Home - health - 6 Household Plants That Are Toxic To Dogs
6 household plants that are toxic to dogs

6 household plants that are toxic to dogs

As a pet parent, you probably pet-proofed your home before getting a dog or a cat. You ensure that the animals have no access to the chocolates, the antifreeze, the repellents, and even put all the hazardous toys out of their reach. But, most of us forget about plants. Read on to know how those seemingly safe and aesthetic potted plants in your home or yard can be toxic for your pet dog:

6 household plants to keep way from your dogs

Sago palm
The sago palm plant is a very common sight in households worldwide. Its leafy green aesthetic makes it the perfect addition to your indoor plant collection. It is also effortless to care for, making it a popular plant choice for homes. But, you may want to remove it or steer clear of it if you have a dog. This is simply because sago palm is toxic to dogs. It contains an element known as cycasin, which, if consumed, can lead to a wide range of symptoms or be fatal. If your dog has ingested this plant, you may note symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, loss of balance, and even seizures. In worse cases, consuming the sago palm plant can also lead to liver failure or death. Note that every part of this plant is toxic to dogs.

Aloe vera
The gel found in the aloe vera plant leaves has tons of health properties and works wonders for the skin. Not to mention, it is very low maintenance, which makes them the perfect choice for both indoor and outdoor decoration. But, what many do not know is aloe vera is toxic to dogs. The gel in the plant contains two toxic components: saponins and anthraquinones. These can prove harmful to your pet if ingested. Typical signs of aloe vera ingestion in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, and lethargy. It can also lead to central nervous system depression. If you do want to keep an aloe vera plant at your house, keep it out of your dog’s reach. You can place it on a ledge or hang it from a hook above ground level and inaccessible to your dog.

Amaryllis
The amaryllis is a flowering plant that blooms during spring. They are a common sight in many yards and are also frequently found in households. It is their colorful bulbs that makes them a very attractive plant to humans. But, these bulbs are toxic to dogs. Consuming even small amounts of this plant can lead to vomiting, depression, drooling, and diarrhea in dogs. In some cases, the pooches may also experience tremors.

Milkweed
Milkweed, scientifically known as Asclepias, is very commonly seen outdoors. Milkweed contains the toxic components of cardiotoxins and neurotoxins. Cardiotoxins affect the dog’s heart, whereas neurotoxins affect brain function and the animal’s mental state. So, if you do have a dog at your home, you may want to leave this plant outdoors and out of your dog’s reach. Dogs who consume even small amounts of this plant can experience weakness, diarrhea, depression, seizures, and even trouble with breathing. In worse cases, it can lead to organ failure and even death.

Azaleas
Azaleas, which belong to the rhododendron family of plants, can be poisonous to your pooch. All parts of this plant, including the flower, leaves, stem, and even seeds, contain the toxic element grayantoxin. When consumed, this toxin can lead to hypersalivation, vomiting, muscle weakness, troubles with vision, and bradycardia. It can also cause low blood pressure and lead to cardiovascular collapse, which can prove fatal.

Tulips
Tulips contain the toxin elements Tulipalin A and Tulipalin B. The stem and the flower also contain these, but the bulbs of this plant are more dangerous. When consumed, tulips can adversely affect your dog’s digestive tract, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, and even depression. This plant blooms during the spring, so keep an eye on your dog while outdoors.

Aside from plants, dogs also get diseases and infections due to ticks and fleas. This makes it essential to get the right protection from various parasitic bugs. Here are some of the most popular options to protect your pet

Bravecto®
Bravecto® is an oral and topical treatment option for ticks and fleas. The protection lasts for up to 12 weeks. Bravecto® is FDA approved and is effective in adult dogs and puppies over six months of age. The treatment is also cost-effective compared to other options on the market.

Simparica Trio®
Simparica® is another popular treatment for ticks and fleas. It is effective for up to 35 days and starts killing fleas within four hours. It can effectively eliminate up to five species of ticks, tackle deer ticks, and reduce the chances of infections such as Lyme disease. This option is only for use for dogs aged 8 weeks or older.

Advantix®
Advantix® is a topical treatment option for fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, sandflies, and lice. It needs to be applied every month and can be used in dogs that are older than seven weeks.

There are also other treatment options to prevent heartworms, roundworms, and tapeworms in dogs. Check with the vet before starting any new treatment for your dog.

