Kirsten Toxic plants for pets found in Australian backyards: A detailed guide
Australia’s diverse natural landscape is home to a variety of plants, many of which thrive in backyard gardens. While these plants might look beautiful, many of them are toxic to pets, including dogs, cats, and even smaller animals like rabbits and guinea pigs. Pet owners should be aware of the plants in their yards to prevent accidental poisoning, which can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe organ damage and even death.
In this detailed blog post, we will explore some of the most common toxic plants found in Australian backyards, how they affect pets, symptoms to look for, and the appropriate veterinary treatments available.
Common Toxic Plants in Australian Backyards
1. Oleander (Nerium oleander)
- Toxic to: Dogs, cats, and horses
- Part of the plant that is toxic: All parts, especially the leaves, flowers, and stems
Oleander is a popular ornamental shrub commonly found in Australian gardens. However, it’s incredibly toxic to pets. The plant contains cardiac glycosides, which can disrupt heart function. Ingesting even small amounts of oleander can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and severe heart irregularities.
Symptoms of poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Decreased appetite
- Abnormal heart rate
- Seizures
- Death (in severe cases)
Veterinary treatment: If ingestion is suspected, immediate treatment is essential. Veterinary interventions may include inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal to absorb toxins, and providing supportive care such as intravenous fluids and heart rate monitoring.
2. Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)
- Toxic to: Dogs and cats
- Part of the plant that is toxic: Leaves and flowers
Azaleas are a popular flowering shrub with vibrant blossoms. However, they contain grayanotoxins, which can cause serious toxicity in pets. While the symptoms can vary, they often involve the gastrointestinal system and the central nervous system.
Symptoms of poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Abnormal heart rate
- In severe cases, coma or death
Veterinary treatment: Treatment involves removing the toxin by inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, and providing fluids and electrolytes. In severe cases, intravenous medications may be used to stabilize the heart.
3. Yukka (Yucca spp.)
- Toxic to: Dogs and cats
- Part of the plant that is toxic: Leaves
Yucca plants, often used as ornamental shrubs in Australian gardens, contain saponins. These can cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract and lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling if ingested by pets.
Symptoms of poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Lack of appetite
Veterinary treatment: Treatment is often supportive, consisting of hydration, anti-nausea medication, and possibly activated charcoal to absorb toxins. Pet owners should monitor their pets for any worsening symptoms.
4. Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis)
- Toxic to: Dogs and cats
- Part of the plant that is toxic: Seeds, pods, and flowers
Wisteria is a beautiful flowering plant that is popular in Australian gardens due to its cascading purple blooms. However, the seeds, pods, and flowers of wisteria contain lectins, which can cause significant gastrointestinal distress in pets.
Symptoms of poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Lethargy
Veterinary treatment: Ingestion of wisteria requires prompt veterinary attention. Treatment typically includes vomiting induction, activated charcoal, and intravenous fluids for rehydration.
5. Lily (Lilium spp. and Hemerocallis spp.)
- Toxic to: Cats (especially, but also dogs)
- Part of the plant that is toxic: Entire plant (but especially flowers and pollen)
Lilies are one of the most dangerous plants for cats. While the exact toxin in lilies is still under research, it’s known that all parts of the plant are toxic to felines, causing kidney failure even with minimal exposure. Ingesting a small amount or even licking pollen can be lethal to cats.
Symptoms of poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Increased drinking and urination (in advanced cases)
Veterinary treatment: If a cat has ingested any part of a lily, immediate treatment is crucial. The vet will induce vomiting, administer activated charcoal, and often initiate intravenous fluid therapy to prevent kidney failure. Early intervention can lead to a successful recovery.
6. Castor Bean (Ricinus communis)
- Toxic to: Dogs, cats, and horses
- Part of the plant that is toxic: Seeds
Castor beans, while visually striking, contain ricin, a potent toxin that can cause severe poisoning. If a pet ingests even a single seed, it can lead to serious toxicity, often affecting the gastrointestinal and nervous systems.
Symptoms of poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain
- Seizures
- Death (in severe cases)
Veterinary treatment: Treatment involves inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal to prevent further absorption, and providing fluids. In severe cases, pets may need advanced treatments like organ support and medications to treat seizures.
7. Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)
- Toxic to: Dogs, cats, and other animals
- Part of the plant that is toxic: Bulbs
This beautiful autumn-blooming plant is commonly found in Australian gardens, but it contains colchicine, which can cause severe poisoning in pets. While it’s most dangerous when the bulb is ingested, all parts of the plant can be toxic.
Symptoms of poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Renal failure
- Multi-organ damage
Veterinary treatment: Immediate veterinary attention is critical. The vet will often use methods to induce vomiting, provide activated charcoal, and support the pet’s organs with intravenous fluids.
8. Tulips (Tulipa spp.)
- Toxic to: Dogs and cats
- Part of the plant that is toxic: Bulbs
Tulips are a popular flowering plant in many Australian gardens, but they contain toxins called tulipalin A and B, primarily found in the bulbs. If a pet chews or ingests any part of a tulip, especially the bulb, they can suffer from poisoning.
Symptoms of poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
Veterinary treatment: Treatment typically involves inducing vomiting and administering activated charcoal. If ingestion is severe, intravenous fluids may be necessary to help flush out toxins and support hydration.
