Toxic Spring Bulbs and Other Plants Dangerous to Pets

Most pet owners are aware that Christmas plants such as poinsettia, holly, mistletoe and amaryllis are toxic plants to dogs and cats. However, Spring is upon us and there are many spring bulbs and other common household plants that are toxic plants to dogs as well. This article discusses information on these plants and what to do in case of an emergency if your pet should ingest one of these plants.

Spring time is very welcome, especially in the colder parts of the country. However, those beautiful blooming plants and bulbs harbor toxins which can cause mild to severe clinical signs of stomach irritation, abdominal pain, trouble breathing and some can even induce comas. So, please read the list below and make sure if you have any of these plants or bulbs present that your pet is kept away from them.

Toxic Bulbs/Plants with Clinical Signs

• Azalea: Stomach irritation, convulsions, coma


• English Ivy: Stomach irritation, convulsions, coma


• Hemlock: Foaming at the mouth, muscle spasms, convulsions


• Hyacinth: Gastroenteritis, emesis (vomiting), diarrhea


• Hydrangea: Gastroenteritis, diarrhea, bloody stools


• Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense): Respiratory problems, ataxia, coma, death


• Jimson Weed (Datura stramonium): Respiratory problems, ataxia, diarrhea, convulsions, bradycardia (slow heart rate), coma, death


• Nightshade (Solanum spp.): Neuropathic problems (hallucinations), gastrointestinal issues, diarrhea, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), respiratory problems, bloat, possibly fatal


• Oats (Avena sativa): Respiratory problems, paralysis, skin inflammation, possibly fatal


• Rhubarb (Rheum rhaptonicum): Gastroenteritis, colic, diarrhea, bloody stools, polydypsia (increased drinking), death

If your pet ingests one of these plants.....Don't Panic!

If your dog or cat has ingested a toxic plant or bulb; the first order of business is Don't Panic! Here are some tips on what to do:

1. Collect some of the toxic plant and put it in a baggie.

2. Try to determine how much of the plant has been ingested.

3. Call the ASPCA poison control center 1-888-426-4435

4. Call your veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic!

5. Administration of hydrogen peroxide (3%) will usually induce vomiting. Use a large medicine dropper or syringe to administer peroxide down throat. Administer until vomiting occurs. If animal is heaving, do not administer anymore hydrogen peroxide. Vomiting should occur shortly after heaving is observed.

6. Remove any plant material from mouth and paws

There are over 400 toxic plants that have mild to severe toxicity to dogs, cats and horses. For a complete list, please visit the ASPCA's website or call the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.

Catherine Critz, How To Safely Induce Vomiting, Petsocialonline.com