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First Name * Last Name * Email Address * Mobile Number (Optional) By providing my mobile number, I agree to receive 2-4 text messages per month from the ASPCA, which may include requests for charitable donations. Text STOP to opt-out, HELP for more info. Leave this field blank When pet owners hear the word “lily,” they may think of two things: beautiful and toxic. As with many popular home and garden plants, lilies tend to be highly toxic to humans and pets.
But some plants are worth a second look because their names are misleading. An example of this is the genus Canna (KAN-uh), which consists of approximately 19 different species. Are Canna Lilies Poisonous to Dogs?Canna lilies aren’t poisonous to dogs but can still cause some problems when ingested. They are also easily confused with a toxic lily bearing a similar name. What Are Canna Lilies?Canna lilies aren’t lilies at all but make up the only genus in the Cannaceae family. They’re more closely ç and bananas than lilies. The roots of at least one species (Canna indica) make up a food starch used by traditional Meso-American cultures. It has also been food for livestock. Why Do Many People Believe Canna Lilies Are Toxic?There’s an old 3-word mantra that explains the misconception surrounding canna lilies: beautiful but deadly. As mentioned before, this saying applies to all true lilies. But, cannas are part of a small exception to a general botanical rule of thumb. This rule teaches that the more beautiful a flower, the more toxic the plant is likely to be. A prime example of this is angel’s trumpets (both daturas and brugmansias). Daturas earned a place in Indian culture as a poison that could drive your enemy insane if used in their drink. And, even a tiny sip of tea made from brugmansias can cause horrific, violent hallucinations. With such dangerous plants gracing gardens worldwide, it’s no surprise that the canna lily has a bad reputation. More on Canna lily plant care here. Canna Lillies vs. Calla LiliesThere’s another reason canna lilies are often considered toxic. There is a similarity of name to another plant, Zantedeschia aethiopica. Even though these two plants look nothing alike, the similarity of their common names is enough to cause confusion. Calla lilies are toxic to cats and dogs due to the calcium oxalate crystals present. Calcium oxalate is less toxic to adult humans but can still lead to various symptoms:
The smaller the individual eating calla lilies, the deadlier those crystals become. Canna lilies lack this toxicity and will not harm your cat or dog if they take a nibble. Warning: Even Safe Plants Can Cause ProblemsCats and dogs are carnivores, meaning their digestive tracts are too short to process plants. Cats and dogs nibble on grasses or other plants when they’re sick or simply curious. It may not kill your dog to have a little taste of your canna lily, but there may be possible side effects if they have too much. Symptoms are generally mild but may involve:
Your dog isn’t in any real danger from these symptoms, as it’s just their body’s way of telling them they ate something they shouldn’t have. That said, consider calling your vet if your dog isn’t feeling good and you find a chewed on canna. The vet might recommend something to reduce the symptoms or have you come in for a routine check-up if your dog had a lot of canna for lunch. As pet owners, it’s our responsibility to keep our dogs safe and provide them with a safe environment to live in. Many of us keep household plants – they’re good for indoor air after all. Maybe you even have a garden in your yard. But are the plants you’ve chosen hazardous to your dog’s health? There are some very common poisonous plants for dogs found in our homes or gardens. Many pet owners are unaware that such common plants can cause severe illnesses to dogs. So, which ones are safe and which ones should you get rid of? Here are 5 common plants that are poisonous to dogs (plus 4 you can replace them with). 5 Common Poisonous Plants For Dogs1. Aloe Vera (Aloaceae)Aloe Vera is probably one of the most common household plants. These plants don’t require much maintenance. They CAN be very beneficial for us as pet owners. Externally, aloe has many benefits to dogs. These benefits include:
However, aloe contains certain properties that can be a problem. These exist in the aloe latex, the yellow sappy part under the rind. This latex contains a natural chemical called aloin. In large enough quantities, aloin can irritate the intestines and cause electrolyte loss.
