Many seemingly innocuous colorful and vibrant springtime blooms are poisonous plants for dogs. Here are the most common toxic plant species you and your furry pal might come across during the spring season.
1. Belladonna Lily (Amaryllis belladonna)
Toxic Parts:
- Flowers
- Leaves
- Seeds
- Stems
- Roots
Why are belladonna lilies poisonous plants for dogs?
If you are wondering, “What plants are poisonous for dogs this spring?” watch out for belladonna lilies.
These blooms produce modest amounts of lycorine and traces of galanthamine and pancratistatin. Other toxic alkaloids are housed in the plant, including amaryllidine, tazzetine, and vittatine.
These toxins act as stomach irritants that can cause gastric symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and nausea.
If a dog eats belladonna lily in excessive quantities, more serious clinical signs of toxicity will appear such as low blood pressure and respiratory depression.
2. Buttercup (Ranunculus)
Toxic Parts:
- Bark
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Sap
- Seeds
- Stems
- Roots
Why are buttercup plants toxic to dogs?
This perennial flowering plant is toxic to dogs due to a naturally occurring toxin called ranunculin. It transforms into a caustic oil, which is known as protoanemonin, when chewed by dogs.
Because of this chemical’s strong astringent properties, blisters and rashes may develop on the skin and mouth. Facial swelling, hypersalivation, and persistent itching are also other harmful side effects of this plant.
In severe cases, more life-threatening symptoms may appear including hepatitis and paralysis.
Apart from ranunculin, buttercups possess a bunch of poisonous compounds called cardiac glycosides, which contribute to their toxicity.
These plants are at their most toxic during springtime. The good news is their bitter taste keeps most dogs from ingesting them out of curiosity.
3. Caladium (Colocasia esculenta)
Toxic Parts:
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Seeds
- Stems
- Roots
Why are caladiums poisonous plants for dogs?
This flowering plant is armed with calcium oxalate crystals throughout its entire body. Munching and chewing on any of its parts lead to oral irritation in dogs.
It commonly causes hypersalivation as well as swollen lips, mouth, and tongue. Severe adverse effects include labored breathing and difficulties in swallowing or drinking.
If the crystals come into contact with the skin or eyes, irritation and a burning sensation may occur. On the other hand, ingesting them bring about diarrhea, stomach pain, and other gastrointestinal problems.
4. Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)
Toxic Parts:
- Flowers
- Leaves
- Sap
- Stems
- Roots
Why are calla lily plants toxic to dogs?
The calla lily is covered in protective insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that pierce through the tissues. They release histamines upon skin contact, resulting in dermatological issues such as a burning sensation on the skin.
Consuming the calla lilies gives rise to oral irritation and gastric distress. Canines will develop diarrhea, puffy lips, and mouth as well as breathing and swallowing difficulties.
If eaten in inordinate quantities, these poisonous plants for dogs can damage the liver and kidneys beyond repair.
5. Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris)
Toxic Parts:
- Bark
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Sap
- Seeds
- Stems
- Roots
Why are columbines poisonous plants for dogs?
Although the columbine is used as a remedy to treat human ailments, keep this springtime plant away from dogs. It produces the toxic chemicals magnoflorin and hydrocyanic acid-forming glycoside.
If canines eat any of its parts, vomiting and diarrhea are the most likely consequence. High doses bring about tremors and seizures. Exposure to the sap irritates the skin and causes itching.
The roots and seeds of columbines are the most poisonous as they house the highest levels of toxins. Fortunately, these wildflowers are bitter-tasting, which discourages canines from ingesting them.
6. Common Peonies (Paeonia officinalis)
Toxic Parts:
- Bark
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Sap
- Seeds
- Stems
- Roots
Why are common peony plants toxic to dogs?
The compound paeonol causes these spring blooms to be toxic to canines. While all parts of common peonies contain this chemical, their roots and bulbs have the greatest concentrations.
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are adverse reactions that may take place after ingesting the plant. They tend to crop up if a large amount of common peony is consumed. If disregarded, lethal dehydration might occur.
7. Daffodils (Narcissus)
Toxic Parts:
- Flowers
- Leaves
- Roots
- Stems
Why are daffodils poisonous plants for dogs?
Daffodils contain phenanthridine alkaloids such as lycorine and calcium oxalate crystals. Ingestion of lycorine inhibits the proper function of dogs’ digestive system and in some cases, the heart. The tubers of the daffodils have the highest levels of this poisonous chemical.
In minimal doses, the plant causes drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Consuming it in large quantities triggers cardiac arrhythmia, low blood pressure, convulsions, and tremors.
Calcium oxalate crystals found on the leaves and bulbs of daffodils cause contact dermatitis. Touching them will result in skin itching and inflammation. Affected dogs are likely to experience a burning sensation too.
