Some Eastern Washington plants are toxic to pets. Here’s how to keep yours safe
With spring beginning in Eastern Washington, many plants will soon bloom.
Certain flowers, shrubs, vines and trees can be dangerous for pets.
Whether you’re landscaping, gardening or taking your pet on a hike, it’s important to be aware which plants your dog or cat comes in contact with.
Look out for these plants in eastern Washington:
What wild plants in Eastern Washington are toxic to pets?
The Washington State Department of Transportation has a guide to poisonous plants found around the Evergreen State.
Plants that bloom in spring and are harmful to animals include:
- Apiaceae family
- Cow parsnip and wild parsnip
- Poison hemlock
- Stinging nettle
- Spurges
- Buttercups
- Climbing nightshade
All of these plants are harmful if ingested, but several can also cause irritation if touched.
Which common houseplants are toxic to pets?
There are some commonly sold plants you should steer clear of to keep your pets safe.
Lilies: All parts of the lily plant are dangerous to cats, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. A cat that ingests a small part of a lily, its pollen or even water from the vase can suffer severe, acute kidney failure if not treated immediately.
Tulip or hyacinth bulbs: Dogs who dig up and chew the bulbs of on freshly planted tulips and hyacinths can experience severe poisoning, according to the Pet Poison Helpline. Signs of ingestion range from profuse drooling, vomiting or diarrhea to an increased heart rate, changes in respiration and difficulty breathing.
Devil’s ivy or pothos plants: Pothos can be mildly to moderately harmful to dogs and cats, according to Lively Root. When ingested, the plant releases crystals that irritate the mouth and stomach. Common signs your pet has nibbled on this plant include drooling, pawing at the mouth, oral pain, decreased appetite and vomiting. In rare cases, swelling of the upper airway can make it difficult to breathe.
Which indoor or outdoor plants can hurt my cat or dog?
Less common plants found indoors as well as in yards and gardens can also hurt your pets.
A handout from TLC Safety By Design that’s often distributed by veterinarians’ offices lists a number of garden plants and houseplants that are toxic to animals.
These include:
- Flowers: Poinsettia, azalea, rhododendron
- Shrubs: Holly, yew bushes, castor bean plant, hosta
- Succulents: Aloe vera, jade plant
- Tropical plants: Dieffenbachia, caladium, philodendron, corn plants
- Vines: English ivy, devil’s ivy
Aspargus ferns, sago palms and zamioculcas, also known as ZZ plants, can also harm animals.
You can purchase magnets with this information through the TLC Safety By Design website.
Additionally, 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.
How do I know if my pet has eaten a toxic plant?
There are some common signs that indicate your pet has ingested a toxic plant, though they 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 or agitation
- High body temperature
- Tremors or convulsions
- Lack of reflexes
- Drooling
- Dehydration
- Irregular heartbeat
What should I do if my pet is poisoned?
If you believe your pet has ingested or been exposed to a toxic plant, act fast and get them treatment as soon as possible.
By the time your pet exhibits symptoms, organ damage could be setting in, the Veterinary Specialty Center of Seattle said in a news release.
The faster your pet receives care, the better their outlook.
When you suspect your pet has eaten a poisonous plant or notice signs of poisoning, call your local veterinarian.
In the Tri-Cities area, you can reach the Mid-Columbia Pet Emergency Service in Pasco at 509-547-3577 — available 24 hours a day, seven days a week — or walk in without an appointment.
What are poison control hotlines for animals?
The ASPCA said its Poison Control hotline is “your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
If you think your pet has ingested a poisonous substance, call 888-426-4435.
“A consultation fee may apply,” the nonprofit organization said.
You can also call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661. The hotline serves most of the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.
For an $89 fee, you can get guidance from a “highly trained veterinary professional,” the hotline said, and follow-up consultations are included.
The national Poison Control hotline is geared to help humans and can be reached at 800-222-1222.
This article is an updated version of a previous story published in 2025.