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Critter Corner: How to choose safe pet plants
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Anonymous user Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
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0 responses 0 comments Are your animals safe in your own home and garden?
Do you have any plants that may be toxic or even lead to serious illness of your pet?
Do lilies, sago palms, Rhododendron and oleander sound familiar?
If your answer is either, “I am not sure” or “Yes,” then this article is a must read.
As an emergency veterinarian, it is too often that we treat critically ill animals who were exposed to plant toxicities. My goal in writing this article is to help you prevent unnecessary poisoning caused by plant ingestion in your pets. 
Plant labels often give sun, water and feeding suggestions, but safety labels –– if chewed or ingested — are seldom available for pets. I suggest doing an Internet search before purchasing plants for the home and garden. The Cornell University Toxic Plant Index has lists of plants by common and scientific names, as well as photographs of what toxic plants look like. 
Symptoms of plant poisoning can be a swollen tongue; refusal of food; pale gums or tongue; abdominal pain (belly pain); convulsions/seizures; diarrhea and severe or persistent vomiting.
Please note the emphasis on “severe and persistent.” It can be normal for an animal to vomit after eating or chewing grass.
These symptoms can also be signs of many other diseases not including plant toxicity. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian or emergency veterinarian immediately.
You can also contact the National Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. There is a charge of $45 per case and follow-up calls can be made for no additional charge by dialing 1-888-299-2973.
When presenting your animal for treatment, it is also helpful if you grab a sample or bring the plant in for identification. 
The following is a partial list of common household and garden varieties that may be toxic to your pet: Mushrooms (amanita species); onion (Allium species); tomato (non-fruit parts); avocado (fruit and pit); marijuana; tobacco; azalea (Rhododendron); dumb cane; oleander; Philodendron; Pothos; St. Johnswort; iris and tulips.
Stay away from any type of lily, most are very toxic and can cause symptoms from swollen tongue to kidney failure. Sago palms are very popular in gardens, however they can cause severe illness and even death of your pet. Most fruit seeds/pits are toxic, including but not limited to: almonds, avocados, grapes, peaches, cherries, apples and prunes.
Everyone loves to decorate their home and garden with lush green and colorful plants. There are less lush alternatives like silk and plastic, however, most prefer the real thing.
For those of you who say real plants are a must-have, your plants can safely be displayed out of reach by hanging them from the ceiling using a hook and decorative plant hanger or a wall bracket. 
As much as we love poinsettias and mistletoe during the holidays, beware if you don’t keep them out of reach of your pets, or you may be spending Christmas at your nearest emergency and critical care animal hospital.
For cats that insist on digging into plants that are on the ground in planters on the patio and porch, try sticking double-sided sticky tape across the opening of the pot and you will find that the irritating experience of the tape stuck to their fur will keep them out of your plants. 
Give your cats a special treat by planting pet grasses that are safe. I recommend catnip, catmint, oat, barley and wheat grasses. These can be planted in shallow containers and placed near the cat bowl feeder.
Many pets love the taste of fresh grass, and it can also aid in digestion. Some pets may initially eat too much of their new treat, which may cause them to become sick and can cause vomiting. If this occurs, watch them closely. If they do not appear to get better in an hour or two, contact your veterinarian or emergency veterinarian.
Pet-friendly grasses can be purchased at many pet shops and home improvement stores.
Your pets will be less likely to need emergency services due to plant toxicosis by following a few steps:
1. Keep plants out of reach.
2. Choose safe pet plants by doing research.
3. Watch your animals closely when outside.
4. Place protective barriers around known toxic plants. 
Moreover, if your pet has ingested a plant, call your veterinarian immediately. If in need of emergency services in Bakersfield for small animals and exotics, Animal Emergency and Urgent Care is available at 4300 Easton Drive, 322-6019. 
My next column for The Southwest Voice will focus on the dangers of using rat and snail bait to prevent pesky varmints in the home and garden and pet-safe alternatives.
E-mail Dr. Heyes at: darcie_heyes@yahoo.com with small and large animal questions. 
Dr. Darcie Heyes writes a regular veterinary column for The Southwest Voice.

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