Three Houseplants That Are Dangerous For Your Dog
Getting a dog for the first time is a big adjustment. Before your new dog comes home, you need to dog-proof your home so that they can't hurt themselves. Homes contain many hazards that may surprise you, including houseplants. Here are three houseplants that are dangerous for dogs.
Amaryllis
Amaryllis plants are a common sight in homes around the holiday season, but unfortunately, they're toxic for dogs. Fortunately, they also taste bad, so dogs don't usually eat enough of the plant to get seriously sick.
Amaryllis plants contain lycorine, an alkaloid that can poison dogs. Dogs that ingest this alkaloid can throw up, have diarrhea, or drool excessively. You may also notice that your dog has tremors or is crying out in pain. Veterinarians generally treat this type of poisoning with fluid replacement, though it's best to just keep amaryllis plants out of your house now that you have a dog.
Charming Dieffenbachia
The charming dieffenbachia may look harmless, but this green, leafy tropical plant is toxic to dogs. This plant contains two substances that are toxic to dogs: insoluble calcium oxalates and proteolytic enzymes.
If your dog eats any of your charming dieffenbachia plants, they may develop burning inside their mouth. This burning is intense, so you may see that your dog is drooling a lot or having trouble swallowing. Your dog may also vomit. The treatment for this type of poisoning can involve medical charcoal or antihistamines.
Clivia Lily
The clivia lily, also known as the kaffir lily, is a tropical plant that can be grown indoors. This plant has attractive orange flowers and can brighten up your home, but if your dog gets curious and nibbles on the plant, they could be in danger.
The toxicity of the clivia lily depends on how much your dog eats. If your dog eats large amounts of the plant, or if they eat any part of the bulb, they could be in danger. The effects of this toxic plant can range from vomiting and diarrhea to tremors, low blood pressure, and seizures. Abnormalities with their heart rhythm can also occur. Treatments like medical charcoal can be used to try to absorb the toxins, and fluids may be given to counteract the fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea.
When you live on your own, you don't need to worry about the types of houseplants you bring home, but with a dog, you need to make sure that none of your plants are toxic. Before you pick up your new dog, make sure to get rid of any houseplants that could hurt them. For more information, contact establishments like Foothills Animal Hospital.
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