Index of Toxic Plants (for Birds & Other Pets)
First Aid Instructions following Toxic Exposure
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Plants that are toxic, or potentially toxic, to pets:
Amaryllis:
Clinical Signs: Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, appetite loss, tremors, drooling and abdominal pain.
Avocado (Persea Americana):
Toxicity: Leaves, fruit, bark and seeds of somespecies (toxic principle unknown) Clinical Signs:
Small birds: respiratory distress, generalized congestion, hydropericardium,anasarca and death. Onset occurs after 12 hours of ingestion, with death occurring within 1-2 days of the time of exposure.
Large birds: nonspecific signs - reduced activity, fluffing of feathers and labored respiration
Azaleas:
Clinical Signs: Can cause weakness, upset stomach, drooling, heart failure, depression and possible coma.
Cocoa Bean Mulch:
Toxicity: Cocoa bean mulch is a byproduct of the chocolate-making industry. The mulch is highly prized by gardeners for its dark, rich color and high nutrient content, not to mention the delicious aroma. Unfortunately, cocoa mulch contains high levels of theobromine, the same chemical that makes chocolate bars harmful to pets.
Clinical Signs: Restlessness, hyperactivity, muscle twitching, increased urination, excessive panting, increased heart rate, blood pressure levels, gastrointestinal upset, seizures and potentially death.
Christmas Tree Pine Needles:
Clinical Signs: Can produce oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, trembling and posterior weakness.
Chrysanthemum:
Clinical Signs: Results in vomiting, diarrhea, depression, drooling and appetite loss.
If you are sensitive to pollen, avoid chrysanthemum and daisy arrangements as they are ragweed relatives.
Daffodil:
Clinical Signs: Can cause severe gastrointestinal illness, convulsions, seizures, low blood pressure and tremors.
Dieffenbachia (dumb cane):
Clinical Signs: Dysphagia, regurgitation, inappetence. If ingested, crystals can cause oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of oral cavity.
Easter Cactus:
Clinical Signs: Can cause vomiting, diarrhea and depression. Can cause staggering in cats.
Foxglove, Digitalis purpurea
Toxicity: Common Cardiotoxic Plants
Hyacinth:
Clinical Signs: Can cause intense vomiting, diarrhea, depression and tremors.
Holly:
Commonly found during the Christmas season
Clinical Signs: Can cause intense vomiting, diarrhea and depression.
Lilies:
Clinical Signs: Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression and kidney failure.
Lily of the Valley, Convallaria majalis
Toxcity: Common Cardiotoxic Plants
Mistletoe:
A Christmas plant
Toxic Principle: Berries
Clinical Signs: Ingestion can cause significant vomiting and diarrhea, difficulty breathing, collapse, erratic behavior, hallucinations and death
Oleander, Nerium oleander
Toxcity: Common Cardiotoxic Plants
Peace Lily aka White Anthurium, Spathe Flower
Pencil Tree Cactus aka Finger Tree, Milk Bush, Indian Tree Spurge
Scientific Name: Euphorbia tirucalli / Euphorbiaceae
Toxic Principle: Latex sap, euphorbol terpenes, Esters, Diterpenes, Entire Plant
Clinical Signs: Dermatits, Gastritis, Conjunctivitis, Burning, Irritation, Diarrhea
Peperomia aka Green-ripple Plant, Baby Rubber Plant
Toxic Principle: Leaves may be toxic, Low toxicity, Toxic alkaloids possible
Philodendron aka Sweetheart Plant, Heart-leaf Philodendron, Parlor Ivy
These attractive plants are very tolerant of shady conditions and can make a stunning architectural statement in a darkish situation. In a NASA study they were shown to be particularly effective in removing formaldehyde molecules and other toxins
Scientific Name: Philodendron scadens / Araceae
Toxic Principle: Nephrotoxic, Entire Plant, Leaves, Oxalates, Calcium oxalate
Clinical Signs: Dermatitis, Excessive salivation, Red and swollen oral cavity, Pain, swelling, irritation to throat, Irritation and burning of mouth, lips, and tongue. In birds: dysphagia, regurgitation, inappetence. If ingested, crystals can cause oral irritation, intense burning
Pothos:
Clinical Signs: Dysphagia, regurgitation, inappetence. If ingested, crystals can cause oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of oral cavity.
