Key Takeaways
- The number of pet-harmful succulents is low. However, there are certain types of succulents, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), such as the pencil cactus and aloe vera that can be toxic to both cats and dogs if they eat them in large amounts.
- Common effects of succulent poisoning in pets include appetite loss, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, coughing, and skin irritation.
- Some common succulents that are toxic include:
- Aloe Vera (causes gastrointestinal issues)
- Jade Plant (causes gastrointestinal problems and dizziness)
- Pencil Cactus (causes skin and eye irritation)
- Snake Plant (contains saponin, which induces vomiting)
- Kalanchoe succulent species can even be fatal to pets if ingested in large doses.
- Good news is that there are many succulents that are not toxic, such as:
- To prevent succulent poisoning, place your plants so they can’t reach them. If needed keep the plants outside where you can use barriers like chicken wire.
- If you think your pet has been poisoned, stay calm, contact your vet immediately, and check for signs of poisoning. Make sure your vet knows what plant was eaten.
Table of Contents
Succulents are popular houseplants, but pet owners must be aware that some varieties can be toxic to cats and dogs.
This article identifies which succulents are poisonous to pets, lists the symptoms of succulent poisoning, and provides pet-safe alternatives.
Understanding the potential risks and making informed choices are essential for ensuring the safety of pets while enjoying succulent plants in the home.
Related post: How To Care For Succulents: A Beginner’s Guide
Common Succulents That Are Toxic to Pets
Several succulent varieties can be harmful to pets if ingested. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), some succulents that are toxic to cats and dogs include the following.
Succulents That Are Mildly Toxic to Pets
- Aloe Vera: Causes gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea (ASPCA, n.d.).
- Jade Plants: Ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal problems and, in some cases, dizziness (ASPCA, n.d.).
- Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli): The sap can cause skin and eye irritation (ASPCA, n.d.).
- Snake Plants : Contains saponins that can induce vomiting and diarrhea if consumed (ASPCA, n.d.).
- String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus): Toxic to cats and dogs, causing gastrointestinal issues (Pet Poison Helpline, n.d.).
- Euphorbia Plants: Many plants in this genus have a toxic sap that can irritate the skin and cause gastrointestinal problems if ingested (ASPCA, n.d.).
Succulents That Can Kill Your Pets
You read it correctly. Some succulents are toxic to pets, so having them while living with one is very dangerous.
Plants that are in the Kalanchoe family can cause ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abnormal heart rhythm (ASPCA, n.d.). Below are just a couple of examples of Kalanchoe plants that are very toxic to animals.
Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa)
The panda plant, scientifically known as Kalanchoe tomentosa (meaning ‘covered with fine hairs’) is also known as white lady, donkey ears, chocolate soldiers, pussy ears, cat ears, and plush plant.
Aside from stomach problems, if your pet eats a panda plant your pet might have oral and throat irritation because of the calcium oxalate crystals found in the plant. Animals that ingest this plant in large doses can die. (ASPCA, n.d.).
Devil’s Backbone (Kalanchoe delagoensis)
The Kalanchoe delagoensis is a plant that may appear ordinary, with thin leaves, short stems, and dark spots.
However, it poses significant risks to pets if ingested. Consumption can lead to abnormal heart rhythms and gastrointestinal issues, including vomiting and diarrhea. (ASPCA, n.d.).
To ensure the safety of your pets, it is advisable to avoid including this plant in your collection. Keeping it out of reach eliminates unnecessary risks.
3 Succulents That Are Safe For Pets
On the bright side, a lot of succulents that are pet-friendly look good. Here are some of them
- Burro’s Tail: Also known as Donkey’s Tail, is a trailing succulent that can grow up to 60cm in length. It features oblong, fleshy leaves and produces light red flowers at the end of the stem.
- Haworthia: The Haworthia can serve as a pet-safe substitute for Aloe Vera if you need to keep the latter out of reach. Haworthia resembles Aloe Vera, with fleshy, triangular leaves arranged in a circular pattern.
- Sempervivum: Known as ‘hens and chicks‘ or houseleeks, are beautiful succulents that are perfectly safe for pets. They can grow indoors or outdoors.
Symptoms of Succulent Poisoning in Pets
Pet succulent poisoning may show up as many symptoms. Pet owners should be alert to these symptoms to ensure prompt care. Typical complaints include:
Common symptoms include:
- Loss of Appetite: If a pet suddenly loses interest in food, it may indicate succulent poisoning or another underlying health issue.
- Vomiting and Diarrhea: Ingesting toxic succulents can cause gastrointestinal distress, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms can result in dehydration if left untreated.
