Houseplants are a great way to brighten up your home and improve your indoor air quality. However, if you have pets at home, you will want to think twice about which plant varieties you select. Curious cats and dogs may dig up, knock over, and even ingest hanging or potted plants, so you will want to avoid the following potentially toxic varieties of common houseplants to keep your pet safe.
Corn Plant
The dracaena, or corn plant is a popular choice in homes thanks to its large, brightly colored yellow and green leaves. It is also an easy plant to keep alive. However, dogs and cats may become ill upon the ingestion of corn plant leaves. They might experience vomiting, drooling, and appetite loss.
Pothos, or Devil’s Ivy
Pothos grows long vines covered in large speckled leaves. It’s a tropical plant that’s become extremely popular in homes, but it can be very irritating to pets. When ingested, pothos may cause oral irritation in cats and dogs as well as drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Other plants that have similar effects include Philodendron, Dieffenbachia (aka Dumb Cane), and Schefflera (aka Umbrella Tree).
Lilies
Cat owners should be particularly wary of keeping all varieties of lilies in the home. Lilies are highly toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure if ingested. Even a small amount of pollen is potentially toxic.
Jade Plant
Jade plants are another popular choice due to their hearty composition, but their crunchy leaves can prove toxic for your pet. Ingesting jade plants can cause pets to experience a slow heart rate and difficulty breathing.
If you’ve noticed your pet acting strangely after getting into one of your houseplants, you can find immediate, reliable care around the clock at Emergency Veterinary Hospital. Our Springfield, OR animal clinic is open 24/7, 365 for you and your pet. Contact us at (541) 746-0112 for more info about our emergency care services.