8. Dutch Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)
Toxic Parts:
- Bark
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Sap
- Seeds
- Stems
- Roots
Why are Dutch hyacinth plants toxic to dogs?
These vibrant ornamental plants are toxic to dogs because they contain skin-irritating calcium oxalate crystals and allergy-inducing lactones. Harmful alkaloids such as lycorine can be also found in Dutch hyacinths.
Eating any part of the plant puts dogs at risk of gastric distress. They might exhibit diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and hypersalivation. Topical exposure will set off painful dermatological side effects such as blisters and itchy skin.
Serious poisoning caused by Dutch hyacinths gives rise to severe symptoms including breathing difficulties, spasms, and shortness of breath. Without immediate treatment, it can lead to fatal asphyxiation or irreversible intestinal damage.
9. Indian Balm (Trillium)
Toxic Parts:
- Fruits
- Roots
Why are Indian balms poisonous plants for dogs?
It is unknown what makes this herbaceous plant poisonous to dogs. Some experts believe that the main toxic chemical of the Indian balm is steroidal saponin, which is a foamlike substance.
When inhaled, it may invoke nasal irritation, leading to sneezing in dogs. Eating the toxic parts of the plant in excessive amounts elicits severe vomiting and diarrhea, which increases the risk of extreme dehydration.
10. Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica)
Toxic Parts:
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Roots
- Sap
- Stems
Why are Siberian squill plants toxic to dogs?
These early spring flowering bulbs have naturally occurring saponins and cardiac glycosides called bufadienolides to protect them from rodents and herbivores.
This cocktail of toxic chemicals interrupts the digestive function of dogs when consumed. Diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, and vomiting are the most prevalent clinical signs. Skin exposure may potentially result in contact dermatitis.
11. Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis)
Toxic Parts:
- Bulbs
- Flowers
- Leaves
- Roots
Why are snowdrops poisonous plants for dogs?
The main toxic chemical of snowdrops is an alkaloid called galantamine. It has medicinal properties used to combat cognitive diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s in humans. However, galantamine has a dangerous effect on canines.
If ingested in low doses, this chemical triggers gastrointestinal issues. Some of the most common symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. High volumes of galantamine in a dog’s system will cause slow heart rate and hypotension.
The snowdrop’s bulb contains the most concentration of this compound. Thus, it is more dangerous than the poisonous flowers, leaves, and roots of the plant.
Other toxic substances like narcissine and glycosidescillaine increase the toxicity of snowdrops to dogs.
12. Tulips (Tulipa)
Toxic Parts:
- Bulbs
- Flowers
- Leaves
- Roots
Why are tulip plants toxic to dogs?
An alkaloid toxin called tuliposide A is present in the tulip. This chemical impedes the protein synthesis of the cells of dogs. Its highest concentration is in the bulb, making it the most poisonous part of the plant.
Canines that ingested a tulip may experience gastrointestinal distress. The most common symptoms are stomach pains, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe poisoning can potentially lead to cardiac arrhythmias and seizures.
Coming into contact with tulips also has its dangers since the plant’s toxin irritates the skin. It may cause painful blisters, rashes, and inflamed cracks on the skin of dogs.
Which plants are most toxic to dogs this spring?
Tuberous springtime plants such as tulips and daffodils present the most toxic risks to dogs. Their bulbs contain larger amounts of poisonous compounds compared to the rest of their parts.
If curious dogs happen to eat them, there is a great chance that toxicity will occur.
What to Do If Your Dog Ate a Toxic Plant
If you suspect your dog has eaten a poisonous plant, you need to take note of the following information:
- What plant species did he consume?
- How much plant matter has he ingested?
- Which parts of the plant did he eat?
- What is the estimated time this happened?
Once you have jotted down the important details, contact the vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. They will provide you with the most appropriate measures to take during this alarming situation.
Minor cases of plant poisoning often require close monitoring and home treatment. They only bring forth mild toxicity symptoms, which will disappear within a few hours or days.
Skin dermatitis can be eased by gently washing the affected area with clean water. As for digestive issues, the vet may recommend a bland diet to lighten the stomach’s workload. Fresh water should always be provided to keep dehydration at bay.
In certain instances, induced vomiting can help reduce the amount of toxins in your dog’s system. However, do not conduct it without the vet’s approval and guidance.
Making a mistake during the process will endanger your dog’s life. He might choke on his vomit and inhale the toxic substances into his lungs. This could lead to fatal aspiration pneumonia.
We would also like to remind you not to administer any type of medication without the vet’s instruction. Otherwise, your dog’s condition might worsen.
If the clinical signs suddenly exacerbate or carry on for more than 1 to 2 days, medical treatment is necessary. Severe plant poisoning will require immediate vet intervention as well.
