Overview: Peace lilies are beautiful plants that can add a touch of elegance to any home. However, they can also be dangerous to pets, especially dogs. If your dog has eaten a peace lily, it’s important to act quickly to prevent serious health problems. This article will guide you through the steps to take, from identifying the signs of peace lily poisoning to knowing when to seek veterinary help.
Recognizing the Signs of Peace Lily Poisoning in Dogs
Peace lilies contain calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to dogs. These crystals can irritate the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines, leading to a range of symptoms. Here’s what to look out for:
Oral Irritation
The first signs of peace lily poisoning often manifest in the mouth. Look for:
- Drooling: Excessive drooling is a common symptom.
- Pawing at the mouth: Your dog may paw at their mouth or rub their face on furniture, trying to relieve the irritation.
- Swelling: The tongue, lips, and mouth may swell.
Digestive Issues
If the crystals reach the stomach and intestines, you might see:
- Vomiting: Your dog may vomit repeatedly.
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea can be watery or bloody.
- Abdominal pain: Your dog may whimper, cry, or press their belly against the floor due to pain.
Other Symptoms
Other less common symptoms of peace lily poisoning include:
- Difficulty swallowing: The irritation can make swallowing painful.
- Breathing difficulty: This could occur if the swelling affects the throat.
- Weakness: Your dog may seem lethargic and weak.
Important Note: Not all dogs will show all the symptoms, and the severity can vary depending on the amount of plant ingested.
What to Do If You Think Your Dog Has Eaten Peace Lily
Time is of the essence when it comes to treating peace lily poisoning. The sooner you act, the better the chances of a full recovery. Here’s what to do:
1. Remove the plant from your dog’s reach immediately. This prevents further ingestion.
2. Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC). You can reach the APCC at (888) 426-4435.
Before Contacting the Veterinarian or APCC:
- Gather information: Note the time of ingestion, the amount of plant eaten (if you can estimate it), and the symptoms your dog is displaying.
- Be prepared to answer questions: The veterinarian or APCC will need to know the details of the situation to provide the most accurate advice.
Follow Your Veterinarian’s Instructions
The veterinarian will guide you on the next steps, which may include:
- Inducing vomiting: This is often recommended to remove any remaining plant material from the dog’s stomach, but it might not be suitable for all cases.
- Providing activated charcoal: Activated charcoal helps bind to toxins in the stomach and prevent absorption.
- Supportive care: This can involve administering fluids to combat dehydration and medications to manage pain, inflammation, and other symptoms.
Preventing Future Incidents
Once your dog is safe and recovering, it’s essential to take steps to prevent future incidents:
- Remove the peace lily: Relocate the plant or discard it.
- Keep plants out of reach: Ensure all plants, including peace lilies, are inaccessible to your dog. Consider using plant stands, hanging baskets, or placing plants in rooms where your dog doesn’t have access.
- Train your dog: Teaching your dog a “leave it” command can be helpful to discourage them from approaching plants.
Important Considerations
- Don’t wait for symptoms: Even if your dog doesn’t show immediate signs of poisoning, it’s still crucial to contact your veterinarian or the APCC. Some symptoms may not appear for several hours.
- Don’t induce vomiting without professional guidance: Inducing vomiting can be dangerous in some cases and may be contraindicated by your veterinarian.
Other Common Houseplants Poisonous to Dogs
While peace lilies are a common culprit, there are several other houseplants that can be toxic to dogs. Some of the most common include:
- Lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species): These are particularly dangerous to cats, but they can also cause kidney failure in dogs.
- Sago palms (Cycas revoluta): All parts of this plant are toxic, especially the seeds.
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): This common vine can cause oral irritation and vomiting.
- Tulips and Hyacinths (Tulipa and Hyacinthus species): These bulbs are the most toxic part, but all parts of the plant can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe
- Identify potentially toxic plants: Research the plants in your home to determine if they are safe for your dog.
- Keep a list of emergency contacts: Make sure you have your veterinarian’s phone number and the APCC number readily available.
