The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Ivy
Posted by Kathy Novak (USA) on 04/16/2009
I have a planter that has Ivy in it. I called the flower company that sent it and asked what kind of ivy it is. The reason being I have four cats in my house and I know that some ivys are poisonous. After searching on line I think I have it narrowed down to an ivy called Hedera a. Gloire de Marengo. I can't find any information on whether or not this is toxic to cats. I have it up high now so they can't get at it. But eventually I will need to put the plant where it can get sun. Thanks so much!
Norfolk Island Pine
Posted by Norma Gutierrez (Camden, New Jersey) on 12/01/2008
please tell us if the norfolk island plants are poisonous for cats?
Reader Feedback
Posted by Kathy (Bay City, MI) on 10/20/2008
Poison plants for dogs: I do not know the proper name for umbrella plant but my puppy is eating the leaves; will she get sick? It is a very large house plant. Thanks.
Decorative Grasses
Posted by Louise Fennell (Herne Bay Kent, England) on 10/05/2008
Our dog Mindie a cavalier spaniel is currently staying overnight at our vets after she ate miscanthus sinensis, she has been constantly vomiting and poorly. We did not know at first what had caused this problem but reading your site has helped us detect the cause and inform the vet of our info regarding the grass. We are still waiting to hear if she is ok but thank you for this valuable information.
Reader Feedback
Posted by Jeffery (Austin, Texas) on 08/30/2008
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Please use botanical names for plants, as well as the very changeable common names. Is your "Bird of Paradise" a Ceasalpinia or a Strelitzia for example. As a Landscape Designer this is invaluable information. Mistaken common names could be deadly! Thank You for your consideration.
EC: Good point. Unfortunately, that list was compiled a few years ago by a writer in Canada. We'll try to find out Dawn's resources.
Decorative Grasses
Posted by Debra (Union, NE) on 07/07/2008
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Poisonous Plants to Dogs:
Since ponds have become so popular, I'm trying to find a list of decorative grasses that can be used around dogs. My neighbor's 2 bichon puppies became very ill from chewing on one of the following plants: Feather Reed, Miscanthus, Blue Oat, Big Twister, Bee Balm, & Japanese Blood Grass. I've been trying to get info on these plants & have become frustrated trying to find a straight forward simple answer. And for any plant nurseries out there - you should have a list available to all of your customers & ask if they have pets BEFORE you recommend plants.
Thanks for any information you can share with me.
Remedies to Cure Poisoning in Dogs
Posted by Angela (Leitchfeld, kentucky) on 06/13/2007
★★★★★
re: curing poisioning and stomach toxins: I had a full size male doberman pinscher, was poisoned with antifreeze. Tried to take him to the vet, and would not take him said there was nothing they could do. Well being he was my baby i didn't give up. Someone told me to cook bacon, take the grease, a raw egg, and a lemon lime soda, mix it together and force him to eat it, granted he threw up alot, it was bright neon green, but i kept feeding it to him until it was no longer green, then feed him pedialight for dehydration, he lived and is fine today, it seems to force any toxin that is in their system out.
Remedies to Cure Poisoning in Dogs
Posted by Wayne (palm springs, california) on 01/27/2008
★★★★★
Hydrogen peroxide. For a dog that has ingested a poisonous substance where vomiting will be the solution to expel the toxin, put 1 tsp' [3%] HP in the mouth. Take the dog OUTSIDE and throw a pinch of salt in its mouth. The entire contents of the stomach will be immediately expelled.
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by S (Wichita, KS) on 08/08/2006
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
RE: Tea tree oil Tea tree oil is toxic to cats! Cats have died just from being bathed with it.
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Christine (Cairo, Egypt) on 03/31/2007
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Ditto the comment on tea tree oil for dogs. In frustration I used a direct tea tree oil on my pyrenees for fleas. It actually paralyzed his motor functions. I thought he might die before I got him to the vet.
EC: Odd, we have used Tea Tree oil on our dogs for minor skin irritations many times for years without any issues or side effects.
Miniature Roses
Posted by Tracey (Houston, Texas) on 04/24/2007
★★★★★
To Cat Lovers, Our newly kitten ate rose petals from my potted miniature rose bush and started coughing up blood non stop. We rushed him to the emergency room and the doctor stated the petals were eating away his stomach lining. Luckily, they pumped his stomach and were able to treat him back to health. My cat spent 48 hours in the hospital w/ an iv and $1200 later was able to come home. I do not see roses listed on any site as poisonous. They are highly toxic. Please add roses to your list so more cat lovers will know. Thanks!
Reader Feedback
Posted by Sherri (Mohave Valley, Arizona) on 05/21/2007
★★★★★
Please add to your list of poisonous plants the following: Ferns, Asparagus Fern, Austalia Nut, Emerald Feather (aka Emerald Fern), Lace Fern, Plumosa Fern. I am a veterinary technician in Mohave Valley, Arizona. We recently had a 4 month old puppy in that had ingested Asparagus Fern from the family indoor garden. This puppy became quite ill. These are listed as toxic plants at:
housepetmagazine.com/poisonous_plants_dogs.htm. This puppy was presented to us with vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. a blood chemistry profile indicated an elevated ALT. The puppy is still recovering. It is still unknown if there will be lasting damage to the liver. Sincerely
