With spring weather finally cooperating and hitting warmer temperatures throughout the United States, it’s time to get annual plants in the ground. Like most of you, part of the season I enjoy most is throwing the ball to my dogs in the yard and watching them get taunted by the squirrels. We are fortunate to have areas dedicated to annual flowers, perennial shrubs, and an edible garden. Unfortunately, some of the plants I enjoy watching bloom can be toxic to dogs and it pays to consider which flowers and plants you have in the garden this spring season.
As a pet owner, ensuring the safety of your furry companions should be a top priority. One potential danger in your home or garden is the allium plant. Alliums include ornamental flowering plants like garlic, onions, leeks and chives. These plants contain compounds that can be toxic to pets if ingested.
This comprehensive guide will provide pet owners with everything they need to know about pet safety and allium plants. We’ll cover what makes these plants dangerous, common symptoms of toxicity, which pets are most at risk, and most importantly – how to keep your pets safe.
What Are Allium Plants?
Allium is a genus of flowering plants that includes over 800 species. Some of the most common varieties used in cooking and gardening include
- Onions
- Garlic
- Leeks
- Chives
- Scallions
- Shallots
These plants are known for their characteristic pungent flavors and aromas, Alliums contain sulfur compounds that give them their distinctive smell and taste,
In addition to being used as vegetables, many alliums are popular ornamental plants in gardens for their globe-shaped flower clusters. Varieties like chives, garlic and leeks are common additions to landscaping.
Why Are Allium Plants Toxic to Pets?
All parts of allium plants, including the leaves, flowers, bulbs and stems, contain a compound called N-propyl disulfide. This substance can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells in dogs and cats.
When a pet ingests N-propyl disulfide, it leads to a condition called hemolytic anemia. This is when red blood cells rupture faster than the body can replace them.
Some other compounds found in alliums may also be toxic to pets, but N-propyl disulfide is the primary danger. Even in small amounts, this substance can be dangerous.
Symptoms of Allium Toxicity in Pets
If a pet ingests part of an allium plant, watch for these common symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Pale gums
- Dark or red urine
- Rapid heart rate
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapse
Pets displaying any of these symptoms after potential allium exposure need to be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Early veterinary treatment is critical for the best chance of recovery.
Which Pets are at Risk?
All household pets are at risk of allium toxicity. However, dogs and cats are the most likely to ingest these plants
Onions and garlic tend to smell and taste very appealing to dogs and cats. Pets may try to eat the vegetables while you are preparing food, or they may access discarded food waste. Cats may also chew on or ingest allium plants while exploring the garden.
Small dog breeds can be especially at risk because even a small amount of allium ingestion can lead to severe, life-threatening anemia. However, dogs and cats of any breed or size can experience toxicity.
Preventing Allium Toxicity in Pets
The key is to be vigilant and proactive to keep pets away from alliums. Here are some tips:
Keep Outdoor Allium Plants Out of Reach
If you have alliums planted in your garden, consider adding a barrier to prevent pets from accessing the plants. Fencing, chicken wire or large decorative rocks can block access. Plant alliums away from walkways or paths pets frequent.
Monitor Indoor Alliums Carefully
Keep potted allium plants on high windowsills or shelves so they are well out of reach of jumping or climbing pets. Never leave alliums unattended on counter tops or low tables. Make sure to dispose of fallen leaves, stems or foliage promptly.
Cook Safely with Alliums
Chop alliums on stable cutting boards, not counters where pets can access remnants. Never leave unattended alliums, peels, cuttings or waste where pets can get to them. Dispose of any leftovers or unused portions immediately in secured bins.
Supervise Interactions
When interacting with or walking past allium plants indoors or outdoors, keep pets at a safe distance. Having your pet leashed, crated or in another room while cooking or gardening with alliums is safest.
Know the Signs of Ingestion
Watch for any symptoms of gastrointestinal upset or lethargy. It’s important to take action at the first signs of distress and contact your vet. Prompt treatment is essential for the best prognosis.
What to Do if Your Pet Ingests Allium
If you witness your pet ingesting any part of an allium plant, or they display any concerning symptoms afterwards, call your veterinarian or emergency animal hospital right away. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve on their own.
The vet may recommend making your pet vomit to expel the plant material if ingestion just occurred within the last couple of hours. They may also administer IV fluids and medications to treat anemia and support vital organ function.
In severe toxicity cases, pets may need a blood transfusion or oxygen therapy. With aggressive treatment, many pets can make a full recovery. However, it’s critical to get veterinary care immediately at the first signs of an issue.
Protecting Your Pet’s Health
While allium plants are common in homes and gardens, they do pose a toxicity risk to household pets. Take some time to survey your indoor and outdoor spaces for alliums, and take precautions to make them inaccessible.
With vigilance and pet-proofing, you can continue to safely enjoy growing and cooking with alliums while also protecting your furry companions. If you ever suspect allium ingestion, don’t take a “wait and see” approach – contact your vet right away. A prompt call for help can make all the difference in your pet’s recovery.
