Wait... These Common Houseplants Are Deadly To Your Dog? We Had No Idea! - Page 2 of 2

Check out the following to see if you have reason to worry. You may already have one of these dangerous plants in your house! Be sure to remove it quickly or, at least, put it up high where your pooch cannot get to it!

Philodendron
Philodendrons contain insoluble oxalates, compounds that cause mucosal irritation. In 1961, a study found that a high percentage of pets that ingested this plant died, but later studies have been unable to reproduce this level of mortality. Although it is probably wise to keep this plant unreachable to dogs and cats, I have never treated a case of philodendron toxicity.

Dieffenbachia
This pretty plant (also known as Dumb Cane) also contains insoluble oxalates that cause mucosal irritation to animals that chew on the leaves. Most animals will be deterred and not bother the plant again, but sometimes a bored house pet will ingest enough to cause increased salivation, difficulty swallowing and maybe vomiting. If you have this plant, it might be wise to keep it inaccessible to dogs and cats, but most pets will avoid it.

Pothos
Pothos (devils ivy) is another common and easy to maintain plant that has insoluble oxalates. It is mostly popular because it is attractive and is mildly toxic like the other oxalate plants. The effects are mostly in the mouth, possibly the esophagus and stomach, but most pets will sidestep such plants. It can be pretty scary for your pet to be salivating and acting like their mouth is burning, so try not to panic and call your vet.

If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic plant please do not wait until it is showing signs of sickness. Take “Rover” immediately to his veterinarian. Poisons could be attacking your dog’s blood stream even if he does not immediately show sickness.

There are more dangerous vegetation, including Aloe and Lilies, and if you would like to read more on these plants and their toxicity go to I Heart Dogs. On this educational website you will also get information about Animal Poison Control. Go there now and learn all you need to know about toxic houseplants!