Poisonous Plants That Harm Small Pets

In the wild, many small animals depend on plants for survival. The succulent leaves are often used for food, the sturdy branches to build nests, and the thin roots chewed to obtain water and nutrients. It is no wonder then that, once brought into our homes as pets, small animals may mistake our favorite houseplants for shelter or food. In some regards, a small pet brought into a home filled with beautiful foliage is like a child being given free reins in a candy store. There are a lot of new flavors to taste, scents to smell, and colors to explore. Unfortunately, many of the most popular plants, whether used for indoor decoration or outdoor landscaping, are potentially dangerous or deadly to small pets.

Though not all inclusive, the below list does contain many of the plants most frequently found in and around a person's home - whether native to the area or purchased from a retail store or greenhouse. Some of the following plants, such as oleander, are extremely toxic. Others may only cause a mild reaction. Regardless, it is best to remove any potentially dangerous plants from areas where your small pet could come into contact with them. If you have any doubt about the safety of plants you own, please contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.