On Wednesday, we introduced some Chinese New Year flowers and plants that are toxic to cats. Today, let’s talk about the ones that can be toxic to dogs.
1. Narcissus: As Narcissus contains multiple toxic components, the entire plant is poisonous. The bulb is worse compared to the foliage. Narcissus toxicity usually causes gastrointestinal upsets. However, convulsions, shivering, muscle tremors and abnormal heart rhythms can be seen.
2. Chrysanthemum: Chrysanthemum contains natural insecticides pyrethrins which can cause gastrointestinal signs. Drooling and incoordination might also be seen with ingestion of chrysanthemum.
3. Azalea: Azalea contains grayanotoxin in its leaves which is a cardiotoxin. Ingestion can result in abnormal heart rhythms and even sudden death. Mild signs might include vomiting, diarrhea and weakness.
4. Lily: Not all Lilies are poisonous to dogs. Lily of the Valley contains cardiac glycosides that can cause abnormal heart rhythms and even sudden death. Other Lily toxicity could lead to oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, ataxia and even kidney or liver failure. It may be difficult for you to differentiate the breed of Lily, so it is best for you to keep your dog away from them.
5. Dracaena (Fortune bamboo): Dracaena is also a widely used New Year flower that is harmful to dogs. Vomiting, depression, loss of appetite, drooling, incoordination, and weakness may occur after ingestion.
6. Gladiolus: Gladiolus is one of the most popular flowers during Chinese New Year. The exact toxic principle is not known but dogs ingested Gladiolus plant can suffer from salivation, vomiting (sometimes with blood), lethargy, diarrhea (sometimes with blood) and abdominal pain. The bulb is the most toxic part of the plant.
7. Amaryllis: The bulb of Amaryllis contains lycorine (and other toxic substances), ingestion can lead to drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, anorexia and tremors.
Choose your floral decoration wisely during Chinese New Year, ensure they are out of reach from your dog if you do decide to place them at home and pay extra attention when you walk your dog outdoor. Apart from these, there is still a wide variety of lucky flowers for you to choose such as Orchid, Petunia, Garden Marigold, Rose, African Violet, etc.
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