Pets get exposed to toxic spring plants in eastern Washington. What to know
Spring is a season of change. Bugs are back in our yards and homes, the days get longer and outdoor recreation options re-open for the season.
You can also see the change in plants, as green leaves unfurl and flowers bloom.
But certain plants can be dangerous to household pets. Whether you’re landscaping, gardening or taking your pet on a hike, it’s important to be cognizant of which plants your dog or cat comes into contact with.
Here are some plants you should be on the lookout for in eastern Washington if you have pets.
Plants toxic to pets in eastern Washington
The Washington State Department of Transportation has a guide to poisonous plants found in the state. The plants in the guide that bloom in spring and are harmful to animals include:
Depending on the indoor plants, yards and gardens your pet is around, you may need to be aware of some less common plants. A handout from TLC Safety By Design, which you may have seen in your vet’s office, lists the toxic garden and house plants to keep your pet away from:
- Aloe Vera
- English Ivy
- Cressula Ovata (Jade)
- Diffenbachia
- Caladium (Elephant’s ear)
- Pothos (Devil’s ivy)
- Philodendron
- Holly
- Yew bushes
- Corn plants
- Asparagus fern
- Castor bean plant
- Poinsettia
- ZZ plant
- Sago palm
- Azalea
- Rhododendron
- Hosta
There are some common signs that indicate your pet has ingested a toxic plant, though they’ll vary by plant. Symptoms can include:
Swelling
Intense itching
Pawing at the mouth
Vomiting
Labored breathing
Muscle twitching
Lack of coordination, lethargy
Redness of the skin
Diarrhea
Nervousness/agitation
High body temperature
Tremors, convulsions
Lack of reflexes
Drooling
Dehydration
Irregular heartbeat
What to do if your pet is poisoned
So what do you do if you believe your pet has ingested or been exposed to a toxic plant? By the time your pet exhibits symptoms, organ damage could be setting in, according to a press release from the Veterinary Specialty Center of Seattle. To avoid life-threatening complications, act early and get treatment as soon as possible.
The faster your pet receives care, the better their outlook. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals maintains a detailed database with photos of plants that are toxic and non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The ASPCA also has an animal poison control hotline which you can call at 888-426-4435.
When you notice the signs or suspect a poisonous plant has been ingested, call your local veterinarian. You can reach the Mid-Columbia Pet Emergency Service in Pasco 24/7 at 509-547-3577, or just walk in without an appointment.
You can also call the pet poison helpline at 855-764-7661 for an $89 fee that includes follow-up consultation. Finally, the poison hotline is geared to help humans, but is always available at 800-222-1222 and could be helpful in an emergency.