At Sorrento Animal Hospital, we understand that your fur babies are family, and their safety is a top priority. Let's talk about keeping your pets secure by making wise choices when it comes to the greenery in your home and other potential hazards. This blog post covers dangerous plants for your pet.
We all know our pets can be curious, and sometimes that curiosity can get them into trouble. Here are some plants that might not be the best for our four-legged pals:
Cycads - The Sago Palm is a bit of a no-no for our canine friends. - Ingesting parts of this plant can lead to some serious issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures.
Lilies - Cats and lilies don't mix well, especially species like Easter lilies and tiger lilies. - Even a little nibble can lead to serious kidney trouble.
Other tricky plants - Beyond these, watch out for Brunfelsia, Birds of Paradise, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Daffodils, Tulips, Hyacinths, and Oleander which can be a bit risky for our furry companions.
Pet-friendly plant alternatives
Let's bring some green into our homes without worries. Maybe at your next Bunnings visit, consider these pet-friendly plants instead:
Cat Grass - Cats love a bit of cat grass, and it's a fun way to bring nature indoors safely.
Peperomia - Indoor house plants like Peperomia are Sorrento Animal Hospital approved and come in lots of cool varieties.
Pilea (Chinese Money Plant) - Add a touch of modern decor with Pilea. Plus, it's totally safe for your fur family.
Ferns - Boston Fern, Maidenhair Fern, Staghorn Fern, and Birdsnest Fern are all Sorrento Animal Hospital favourites and safe for your pets. Before you bring in a new plant buddy, do a little research.
At Sorrento Animal Hospital, we care about your pet's safety. Use resources like the blog post Plants Safe For Dogs And Cats (an A-Z guide) and don't hesitate to reach out to Sorrento Animal Hospital if you have any concerns. When introducing new greenery, especially mildly toxic plants, keep them out of reach.
Keep your pets happy by avoiding these foods
At Sorrento Animal Hospital, we're here to guide you through all aspects of keeping your pets safe. From edible to non-edible dangers, let's make your home a safe haven for your furry family members. Your pets might have a taste for what you're having, but here are some treats they should steer clear of… and let us know immediately if you suspect any consumption of these:
- Alcoholic drinks and foods with alcohol
- Avocado (especially if you have birds, rabbits, horses, or ruminants)
- Anything with caffeine (like coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks)
- Chocolate (a big no-no)
- Fatty foods
- Garlic (keep it away from our doggy)
- Grapes and raisins
- Macadamia nuts
- Marijuana (definitely not for our pets)
- Medications meant for people or other pets
- Onions (a kitchen hazard for Sorrento pet owners)
- Salt (keep those salty snacks away)
- Tobacco products (including e-cigarettes)
- Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum, candy, cough syrup, mouthwash, and toothpaste)
Non-Edible hazards for your pets at home and around the house
Our pets can sometimes get into things they shouldn't. Keep an eye out for:
- Antifreeze
- Motor oil (and used motor oil)
- Cocoa mulch
- Fabric softener sheets
- Insecticides and pesticides (even those for flea and tick treatment)
- Lawn fertilisers and weed killers
- Liquid potpourri
- Mothballs
- Paints and solvents
- Rat and mouse bait
- Various household cleaners (including bleach and toilet bowl cleaners)
- Swimming pool chemicals
- Salt dough Christmas tree ornaments and play dough
Dangerous plants and flowers for pets
A backyard or a nature walk can be beautiful, but some plants can be a bit tricky for pets:
- Almond, apricot, cherry, nectarine, peach, and plum trees and shrubs
- Aloe Vera
- Amaryllis
- Caster Bean
- Chrysanthemum
- Cyclamen
- Corn Plant
- Daphne
- Dogbane
- English Ivy
- Foxglove
- Golden Pothos
- Hibiscus
- Hyacinth and Tulip (especially the bulbs)
- Hydrangea
- Kalanchoe
- Lilies: Daylily, Gloriosa Lily, Lily-of-the-Valley, Peace Lily, True Lily
- Mother-in-Law Tongue
- Mountain Laurel
- Narcissus, Daffodil, Paperwhite, and Jonquil
- Oleander
- Philodendron
- Poinsettia
- Rhododendron and Azalea
- Rosary Pea
- Sago Palm
- Schefflera
- Stinging Nettle
- Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Plant
- Yew Bush
Toxicity in pets can vary
Remember, the impact of these items can vary, depending on your pet's type, how much they've ingested, and which part they've eaten. For comprehensive toxicity information, contact Sorrento Animal Hospital or visit a pet poison control centre.
A brief message to you
If you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, don't wait. Call Sorrento Animal Hospital right away or reach out to a pet poison control centre. Sorrento Animal Hospital is here to keep your pets healthy and happy, providing care that goes beyond the ordinary.