They are poisonous to humans as well as pets. Azaleas contain substances called grayanotoxins (a neurotoxin), which are present in all parts of the plant. Grayanotoxin blocks the normal function of the muscles in people and animals, including the heart, and can impair nerve function.

Pets affected by azalea poisoning may vomit, experience diarrhea and appear weak. They may salivate excessively, lose their appetite, have difficulty walking and appear lethargic. In the most severe cases, the animal may lapse into a coma and eventually die.

(This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of my links, I may receive a commission or credit at no additional cost to you. For more info, please read my Affiliate Information Policy.)

Autumn Crocus

The Autumn Crocus looks like a crocus but is actually in the lily family. It contains a poison called colchicine. The Autumn Crocus has six stamens and a true Crocus has three. If you see your dog eat what looks like a crocus, take your dog and a sample of the flower to your vet.

Uncertain about the flower your dog ate? The vet can do blood work and urine analysis to determine if the plant was poisonous. If untreated, the poison from the Autumn Crocus can become terminal.

Cyclamen

This is a pretty flowering plant that is readily available at supermarkets and retail stores. Cyclamen is also referred to as shooting star.

The plant contains saponin which is a chemical that can cause serious toxic reactions. The leaves and flowers are not as dangerous as the root. Saponins are absorbed quickly into the blood which makes them even more dangerous.

Cyclamen is a houseplant often used in the wintertime. Pets are usually indoor more in the winter too, so chances are increased that your dog can get into the plant.

If your dog is poisoned but treated in 24 hours, their chance of a recovery is good.

Daffodils

These beautiful spring flowers contain poisonous alkaloids called lycorine that will make your dog sick. Lycorine causes severe vomiting. The bulbs have the most concentration of lycorine which makes them the most dangerous part of the flower.

The symptoms of daffodil poisoning depend on whether it is the bulb or the flower that is consumed, how much your dog eats, and your dog’s health.

Daffodils are also known as jonquils. If you go to a park or any other public place, be sure to keep your eye on wherever your dog goes in case there are poisonous plants such as daffodils.

Lilies

The entire lily plant is toxic, the roots are most dangerous. If your dog eats even just a couple of lily roots it can be fatal. Like their sister plant, the Autumn Crocus, Lilies contain the poison, colchicine. Colchicine alkaloids are extremely toxic and can cause a wide variety of complications from intestinal upset to organ failure and it can be fatal if not treated right away.

Ridding your dog’s body of the toxic substance will help reduce the symptoms, so the veterinarian will induce vomiting. They may also give IV fluids to flush your dog’s system and reduce the chance of kidney and liver damage.

The prognosis is good if your dog is treated within the first eight hours and there has been no kidney or liver damage.

See these common plants that are poison to dogs. #Dogs #Poison #DogLovers Share on XDid you know these common plants are poisonous to dogs?

More than these 5 common plants are poisonous to dogs. If you have houseplants or your dogs have access to flowers and shrubs outside, please be sure they are safe.