These North Texas plants are toxic to your pets, says a Fort Worth veterinarian
If you’re out walking your dog, be sure to watch out for what it’s eating.
You may not even realize it but there are common North Texas plants that are toxic to your pets. And as most know, animals will eat just about anything.
Toxicity means that a plant can make your pet sick up to and including death, says Derek Burney, internal medicine specialist at Veterinary Specialists of North Texas.
To avoid any of the above happening, here are North Texas plants you should avoid when around your pet.
What plants are toxic to my pets?
While walking your dog, be sure to not let your canine eat random flowers. If your cat is an outdoor cat, watch out for them frolicking around these North Texas plants.
Sago palm: This mini palm tree is short, but can reach about 10 feet tall. Leaves are dark green with pointy needles. Symptoms of poisoning are vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and jaundice.
“They are toxic to people and animals, and causes liver failure. If the pet eats very much, it is almost always fatal. These are cycad palms and are common ornamental plants in our yards.” according to Burney.
Lillies: Any type of lilly plant. Large prominent flowers, with dark green leaves. Symptoms of poisoning are vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, irregular heartbeat, decreased appetite.
“Lilies are especially toxic to cats because they cause kidney failure. A cat only has to ingest a tiny amount to be fatal.” he says, “Lilies are dangerous even if your cat has never shown an interest in chewing on plants and I would not recommend pet owners ever having them in the house.”
Oleander: This shrub has dark green leaves and clusters of funnel shaped flowers. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and sometimes death. Burney adds that this plant can be potentially damaging to the heart.
Foxglove: Found along roadsides or in gardens, the plant features long bell shaped flowers that grow along the stem. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea and irregular heartbeat. Another one noted by Burney as toxic to the heart.
Marijuana: Dogs who ingest marijuana can become depressed and experience vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased heart rate and even seizures and coma.
Tulips: Symptoms of poisoning include upset stomach, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and irregular heartbeat.
“Tulip bulbs are especially toxic to dogs, so do not leave them laying around where dogs can get to them. It is surprising the things that our pets will nibble on or eat if given the opportunity.” Burney adds.
Onion: Both wild and store bought onions. Wild onions may attract your pets with its pungent smell but beware that they can cause trouble breathing.
Garlic: Just like onion, garlic may attract pets with its smell but it can disrupt their red blood cells causing them to have an elevated heart rate and trouble breathing.
Bluebonnets: The Texas state flower grows along roadsides or in fields. Sharp pointy leaves with a bright blue-purple cluster of flowers. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea and nervous system distress.
Burney also noted that macadamia nuts, grapes and raisins are are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure. “Of interest, grape jelly and jam, wine, and grape juice are not toxic! I do not recommend wine for your pets though!” he adds.
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What to do if your pet consumes a toxic plant
If you notice your pet is acting abnormal, it’s always a good idea to take them to the vet. “It always better to be safe than sorry,” says Burney.
According to North Texas Humane Society, keeping your animals hydrated is the best thing to do. Water may make them throw up which is OK because that will help them get rid of toxins. Look for blood in your cat or dog’s throw up.
If your animal is having a seizure, the best thing you can do is keep them in a stable place until it passes and then contact their veterinarian.