Asparagus fern is toxic to both cats and dogs. Despite the soft, feathery look, this popular houseplant can upset your pet's stomach and irritate their skin. The good news: there are true ferns that give you the same airy look without the risk. The problem sits mainly in the berries. They contain sapogenins, natural compounds…
Yes. The weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) is mildly toxic to both cats and dogs. The problem is its milky sap, which irritates the mouth, skin and stomach. Mildly means what it sounds like. Most pets that chew a leaf end up with drooling, a sore mouth or an upset stomach. It is rarely an emergency,…
Yucca is toxic to both cats and dogs. Every part of the plant contains saponins, natural chemicals that can cause vomiting, drooling and weakness if your pet chews or swallows the leaves. The stiff, pointed leaf tips can also injure eyes, so this plant carries two kinds of risk in a home with pets. That…
Schefflera, also called the umbrella plant, is toxic to both cats and dogs. It contains calcium oxalate crystals: tiny sharp crystals that can irritate your pet's mouth and throat the moment they bite into a leaf. If you share your home with a chewer, this is not a plant to keep within reach. The good…
Croton is toxic to both cats and dogs. The milky sap inside the stems and leaves irritates skin and mouths, and chewing on the plant can cause vomiting and diarrhea. That is a shame, because croton is one of the most colorful houseplants around. Its leaves flash yellow, orange, red and green, which is exactly…
Anthurium plants are toxic to both cats and dogs. That includes the popular flamingo flower with its glossy red blooms and the darker queen anthuriums you see all over Instagram. The problem is calcium oxalate crystals, tiny sharp crystals in the leaves, stems and flowers. When a cat or dog chews the plant, these crystals…
Yes, alocasia is toxic to both cats and dogs. Every part of the plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, tiny sharp needles that cause intense pain the moment your pet bites into a leaf or stem. Alocasia, often called elephant ear, is one of the most popular houseplants on Instagram right now. Its huge, dramatic leaves…
Yes, bird of paradise is toxic to cats and dogs. The whole plant can cause problems, and the seeds and fruit are the most toxic parts. Most cases lead to stomach upset rather than a life-threatening emergency, but this is not a plant to leave within reach of a curious pet. Bird of paradise (Strelitzia)…
Yes. Autumn crocus is severely toxic to both cats and dogs. Every part of the plant contains colchicine, a poison that can damage the gut, bone marrow, kidneys, liver and heart. Even a small nibble is a reason to call your vet. There is a catch that makes this plant extra risky. Symptoms can take…
Foxglove is severely toxic to both cats and dogs. Every part of the plant contains chemicals that act on the heart, and even a small amount can be fatal. If your pet has eaten any part of a foxglove, treat it as an emergency and call your vet now. That is a harder verdict than…
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