Plants & Flowers Poisonous to Dogs
Onion or Allium family: This includes garlic bulbs, chives, leeks, and flowering alliums. They contain a chemical called N-propyl disulfide which is concentrated in the plant bulbs. Clinical Signs: Vomiting, breakdown of red blood cells, blood in the urine, weakness, high heart rate, panting
Citrus Fruits like Lime: Contain Essential oils and psoralens Clinical Signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression; potential dermatitis or skin irritation. Fruit is edible, skins and plant material can cause problems
Tomato Plant (leaves, unripe fruit) and Nightshade: Contains Solanine Clinical Signs: Hypersalivation, inappetence, severe gastrointestinal upset, depression/drowsiness
Macadamia Nuts: toxin unknown Clinical signs: depression, weakness (especially of rear limbs), vomiting, tremors.
Marjoram, Thyme, and Mint: Contains Essential oils Clinical Signs: depression, weakness (especially of rear limbs), vomiting, tremors.
Apples, plums, cherry trees: Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting Clinical signs: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock.
Foxglove or digitalis: Among the most toxic of plants in the flower garden containing Cardiac glycosides Clinical Signs: Heart arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure, death.
Daisies and anything in the chrysanthemum family: Contain Sesquiterpene, lactones, pyrethrins and other potential irritants Clinical Signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, dermatitis
Ivy, any variety: Contain Triterpenoid saponins (hederagenin) Clinical Signs: Vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, diarrhea. The leaves are more toxic than berries
Geraniums: Geraniol, linalool are the toxins present Clinical Signs: Vomiting, anorexia, depression, dermatitis
Hellebore or Christmas Rose: Bufadienolides, glycosides, veratrin and prtoanemonin are some of the toxins Clinical Signs: Drooling, abdominal pain and diarrhea, and depression
Hostas: Part of the Lily family. Saponins cause symptoms. Clinical Signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression.
Lily of the Valley: Cardenolides (convallarin, and others) Clinical Signs: Vomiting, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, disorientation, coma, seizures
Coleus: Essential Oils Clinical Signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, occasionally bloody diarrhea, or vomiting
Irises: Pentacylic terpenoids (zeorin, missourin and missouriensin) are highly concentrated in the rhizomes. Clinical Signs: Salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, diarrhea.
Rhododendrons: Ingestion of a few leaves can cause serious problems due to Grayantoxin. Clinical Signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, weakness, coma, hypotension, nervous system depression, cardiovascular collapse, and death.
Burning bush: Contain alkaloids Clinical Signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness. Heart rhythm abnormalities with large doses.
Black Walnut found most often in mulch: Clinical Signs: moldy nuts/hulls can cause tremors and seizures, ingestion of shavings can cause incoordination
Yew: Contains Taxine A and B, and volatile oils Clinical Signs: Tremors, difficulty breathing, vomiting, seizures (dogs), sudden death from heart failure.
Yarrow: Achilleine and alkaloids. Clinical Signs: Increased urination, vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis.
Tulips and daffodils: While we are seeing the beautiful spring flowers, their planting season is actually in the fall. The bulbs deep in the ground contain the most harmful part of the plant. So, while the flower itself is not dangerous, use caution when planting throughout the year. Clinical Signs: vomiting, depression, diarrhea, and hypersalivation; large amounts cause convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Don’t let the laundry list of scary flora deter you from enjoying the garden with your dog. The following is a list of vet-approved plants. See you outside!
Alyssum, Squash, Impatiens, Baby’s Breath, Basil, Blue Eyed Daisy, Chickens and Hens, Cinquefoil, Cilantro, Snapdragons, Coreopsis, Cornflower, Day Lilies (toxic to cats), Ferns, Marigolds, Asters, Red Maple, and Zinnias.
Treatment if Toxic Plants Are Ingested
Below follows a list of the most common dangerous plants and flowers that dogs shouldn’t eat and what signs and symptoms may be present if consumed. We will cover a dog first aid kit in a future article, but it always makes sense to have a bottle of dawn dish soap, Hydrogen Peroxide, as well as a bottle of saline to rinse the eyes and the mouth if an irritant is introduced. After administering hydrogen peroxide, vomiting typically ensues within 10 minutes. This may mitigate some of the more harmful effects of the poisonous plant. That being said, always consult your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at their 24-hour emergency number, (888) 426-4435. Sometimes the damage of an irritating substance coming up can do as much or more damage than the item going down.
Currently, a $65 charge per case is applied to a credit card, but their expert advice may just save your dog’s life. It should also be noted that consuming any vegetation can cause gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and diarrhea and may be dose related. This seems counter-productive as many dogs will eat grass to soothe an upset tummy but tell that to your pup! Some of the spring flowers you should avoid planting can cause almost immediate effects. Others take hours for their toxic chemicals to produce symptoms.
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FAQ
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