9. Daffodils (Narcissus spp.)
- Toxic to: Dogs and cats
- Part of the plant that is toxic: Bulbs, flowers, and stems
Daffodils are bright and cheerful springtime flowers, but their bulbs contain lycorine, a potent alkaloid that can cause toxicity in pets. If a pet chews or consumes any part of the plant, it can result in poisoning.
Symptoms of poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
Veterinary treatment: Treatment generally includes inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, and providing fluids to prevent dehydration. Severe cases may require intravenous fluid therapy and additional symptomatic care.
10. Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.)
- Toxic to: Dogs and cats
- Part of the plant that is toxic: Flowers, leaves, and stems
Chrysanthemums are commonly grown in Australian gardens and are well-known for their bright, colourful blooms. They contain pyrethrins, which are compounds that can cause toxicity in pets if ingested or even through skin contact.
Symptoms of poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Lack of coordination
- Lethargy
- Skin irritation (if touched)
Veterinary treatment: Treatment includes inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, and providing intravenous fluids. Pets that have had direct contact with the plant may need topical treatment for any skin irritation.
11. Lantana (Lantana camara)
- Toxic to: Dogs, cats, and livestock
- Part of the plant that is toxic: Berries, leaves, and stems
Lantana is a popular garden plant known for its bright, multi-coloured flowers. However, its berries and foliage contain toxins that can lead to serious liver damage, particularly when ingested in large quantities.
Symptoms of poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
- Seizures (in severe cases)
Veterinary treatment: Treatment involves vomiting induction, activated charcoal, and supportive care to protect the liver. In severe cases, intensive liver support may be needed, including fluid therapy and medications.
12. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
- Toxic to: Dogs and cats
- Part of the plant that is toxic: All parts, especially the leaves
Philodendrons are popular indoor plants in Australian homes and gardens. They contain insoluble calcium oxalates, which can irritate the mouth, throat, and digestive tract if ingested by pets.
Symptoms of poisoning:
- Oral irritation
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
Veterinary treatment: Treatment generally includes rinsing the mouth, administering activated charcoal, and providing fluids to help alleviate symptoms and prevent dehydration. Pain relief may also be given to reduce discomfort.
13. Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.)
- Toxic to: Dogs and cats
- Part of the plant that is toxic: All parts, especially the leaves
Dieffenbachia, commonly known as “dumb cane,” contains insoluble calcium oxalates, similar to philodendron. It can cause significant oral irritation, as well as gastrointestinal upset if ingested.
Symptoms of poisoning:
- Oral irritation
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
Veterinary treatment: Treatment typically involves removing any plant material from the mouth, administering activated charcoal, and offering fluids to relieve symptoms. Pain relief may be administered to ease discomfort from oral irritation.
14. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
- Toxic to: Dogs, cats, and horses
- Part of the plant that is toxic: Seeds, roots, and other parts
The sago palm is a common ornamental plant found in Australian gardens, but it is extremely toxic to pets. It contains cycasin, a potent toxin that can cause liver failure and even death, especially if large quantities are ingested.
Symptoms of poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Abdominal pain
- Seizures
Veterinary treatment: Immediate treatment is essential, and the vet will likely induce vomiting, administer activated charcoal, and provide fluids. In severe cases, liver support and intravenous fluids may be necessary. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances for recovery.
15. Unsafe Herbs: Garlic, Onions, and Chives
- Toxic to: Dogs and cats (especially cats)
- Part of the plant that is toxic: All parts, particularly in concentrated forms like dried, powdered, or raw
Garlic, onions, and chives are commonly used in cooking, but they are highly toxic to pets, particularly cats. These herbs contain thiosulfates, which can damage red blood cells and lead to hemolytic anemia.
Symptoms of poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Dark-coloured urine
Veterinary treatment: Treatment involves inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, and supportive care, including intravenous fluids and blood transfusions if necessary. The pet may need to be monitored for several days to check for signs of anemia.
What should pet owners do if they suspect their pet has ingested a toxic plant?
If you suspect your pet has ingested any of the above-mentioned plants, it’s important to seek veterinary attention immediately. The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the plant ingested, the amount consumed, and the size of the pet. Here are some general steps to take:
- Contact your veterinarian: Reach out to your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline (such as the Animal Poison Helpline) for advice.
- Provide information: Share as much information as possible about the plant, including its name, the amount ingested, and the time of ingestion.
- Follow instructions: Follow the advice of your veterinarian or the pet poison hotline, which may include inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, or providing supportive care.
Prevention is Key
While it’s impossible to eliminate all toxic plants from your backyard, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk to your pets:
- Remove toxic plants: If you have toxic plants in your garden, consider removing them or replacing them with pet-friendly alternatives.
- Supervise your pets: Keep a close eye on your pets when they’re in the backyard, especially if you have toxic plants nearby.
- Keep plants out of reach: Make sure toxic plants are out of reach of your pets, either by pruning them back or moving them to a secure location.
- Educate yourself: Learn about the toxic plants in your area and take steps to prevent your pets from accessing them.
By being aware of the toxic plants in your backyard and taking steps to prevent your pets from accessing them, you can help keep your furry friends safe and healthy. Remember, if you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, act quickly and seek veterinary advice to ensure the best possible outcome.
The poisons information line is a 24-hour service for veterinary teams that require support with managing poisoned patients. The service can be reached on 1300 869 738 (from Australia) or 0800 869 738 (from New Zealand).
IMPORTANT: The information in the article is not intended to be used as a substitute for veterinary advice, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information provided on the website is for educational and informational purposes only. Please always seek medical treatment from a veterinarian if you have concerns about your pet’s health.
