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When Houseplants Pose A Threat To Pets

Houseplants have few positive properties for pets. Even biting off aloe vera, azalea and amaryllis can be fatal in the worst case. Therefore, pet owners should check to see if their houseplants are poisonous.

If a dog, cat, or budgie chews on the leaves, it can have negative health effects, from watery eyes to diarrhea, lethargy, or seizures. Therefore, owners should find out at an early stage if their decorative greenery can cause illness in a roommate.

Be Careful with Tropical Plants

Because many of the common indoor plants are native to the tropics. In their hot and humid climates, they need toxic substances to protect themselves from natural predators.

Plant Doctor Boomgaarden sees a need for education: “Pet owners are sometimes worried and wonder if they are decorating their home with toxic houseplants.” Ornamental greenery attracts nibbling or chewing, depending on the temperament and nature of the pet.

“Dogs tend to chew on plants less often than cats,” explains Astrid Behr of the Federal Association of Veterinary Practitioners. However, the puppies need to be monitored. “They are like small children – they are curious, discover the world, and gain experience. It happens that something alien gets into the mouth. ”

On the other hand, the fact that the cat chews on plants is consistent with its natural behavior. Eating the grass helps to get rid of the hairballs that get trapped in the belly when brushing the coat. Therefore, their owner should always offer cat grass as well. “If not, cats will gnaw on other plants,” says Behr.

Depending on which plant gnaw on, there is a risk of bad effects: for example, aloe vera can be a flexible magic substance for the skin. However, if pets chew on the inflorescence, it can cause diarrhea. Amaryllis also causes the intestines to rebel – diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and tremors can follow.

Pure Poison for Cats

Azaleas contain acetylandromedol, which can cause cardiovascular problems. The poison leads to intoxication with increased salivation, staggering, lethargy, and vomiting. In severe cases, convulsions can occur, and heart failure can also occur.

Cyclamen also causes stomach problems and vomiting and diarrhea in animals. Calla is as beautiful as it is dangerous. Their use leads to abdominal discomfort, irritation of the mouth, loss of balance, tremors, convulsions, respiratory failure – in the worst case, the pleasure is fatal.

If pet owners find that something unhealthy has been eaten, their motto is to stay calm and see your veterinarian as soon as possible. The treating veterinarian is helpful if there are signs of what is causing the symptoms. If you can keep a cool head in this situation, it is best to bring into practice the plant that the animal has chewed.

As first aid, wearers should expose their loved one’s airway (open mouth, pull the tongue forward, remove mucus or vomit), and restore blood circulation with a cardiac massage. If the gums of an animal appear pale, almost the color of porcelain, this may indicate a state of shock.

Mary Allen

Written by Mary Allen

Hello, I'm Mary! I've cared for many pet species including dogs, cats, guinea pigs, fish, and bearded dragons. I also have ten pets of my own currently. I've written many topics in this space including how-tos, informational articles, care guides, breed guides, and more.

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