Houseplants are a great way to spruce up the look and feel of your home. However, if you have cats or dogs, you should know that many popular and common plants are actually poisonous and dangerous to your pets.
1. Snake Plant
This very common plant can cause excessive salivation, pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
2. Philodendron (Monstera Included)
Philodendron is an extremely popular houseplant that contains calcium oxalate crystals, which cause a series of toxic reactions for cats and dogs.
If ingested, Philodendron can cause mouth, throat and lip irritation, excessive drooling, burning sensations, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing, and diarrhea.
3. Pothos
Pothos, a close relative of Philodendron, causes the same symptoms of Philodendron if ingested, such as choking, drooling, swelling of mouth and tongue, difficulty breathing, and stomach upset.
4. Peace Lily
Information about the toxicity of Peace Lily is somewhat conflicting; this plant is likely to be toxic only if large quantities of the leaves are eaten.
Some of the symptoms are burning mouth, excessive salivation, diarrhea, dehydration, lack of appetite, and vomiting. If left untreated, Peace-Lily poisoning could lead to renal failure.
5. English Ivy
If ingested, English Ivy can cause skin irritation, burning throat, fever, diarrhea, hyperactivity, gasping breaths, weakness, tremors, staggering, and vomiting.
6. Aloe Plant
Aloe is a popular succulent for both aesthetic and practical reasons, but if your pet ends up eating the plant's leaves, they will develop severe bouts of vomiting as well as red-tinged urine.
7. Cactus
All species of Cacti are considered dangerous for pets.
If ingested, cats and dogs can experience throat and internal injuries due to the thorns as well as skin inflammation and vomiting due to the toxins.
8. ZZ Plant
All parts of the Zamioculcas Zamifolia, aka ZZ Plant, are considered toxic to humans and pets.
Keep this plant away from kids and pets, and wash your hands or wear gloves when you handle it.
9. Jade Plant
People love to admire the Jade Plant's rubbery leaves, but if a cat or dog eats them, it will cause depression, vomiting, loss of coordination, and slow heart rate.
10. Caladium
All parts of Caladium are considered toxic to humans and animals.
If ingested, it can cause your pet to have nausea, vomit, head shaking, drooling, and difficulty breathing.
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