Plants that we grow in our garden can be deadly to our pets but when we buy them, there’s no warning tag so we asked Dr Nico du Preez of EberVet Country Animal Clinic to identify the most dangerous and to tell us what to do if our pets should eat them. Listen to his radio broadcast here https://omny.fm/shows/driesestig-1/giftige-plante-in-die-tuin
Plants to avoid
Cycads are among the most toxic plants for pets, especially the seeds. The seed kernels in the ripe female cones cause severe liver damage and are considered carcinogenic. Even a few seeds can kill a dog.
Firesticks, those tall striking euphorbias that turn from tree to orange and are extremely popular in nurseries, contain a milky sap that can cause severe illness and blindness. Humans are also vulnerable to severe eye damage should they get the sap on their hands and then rub their eyes.
The Flame Lily, the perfumed Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, Elephant Ear, Syringa, and Dragon tree should be avoided. Lilies – Tiger, Day, Easter, Stargazer, Red, and Wood are highly toxic to cats. The pollen, leaves, stems, and even water from the vase of Tiger lilies can cause severe kidney failure in cats. Signs of lily poisoning include lethargy, vomiting, diahorrea, and seizures.
Crocus plants, particularly the spring crocus, can cause gastrointestinal issues in cats including vomiting and diahorrea. While it does not cause kidney failure, lily of the valley can cause vomiting, decreased heart rate, and severe cardiac arrhythmias.
There are many, many others too. Listen to Dr Nico’s radio broadcast for more info on these plants and what to do if your pet is poisoned https://omny.fm/shows/driesestig-1/giftige-plante-in-die-tuin
