Spring Pet Poisons

General

Gardening season is here! Plant bulbs are just as excited to break through the ground to add some color to our yards as we are to see some greenery! That said, we need to be aware of the potential dangers spring plants can be for our pets. Here is a list of some of the most common spring plants and their toxicities… so you know how to pet-proof your garden and keep your pet safe.

Lawn and Garden Pesticides

Many lawn and garden pesticides are neurologically poisonous to pets. These include insecticidal aerosols, dips, and certain shampoo products. Additionally, using a flea control product that is intended for dogs on a cat can also result in poisoning.

Symptoms of toxicity include apprehension; excessive salivation, urination, and defecation; tremors; seizures; hyper-excitability; depression; and pinpoint pupils. If sufficient neurological toxin has been ingested, sudden death may be the only sign.

Rat and Mouse Poisons

Coumarins (D-Con) are rat and mouse poisons that affect the blood’s ability to clot. Mice that ingest this poison essentially bleed to death. Your pets can be affected the same way, even if they eat a mouse that has been poisoned. Symptoms of poisoning include labored breathing; anorexia; nosebleeds; bloody urine or feces; and pinpoint hemorrhages of the gums. If you observe any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Other Toxins

The list below is a guide to common house and garden plans and foods that are toxic to most animals and children. If your home contains any of these items, you need to keep them away from animals. For a more complete list of toxins, go to Pet Poison Helpline. Cardiovascular Toxins

Avocado (leaves, seeds, stem, fruit, skin) to birds and pocket pets
Azalea (entire rhododendron family)
Bleeding heart
Castor bean
Foxglove (Digitalis)
Japanese pieris
Kalanchoy
Lily-of-the-valley
Mistletoe berries
Mountain laurel Oleander
Hyacinth bulbs
Hydrangea
Rosary Pea
Tobacco Products
Yew

Gastrointestinal Toxins

Avocado (leaves, seeds, stem, fruit, skin) to dogs
Amaryllis bulb
Azalea (entire rhododendron family)
Bleeding heart
Buckeye caffeine castor bean
Chocolate
Choke cherry, unripe berries
Chrysanthemum (natural source of pyrethrins)
Crocus bulb, delphinium, larkspur, monkshood
Eggplant
Jimson weed
Lupine species
Macadamia nuts
Marijuana (Cannabis)
Morning glory
Moldy foods
Tobacco products
Potato (leaves and stem)
Tomatoes (leaves and stem)

Kidney/Organ Failure Toxins

Amanita mushrooms
Anthurium
Asiatic lily
Begonia
Calla lily
Castor beans
Day lily
Elephant’s ear
Easter lily
Grapes/raisins
Jack-in-the-pulpit
Lantana
Oak
Rhubarb leaves
Scheffelera
Shamrock
Stargazer lily

Neurological Toxins

Alcohol (all beverages, ethanol, methanol, isopropyl)
Amaryllis bulb
Azalea (entire rhododendron family)
Bleeding heart
Buckeye Caffeine Castor bean
Chocolate
Choke cherry, unripe berries
Chrysanthemum (natural source of pyrethrins)
Crocus bulb Delphinium, larkspur, monkshood
Jimson weed
Lupine species
Macadamia nuts
Marijuana (Cannabis)
Morning glory
Moldy foods
Tobacco products
Potato (leaves and stem)
Tomatoes (leaves and stem)

Kidney/Organ Failure Toxins

Amanita mushrooms
Anthurium
Asiatic lily
Begonia
Calla lily
Castor beans
Day lily
Elephant’s ear
Easter lily
Grapes/raisins
Jack-in-the-pulpit
Lantana
Oak
Rhubarb leaves
Scheffelera
Shamrock
Star-gazer Lilly

Blood Toxins

Onions
Garlic

Treatment

If you discover that your pet may have ingested a poisonous plant or substance, immediately call Nebraska Animal Medical And Emergency Center at (402) 423-9100 .