2. Elephant Ear (Araceae)Elephant ears belong to the Araceae family. These plants are filled with calcium oxalate crystals that are insoluble. Any time this plant is chewed on or bitten into, crystals are released. These crystals get into tissue and will irritate the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. In rare cases, the upper airway will become swollen. This makes breathing extremely difficult.
3. Poinsettias (Euphorbia Pulcherrima)Poinsettias are a popular plant, especially during the holiday season. Their lush, red leaves make the perfect decoration. But these plants have a bad reputation, and when it comes to our dogs, it isn’t undeserved. If your dog eats them, poinsettias can give generally mild signs of illness. When exposed to the skin, the milky sap of this plant can cause irritation, swelling and itchiness.
4. Tomatoes (Solanaceae)Yes, tomatoes! Many of us like to grow our own plants, herbs and vegetables. And that usually includes tomatoes. Now, let me be clear when I state that the tomato itself is not poisonous to your dog. However, those beautiful green, leafy vines that the tomatoes grow on are. Those contain a property called solanine. This is found in many other plants from the Solanaceae family. Solanine is only found in the green parts of the plant. For this to cause severe poisoning for your dog, she would need to ingest a lot of it. But even some ingestion of this plant can cause severe gastrointestinal issues.
[RELATED] You should stay away from tomatoes, but these fruits and veggies are great to add to your dog’s diet. 5. Iris (Iridaceae)Iris is a common plant used in household gardens. It’s also known as the bearded iris, snake lily, yellow flag, yellow water iris or Western blue flag. And although they’re not likely to cause death, they can cause issues if they’re eaten or touched. Irritation can occur just from handling or touching these plants. Most of the compounds that cause irritation are the most potent in the bulb of the plant.
**Update: More Plants That Are Toxic To DogsWhen we first published this post, we got a lot of questions about other plants, so we thought we’d add to the list. Here are more plants that are toxic to dogs:
4 Dog-Friendly PlantsJust as there are many poisonous plants for dogs, there are a few alternatives that are completely safe! If you want to avoid the ones above, here are a few good ones that not only look beautiful, they have some great benefits. 1. Purple BasilNot only is it pretty to look at, this plant is completely harmless to your dog. In fact, this plant has many health benefits. If your dog happens to eat them, she’ll reap the benefits! Here are just a few of the benefits of basil:
[Related]There are several herbs that you can add to your dog’s diet to boost her health. 2. African DaisyThis flower is part of the sunflower/daisy family (Asteraceae). If you enjoy flowers in your garden and around your house, the African daisy is a safe alternative. These flowers are bright and yellow in color. They pose zero threat to your dog if she decides to eat them for a snack. 3. Canna LilyThis is another low maintenance plant which is very easy to grow. They offer perennial color without potentially threatening your dog’s health. Just pay attention when you’re shopping for lilies. There are MANY types of lilies that are highly toxic to dogs and cause serious danger for cats, including:
4. Spider PlantOne great thing about the spider plant is it’s safe for ALL PETS. We all know dogs love to eat things, whether they’re harmful or not. The spider plant is no exception to this rule. Dogs tend to be very fond of the taste of these plants and are likely to chew or eat them. However, this is a better alternative because of their non-toxicity. Note: If your dog ingests enough of the spider plant, it can cause vomiting. However, this is more of an upset stomach issue rather than a toxic reaction. Research Before Bringing New Plants HomeIf you happen to have one of these poisonous plants for dogs in your house, it’s best to rehome it. Also, when you visit your local plant nursey, keep in mind that certain plants are toxic to your dog. Ask the staff if the ones you’re looking at are safe for your dog. Or, do a quick Google search from your phone. When it comes to plants that may be toxic, it’s better to be prepared and safe. What should I do if my dog ate a calla lily?If you suspect your dog has ingested this plant it is important to take him to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Symptoms include: Vomiting. Swelling of the tongue and lips.
Are canna lily leaves poisonous?Is Canna 'Alberich' poisonous? Canna 'Alberich' has no toxic effects reported.
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