Several types of flowers are toxic to dogs and can cause various health issues ranging from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe, potentially life-threatening conditions. It’s essential for dog owners to be aware of these toxic flowers to keep their pets safe. Here’s a list of common toxic flowers and the symptoms they can cause in dogs:
Highly Toxic Flowers
1. Lilies (Lilium spp. and Hemerocallis spp.)
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, kidney failure.
Details: While lilies are more toxic to cats, they can still cause significant issues in dogs if ingested.
2. Daffodils (Narcissus spp.)
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory depression.
Details: The bulbs are particularly toxic, containing lycorine, which can cause severe symptoms.
3. Tulips (Tulipa spp.)
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, hypersalivation.
Details: The bulbs contain the highest concentration of toxins but all parts of the plant are harmful.
4. Azaleas and Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.)
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, tremors, potentially fatal heart issues.
Details: These plants contain grayanotoxins that can disrupt normal skeletal and cardiac muscle function.
5. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, liver failure, death.
Details: All parts of the sago palm are toxic, with the seeds (nuts) being the most dangerous.
6. Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, decreased heart rate, arrhythmias, potentially fatal heart failure.
Details: Oleander contains cardiac glycosides, which are extremely harmful.
Moderately Toxic Flowers
1. Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.)
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, dermatitis.
Details: These contain pyrethrins which can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation.
2. Hyacinths (Hyacinthus spp.)
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, depression.
Details: The bulbs are particularly toxic due to high levels of calcium oxalate crystals.
3. Amaryllis (Amaryllis spp.)
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, tremors.
Details: All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the bulbs.
4. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, abnormal heart rate, cardiac failure.
Details: Contains cardiac glycosides that can affect heart function.
Mildly Toxic Flowers
1. Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila elegans)
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea.
Details: While not as toxic as others, ingestion can still cause gastrointestinal upset.
2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
Symptoms: Burning and irritation of the mouth and tongue, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.
Details: Contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause discomfort.
Tips for Keeping Dogs Safe Around Flowers
1. Research: Before bringing any flowers into your home or garden, research their toxicity to ensure they are safe for your pets.
2. Placement: Keep toxic flowers out of reach of dogs, using high shelves or rooms they cannot access.
3. Substitute: Opt for dog-safe flowers such as roses, sunflowers, marigolds, zinnias, and snapdragons.
4. Emergency Plan: Have your veterinarian’s contact information and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s number handy in case of accidental ingestion.
By being aware of which flowers are toxic to dogs and taking appropriate precautions, you can help ensure that your home and garden are safe environments for your furry friends.