The Litter Box- Toxic "Salad Bar"

Did you know that cats love to chew on plants? Mine do. As a registered veterinary technician I have seen cats and dogs come into the hospital after ingesting plants that were toxic(posionous). While all went home after a hospital stay, the client's wallet was in need of emergency treatment. To help save your wallet from a financial heart attack at the vet, follow these tips below.

1. Make a list of all plants you have inside the house and the outside garden.

2. Go to:http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants to determine which plants are toxic.

3. Move indoor toxic plants to a safe room where pets cannot have their daily "salad" or rehome said plants to someone without pets.

4. Outside garden plants. Potted plants/bedding plants- fence areas off where pets have no chance of gaining access to the plants, but you can still enjoy the beauty of your landscape. If unable to fence off areas- stay vigalant and make sure youre pet stays away from the toxic plants. As a last resort, you or your landscaper can remove the toxic plants and replace them with pet friendly plants. Go to: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

to find pet friendly plants for you pots and landscape.

5. Vegetable garden- Fence off or use animal deterrants to keep you pet away from the garden. Some vegetables are toxic to pets. Not to mention the damage they can do just getting into the garden area.

***If you are planning major landscaping and have pets- make sure the plants you wish to place in your landscape are pet friendly before your plant. It will save you major headaches and financial woes in the future. ***

Some plants that I have come across in my career that my own pets or clients' pets have ingested and needed medical attention afterwards.

Lillies- all species- all parts of plant toxic- damages kidneys.

Sago Palms- Adult plant and pups(off shoots)-can damage the liver

Onions- all parts of the plant- breaks down red blood cells

While I may not know all the toxic plants out there that pose a danger to you furry children, your vet, and the aspca, are excelent sources for this information.

If you suspect your pet may have ingested a toxic plant- contact your veterinarian immediately or go to the nearest animal emergency clinic. Know the type of plant your pet has ingested; this will help in adminstering the proper treatment. Don't let a trip to the Toxic Salad Bar ruin you or your pet's summer fun.

#pets #poisonousplants #aspca