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Written by Mel Collins
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Pets and plants
Our gardens are now looking and smelling more beautiful as every day passes and the attraction is not only evident to us, but also to our pets as they roam around the garden investigating these new delights. But beware there are plants and flowers in your gardens which can harm and in some cases even kill your pet. If you have an established garden look around and see what plants you have that can harm animals and if you are starting from scratch take note of the plants that are best avoided.
- Azaleas and Rhododenrons contain grayantoxins, a toxic substance that can cause symptoms including: vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness and lethargy. Severe poisoning can cause heart problems, leading to coma and death. (See also Rhododendrons.)
- Cylamen plants contain a toxin called cyclamine, but the root of the plant contains the greatest concentration. If eaten, Cylamen can cause stomach problems including vomiting. In rare cases it has been fatal to pets.
- This plant can be grown outdoors or indoors in containers. It is a popular houseplant that has cactus-like leaves. Kalanchoe contains components that can cause stomach upset. Some types of the plant have toxins that can seriously affect cardiac rhythm and rate.
- Members of the Lily family can be highly toxic to cats. The poisonous component is not known, but eating small amounts of the plant can cause severe kidney damage.
- All parts of the oleander plant can be toxic. The plant contains oleandrin and neriine, which are cardiac glycosides that can cause stomach and intestinal irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death.
- Some Rhododendrons have a toxin called grayanotoxin in their pollen and nectar. This toxins can result in the following symptoms in animals: vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness and lethargy. (See also Azaleas.)
- All parts of Cycas Revoluta (also known as Sago Palm) are poisonous, but the seeds or "nuts" contain the most toxins. Eating just one or two seeds can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures and liver failure.
- If your pet digs in the garden, be careful about planting bulbs. The bulb portions of Tulip and Narcissus contain toxins that can cause intense stomach problems, drooling, appetite loss, lethargy, convulsions and heart problems.
- All parts of the Yew tree are highly toxic, except the bright red area surrounding the seed. Yews contain a toxin known as taxine, which causes central nervous system symptoms such as trembling, poor coordination and difficult breathing. The toxin can also cause stomach upset and heart failure.
There is no need to remove every plant from your garden but if introducing new types then consider the risk factors and choose wisely.
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