These Houseplants Can Cause Trouble for Your Pets

Houseplants can bring the beauty of nature inside our homes, and while this might spark joy for us humans, our pets can have a different experience. Having houseplants around pets can sometimes bring a new set of challenges if your four-legged friend chooses to snack on your plants.

Insoluble calcium oxalate-containing plants are a large category that encompasses several common houseplants that you may in have in your own home. These types of plants are toxic, and when ingested by pets can cause a number of symptoms, so it’s important to know what to look out for.

Below is a list of some of the most common insoluble calcium oxalate-containing plants ASPCA Poison Control receives calls about.

• Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia spp.)
• Calla Lily (Zantedeschia spp.)
• Pothos or Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum spp.)
• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
• Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)
• Elephant Ear (Colocasia spp, Alocasia spp, Caladium spp.)
• ZZ plant (Zamioculcas spp.)
• Philodendron varieties (Philodendron spp.)
• Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera spp.)
• Flamingo Plant (Anthurium spp.)

What Makes Them Toxic?

These plants have a unique way of protecting themselves from predators. The leaves, stems and stalks of the plant contain very small, needle-like crystals called raphides. When the plant is chewed on by a pet, the crystals are released into the mouth, causing irritation and pain. The discomfort that results often leads to drooling, retching, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Behavioral changes such as head shaking and pawing at the mouth may also be observed. Rarely, with large exposures there can be significant stomach pain or swelling in the back of the throat, leading to breathing difficulty.

Although it can be alarming if you discover your pet has chewed on one of these plants, the severity is low. Many exposures can be managed at home, and long-term effects are not expected. Offering a small amount of dairy products such as milk, yogurt or vanilla ice cream (check to ensure these products don’t contain xylitol) shortly after an exposure can help decrease irritation inside the mouth. Also, make sure to remove the plant from the pet’s reach to prevent further exposure.

If you suspect your pet has ingested plant material, please contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. If your pet is having trouble swallowing or difficulty breathing, remain calm and bring your pet directly to a veterinary hospital.