If plants are an important part of your home decor and landscaping, it’s important to keep your pets in mind. Not all are dog- and cat-friendly, and when ingested, certain species can have toxic effects and require an emergency trip to the veterinarian. Here’s a closer look at some particularly dangerous varieties and alternatives you can keep in the home instead.

Plants to Keep Away From Pets

1. Sago Palms

Your dog may be tempted to gnaw on the leaves or branches of a sago palm. These are toxic and can damage their liver. Signs of ingestion include vomiting, increased urinating, mood swings, and even death.

As an alternative with a similar look, choose an areca palm or ponytail palm. These are perfectly safe, and cats especially will love swatting at their branches.

2. Lilies

A beautiful arrangement of lilies in a vase or garden bed can catch your dog’s attention. Lilies vary in toxicity, with the lily of the valley, rain lily, and peace lily varieties being the most toxic. Ingestion is marked by excessive drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, and heart complications—all of which warrant a trip to the veterinarian.

While species like tiger lilies and Easter lilies are non-toxic, they, like many plants, could still give your pet stomach trouble. African violets and orchids are safe flowering replacements.

3. Oleanders

The glycoside compounds found in oleander can have immediate and sometimes fatal cardiac reactions in pets. These include blood pressure drops or spikes, irregular heartbeat, and even heart failure. A veterinarian will need to provide immediate care to manage symptoms and to also remove the oleander from your pet’s system. St. John’s wort is a similar yellow-blooming option that’s safe for pets.

If your pet is in need of a veterinarian, contact Robertsdale Animal Clinic. This Baldwin County, AL, animal hospital offers a wide scope of services ranging from routine pet health exams to emergency care and pet surgery. Learn more about their team and veterinary services on their website. Call (251) 947-7297 today to schedule an appointment for your furry companion.