Are your plants hurting your pets? Here’s how to keep your Mississippi yard safe

Sundi Rose
·1 min read

Even as the seasons change, pet owners have to be careful about what their animals ingest because several Mississippi plants can make them extremely sick.

There are a handful of plants that can affect the pets in your home, particularly cats and dogs, and they are classified into four categories, according to the University of Mississippi Medical Center:

  • Highly Toxic: These plants can cause severe illness or death even in small amounts.

  • Moderately Toxic: These plants can cause significant discomfort and illness but are rarely fatal.

  • Mildly Toxic: These plants may cause minor irritation or discomfort.

  • Non-Toxic: These plants are generally safe for humans and animals.

If your pet eats a poisonous plant you will notice, first and foremost, gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Your pet may be drooling excessively, they’re lethargic with a loss of appetite and difficulty breathing.

MACROPHYLLA -- This bigleaf hydrangea known botanically as Hydrangea macrophylla can respond to changes in soil pH by changing flower colors. (Photo by MSU Extension/Gary Bachman) Alt text -- A plant has a cluster of white, pink, purple and blue blooms. ###
MACROPHYLLA -- This bigleaf hydrangea known botanically as Hydrangea macrophylla can respond to changes in soil pH by changing flower colors. (Photo by MSU Extension/Gary Bachman) Alt text -- A plant has a cluster of white, pink, purple and blue blooms. ###

Take these steps to keep your pet safe.

  • Contact a veterinarian immediately

  • Identify and photograph the plant if possible.

  • Contact the Mississippi Poison Control at 1-(800) 222-1222

Flowering Plants

Highly Toxic

  • Daffodils

  • Oleander

  • Lily of the Valley

  • Autumn Crocus

  • Chrysanthemums (Mums)

  • Amaryllis

Moderately Toxic

  • American Beautyberry

  • Winterberry Holly

Mildly Toxic

  • Tickseed

  • Swamp Sunflower

  • Basil

Trees and Shrubs

Highly Toxic

  • Sago Palm

  • Yew

  • Poison Hemlock

Moderately Toxic

  • Chinese Tallow Tree (Popcorn Tree)

  • Privet

Mildly Toxic

  • Tree of Heaven

  • Hydrangea

Wild plants

Highly Toxic

  • Water Hemlock

Moderately Toxic

  • Milkweed

  • Tansy

  • Black Walnut

  • Mayapple

  • Ragwort

  • Dogbane

  • Velvet Grass

This is not, by any means, an exhaustive list, and it’s important to know what plants you have in your yard to keep your pets (and humans) safe.