Latest Articles

Eczema – 3 methods to manage its symptoms
health

Eczema – 3 methods to manage its symptoms

Eczema has many different stages and types. Unfortunately, about 10.1 percent of people in the country have some or the other form of this condition. Such a disease is a combination of conditions that make the skin irritated or inflamed. With proper treatment, one can manage symptoms. Red, dry, cracked, and leathery skin are the common eczema signs. Here are three useful methods that help deal with eczema and manage its symptoms: Getting the right treatment options Here are some treatments associated with eczema. Dupixent Dupixent is prescribed for children six or older and adults; for those who cannot control symptoms with other treatment measures, alternate treatments are not recommended. This monoclonal antibody works on a targeted area in the immune system. Dupixent comes in pre-filled single-dose pens and syringes, given as a subcutaneous injection. One can find this treatment option in two strengths: 300-mg/2-mL and 200 mg/1.14-mL solutions. Cibinqo This once-daily oral treatment helps manage symptoms for adults who have not seen relief with prevailing treatment options. Cibinqo is an FDA-approved treatment for adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Doses that can be taken are either 100 or 200 mg. Alternately, a 50 mg dosage is for patients with moderate renal impairment. Upadacitinib and Eucrisa Upadacitinib is a JAK1 inhibitor and helps adolescents and adults with severe or moderate eczema. However, this FDA-approved treatment can cause side effects like fever, cough, nausea, and upper respiratory tract infections. Typically, one starts with 15 mg, but the doctor may advise a 30 mg dose if that does not work. Eucrisa is also a treatment option for eczema. It is for skin-only treatment, so do not get it in contact with sensitive areas and rinse with water in case of contact. Foods to eat and avoid Eczema needs to be managed with a disciplined nutritional regime.
5 mistakes to avoid before bed for better sleep
health

5 mistakes to avoid before bed for better sleep

Have you ever woken up feeling tired and lethargic despite sleeping for seven to eight hours at night? It could be due to poor sleep quality. Disturbed sleep influences the rest of your day: how you think, your performance at work, and other tasks. The causes of poor sleep are many, including a faulty mattress, distractions in your room, or a heavy dinner. Avoiding the following mistakes before bed can help you sleep better: Staring at a screen Using gadgets close to bedtime is probably the most common mistake in the digital age. The blue light emitted from screens affects the production of a specific hormone responsible for inducing sleep and regulating the circadian rhythm. Apart from the blue light emission, the television or mobile phone sound can be a distraction that keeps you awake. High noise levels create lots of mental stimulation and disturbance, preventing the brain from shutting down. Hence, it is advisable to avoid using phones, televisions, and laptops for at least an hour before bed. Exercising Exercise is among the best solutions for good health, but you must do it at the right time. Physical activity late in the evening or at night hampers sleep patterns by increasing stress and raising body temperature. The only exercise recommended before bedtime is light stretching and simple yoga. These help relieve muscle tension and relax the body and mind, preparing them to drift asleep. You can perform intense exercises in the morning or earlier in the evening. If you have some spare time before sleeping, use it for sitting down and reflecting on the happenings of the day instead of exercising. It will help you fall asleep faster. Making poor food choices A meal with lots of refined carbs and sugar is unsuitable for dinner as it can keep you awake at night.
Migraine – Ways to manage the condition
health

Migraine – Ways to manage the condition

Migraine headaches are a devitalizing experience. It completely saps the person of energy and prevents them from being productive during these episodes. There is usually a build-up to a migraine attack which is different for every individual. The phase before the actual migraine attack is known as the aura, and people may report seeing flashes of light or experiencing a tingling sensation. Below are some options for treating migraine headaches: Treatment options Nurtec Nurtec is a treatment option that helps relieve some symptoms of migraines. It reduces the severity of headaches and sensitivity to light. Nurtec is usually taken on alternate days to prevent migraines and other pain associated with the condition. Ubrelvy Ubrelvy, a fast pain-relief, is a treatment option that blocks calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the body. CGRP is associated with migraine attacks, and suppressing it goes a long way in treating the condition. Excedrin This pain reliever does not just treat migraine headaches but also pain in other parts of the body. Excedrin provides fast pain relief to the patient. Qulipta Qulipta is a treatment option that helps prevent migraines over a more extended period. However, medical professionals do not recommend this treatment option to people suffering from kidney or liver problems. Qulipta works by blocking the CGRP protein. Foods to help manage migraine headaches Certain foods are part of the preventive treatment for migraines. While a preventative treatment may not completely stop migraine headaches, it will help reduce the severity and occurrence of these attacks. Bananas Bananas are rich in magnesium. According to some studies, magnesium is deficient in migraine sufferers, and the mineral stops the chemicals that cause pain. Watermelons Watermelons contain around 92% water, and it is a great way to stay hydrated. Dehydration often triggers headaches in general, which could lead to migraine attacks.