- Lethargy: Poisoned pets may become lethargic and become very weak, have reduced energy levels and responsiveness. This can be due to nausea or other systemic effects of the toxin.
- Coughing: Some succulents can cause irritation to the mouth, throat, and respiratory system, leading to coughing or difficulty breathing.
- Skin Irritation: Certain succulent saps can cause skin irritation, redness, or itching. Pets may excessively scratch or lick the affected area.
If a pet has any of these symptoms and you suspect it has eaten a toxic succulent, contact a veterinarian immediately. Provide the vet with information about the plant consumed and the onset of symptoms. Follow the vet’s instructions for treatment and care.
Ideas on How to Prevent Pet Poisoning from Succulents
The best way to avoid your pets poisoning themselves with succulents is to make in inaccessible to them.
Here are some simple ideas and tips to keeping your pets out of your succulent plants.
- Place succulents on elevated shelves or in secluded areas.
- Consider the compromise between plant visibility and pet safety.
- Keep in mind that cats are more agile than dogs and can reach elevated areas.
- If you’re serious about your succulents, keep pets outside.
- Recognize that domestic animals may prefer roaming in their natural environment.
- One thing to keep in mind, relocating dogs in and out of the house can be challenging.
- Create a fenced garden using chicken wire to surround outdoor succulents and other plants.
- The barrier will train pets not to reach inside the fenced area.
What To Do If Your Pet is Poisoned by a Succulent Plant?
Pet owners should have a clear plan of action in case of pet poisoning, even though no one wants their pet to be harmed.
This principle is similar to keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet and a list of emergency contacts for family members.
Use the following step-by-step guide as a reference, not a strict set of instructions, as each pet poisoning incident is unique.
Call Your Veterinarian Immediately
Even if it is a mild case of poisoning, immediately call your vet. This is not being paranoid but being sure.
Humans cannot fully diagnose themselves when something is wrong with their body, what more when it is your dog or cat’s body?
Take Video Or Photos
It is important that your veterinarian knows what happened to your pet by showing him/her photos or videos of the incident.
Write Down What Your Pet Was Doing Before The Incident
A calm mind is necessary in a situation like this. A rattled mind will keep your thoughts astray. Note what your dog ate, where he was hanging around, what time did you notice your pet being weak, and other details.
Inspect Your Pet
Check his mouth, paws, or skin to see anything is outside of normal. You can also spot if there is a contact with a poisonous succulent.
Inspect Your Plants
If your pet took a bite out of any of your plant, you now have a prime suspect.
Check also fallen pots, broken leaves, or anything unusual with your plants. It may be just a coincidence but it is important to take note of these things.
Remember to tell you vet about what kind of plant it is.
Follow Your Veterinarian’s Instructions
Even if it is a tedious one like applying a lotion or giving medicine thrice a day, do it.
Your vet spent a lot of years studying and practicing his field before he became your vet today, trust what he/she is saying.
Do not customize the medication just because you know your pet more than your vet.
Also, you should regularly update your vet about your pet’s health. Should you miss a medication, ask your vet immediately what alternatives do you have.
Apply The Necessary Safeguards In Your House
Whether it is relocating the plants, putting your pet in a cage, or establishing other house rules, it is important that the factors leading to the incident should be minimized.
The Pet Poison Helpline and the ASPCA should be your go-to sources if you want to know which plants can harm your pets. It is better to get advice from professionals than from your neighbor.
FAQ
Can Pets recover from succulent poisoning?
In most cases, cats can recover from succulent poisoning with prompt veterinary care. The severity of the poisoning depends on the type of succulent and the amount ingested. Follow your veterinarian’s treatment plan closely to ensure your pet’s full recovery.
How can I tell if my pet has been poisoned by a succulent?
Common symptoms of succulent poisoning in pets include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and excessive drooling. If you notice any of these symptoms and suspect your pet has ingested a toxic succulent, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Are there any outdoor succulents that are toxic to pets?
Yes, some outdoor succulents can be toxic to pets. Examples include Euphorbia species, such as the Pencil Cactus and Crown of Thorns. If you have outdoor pets, research the toxicity of any succulents or plants in your garden to ensure your pet’s safety.
References
Lindsey Hyland grew up in Arizona where she studied at the University of Arizona’s Controlled Environment Agriculture Center. She continued her gardening education by working on organic farms in both rural and urban settings. She started UrbanOrganicYield.com to share gardening tips and tactics. She’s happy to talk about succulents and houseplants or vegetables and herbs – or just about anything in a backyard garden or hydroponics garden.