Poinsettia
Clinical Signs: Can cause irritation to the mouth and stomach and sometimes vomiting
Prickly Pear Cactus aka Bunny Ears Cactus, Rabbit Ears Cactus
Scientific Name: Opuntia sp. / Cactaceae
Toxic Principle: Thorns, Barbs which encircle each glochidium
Clinical Signs: Domed papules, Erythema, Keratoconjunctivitis, Dermatitis, Corneal erosion
Red Emerald
Scientific Name: Philodendron 'Red Emerald' / Araceae
Toxic Principle: Irritant in leaves, Oxalic acid, Entire plant, Proteolytic enzymes, Calcium oxalate crystals
Clinical Signs: Redness and swelling, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Dermatitis, Itching and burning of lips, tongue, mouth also throat
Rhododendron
Toxcity: Common Cardiotoxic Plants
Sago Palm aka Sago Cycas, Japanese Sago Palm
Scientific Name: Cycas revoluta / Cycadaceae
Toxic Principle: Seeds, Foliage, Neurotoxic agent [amino acid], Glycosides, Cycasin a carcinogenic, hepatotoxic chemical
Clinical Signs: Can cause vomiting, increased water intake, drowsiness, diarrhea, depression, seizures, liver failure, coma and muscle paralysisRelevant Articles: Pet Owners: Sago Palm Poisoning Alert! http://www.securepet.biz/wordpress/2008/08/pet-owners-sago-palm-poisoning-alert This Plant Will Kill Your Dog (and maybe your kids) http://www.tonyspencer.com/2007/10/03/this-plant-will-kill-your-dog-and-maybe-your-kids/
Schefflera aka Umbrella Tree, Starleaf, Australian Umbrella Tree
Scientific Name: Schefflera / Araliaceae
Toxic Principle: Entire Plant, Saponins, Falcarinol, Calcium oxalate, Oxalic acid
Clinical Signs: Dermatitis, Vomiting, Leukopenia, Loss of coordination, Irritation of mouth, lips, and tongue
Symptoms in Birds: Dysphagia, regurgitation, inappetence. If ingested, crystals can cause oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of oral cavity.
Snake Plant aka Good-Luck Plant, Mother-in-law’s Tongue
Texas Mountain Laurel aka Coral Bean, Mescal Bean
Scientific Name: Sophora secundiflora / Fabaceae
Toxic Principle: Cytisine, Seeds, Quinolizidine alkaloids, Entire plant, Alkaloids similar to nicotine
Clinical Signs: Diarrhea, Vomiting, Falling down, Nausea, Neurologic disorder
Tulip
Clinical Signs: Can cause intense vomiting, depression, diarrhea, drooling and appetite loss
Variegated Ficus aka, Ficus, Variegated Weeping Fig
Variegated Peperomia aka Baby Rubber Plant, Pepper Face, American Rubber Plant, Desert Privet
Wandering Jew aka Wandering Jew, Inch Plant, Variegated Wandering Jew
Toxic Principle: Unidentified irritant, Non-toxic, Possibly oxalate crystals
Clinical Signs: Dermatitis
Weeping Ficus aka Weeping Fig, Benjamin Tree, Java Fig
Yew Taxus species
Toxcity: Common Cardiotoxic Plants
Yucca aka Spineless Yucca, Soapweed, Spanish Bayonet
Toxic Principle: Spines, Furostanols, Leaves, Saponins [steroidal], Spirostanols – sarsasapogenin
Clinical Signs: Vomiting, Bloat, Diarrhea, Nausea, Mechanical damage
www.library.okstate.edu/.../plants.htm
Disclaimer / Important Information:
- For reference only. Even though the information is believed to be correct, the AvianWeb will not be liable for any mistakes or omissions. No guarantee can be given as to the safety of any of the plants or foods.
- Some allergies or food intolerances may exist with some birds. Some foods considered safe, can in larger quantities cause health problems. Discss with your vet first.
- Any change to your bird's diet - including the addition of any new food items - should be discussed with your vet.
- Please ensure that the following plants have not been sprayed with toxic chemicals or insecticides. Should be cleaned / disinfected before providing them to your birds. Click here for non-toxic insect / pest control.
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