- Don’t assume all plants are safe: Even if a plant is not listed as toxic, it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep it out of your dog’s reach.
Conclusion
Peace lilies can be beautiful, but they pose a significant threat to dogs. If you suspect your dog has eaten a peace lily, prompt action is crucial. Contact your veterinarian or the APCC immediately, and follow their instructions carefully. By being prepared and taking precautions, you can ensure the safety and well-being of your furry friend. Remember, early intervention and professional guidance are key to a successful outcome in case of peace lily poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a peace lily and why is it toxic to dogs?
Peace lilies are popular houseplants known for their beautiful white flowers and lush foliage. However, they contain calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic to dogs when ingested. These crystals are needle-like and can cause irritation and inflammation in the mouth, throat, and digestive system. When a dog chews on a peace lily, the crystals release into their mouth, triggering a burning sensation, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing.
In severe cases, swallowing these crystals can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and even swelling of the tongue and throat, which can obstruct breathing. While peace lilies are not deadly to dogs, they can cause significant discomfort and require immediate veterinary attention.
How do I know if my dog ate a peace lily?
The most obvious sign is if you actually see your dog eating the plant. But there are other clues to watch out for. If you notice your dog exhibiting any of the following symptoms after being near your peace lily, it could be a sign that they have ingested some:
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swelling of the tongue and throat
- Pawing at the mouth
- Loss of appetite
What should I do if my dog ate a peace lily?
If you suspect your dog has eaten a peace lily, it’s important to act quickly. First, remove any remaining peace lily plant from your dog’s reach to prevent further ingestion. Then, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action based on the severity of the situation and the amount of peace lily your dog ate.
Do not attempt to induce vomiting without consulting your veterinarian, as it can potentially make the situation worse. Your veterinarian may recommend inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal to absorb toxins, or providing supportive care to manage symptoms such as dehydration.
What kind of treatment does my dog need?
The treatment for a dog who has ingested a peace lily depends on the severity of the symptoms. Most dogs recover with supportive care, such as providing fluids to prevent dehydration and managing any discomfort they may be experiencing. However, if your dog exhibits severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, you may need to take them to an emergency veterinarian immediately.
Your veterinarian will likely conduct a physical examination, assess the severity of the symptoms, and may recommend bloodwork and radiographs to determine the extent of the ingestion. They will also provide guidance on how to prevent future incidents, such as keeping the peace lily out of your dog’s reach or considering a less toxic alternative.
How long does it take for a dog to recover after eating a peace lily?
The recovery time for a dog who has ingested a peace lily varies depending on the amount of plant ingested, the dog’s size and health, and the severity of the symptoms. Most dogs recover within 24 to 48 hours with supportive care.
If your dog exhibits severe symptoms, it may take longer for them to recover. However, with prompt veterinary care and proper management, most dogs make a full recovery.
How can I prevent my dog from eating peace lilies in the future?
The best way to prevent your dog from eating peace lilies is to keep them out of reach. This means placing the plant in a room your dog doesn’t have access to, hanging it from the ceiling, or keeping it on a high shelf. You can also consider using a plant barrier or cage to create a safe zone for your plant.
Training your dog to “leave it” can also be helpful in preventing them from eating plants. This command can be useful if your dog gets curious about the peace lily while you’re around.
What other plants are toxic to dogs?
Unfortunately, many common houseplants can be toxic to dogs. Here are a few examples:
- Lilies: All parts of lilies are highly toxic to cats, but the most dangerous are the pollen and flower parts. Even small amounts can cause severe kidney failure.
- Sago Palms: All parts of the sago palm are toxic to dogs, but the seeds are particularly dangerous. They can cause liver failure.
- Amaryllis: This plant contains lycorine, which is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors.
- Oleander: All parts of the oleander are highly toxic to dogs and can cause heart problems, tremors, and even death.
- Aloe Vera: While some people believe aloe vera is safe for dogs, it’s actually toxic to them and can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy.
Before bringing any new plant into your home, it’s always a good idea to research its toxicity level for pets. You can consult the ASPCA website or your veterinarian for more information.