Tomlinson's Warning about Poisonous Plants for Pets

A customer who recently visited Tomlinson's Westlake store told them that she had come very close to losing her two dogs because they had eaten the clippings of a Sago palm that she had cut back. Sago palms are common in the central Texas area and VERY TOXIC. Dogs that ingest them rarely survive! See a photo of a Sago palm and more information here.

The ASPCA has put together an exhaustive list of plants that are toxic to pets - over 700! While looking through them, I began to wonder if there are any safe ones out there. Here is a list of the 10 most common poisonous plants:

1. Azalea - The toxins in azalea plants can be very severe and potentially cause drooling, diarrhea, vomiting, central nervous system weakening and depression, and in some cases possibly coma or death.
2. Castor Bean - Poisoning as a result of this plant can cause abdominal pain, drooling, diarrhea, vomiting increased thirst, loss of appetite and weakness. More serious cases could also lead to dehydration, tremors, seizures, twitching muscles, coma and possibly death.
3. Cyclamen - The most poisonous portion of this plant is located in the root. Ingestion of the plant can cause severe vomiting and gastrointestinal irritation. In some cases death has been reported as a result.
4. Kalanchoe - Ingestion of this plant can cause gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac rhythm and rate problems.
5. Lilies - Plants of the lily variety are very poisonous to cats. Even very small amounts of this plant could cause serious kidney damage.
6. Marijuana - Animals who attempt to snack on this plant can suffer serious consequences such as diarrhea, vomiting, increased heart rate, drooling, in-coordination, and even possibly seizures and coma.
7. Oleander - All portions of this plant are poisonous and can cause gastrointestinal irritation, hypothermia, heart problems and possibly death.
8. Sago Palm - While the seeds and nuts of this plant are most poisonous, the entire plant is toxic. Animals ingesting parts of this plant may suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, depression, seizures and liver failure.
9. Tulips - The toxic portion of this plant is the actual bulb, which can cause drooling, central nervous system depression, gastrointestinal irritation, cardiac issues and convulsions.
10. Yew - Poisoning as a result of the yew plant can affect the nervous system and cause in-coordination, trembling and breathing difficulties. It may also result in gastrointestinal irritation, cardiac failure and could possibly lead to death.

NOTE: If you suspect that your pet has been poisoned, contact the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. This is 24 hour a day hotline. (In some cases a consultation fee may be charged to your credit card.)

This list has been compiled using the following sources:

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Earth Clinic