Watch out against common seasonal plants that may be deadly to pets

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CHILLICOTHE ― Warm weather is slowly making an appearance, which means that spring is here. With the changing of the seasons come gardens and fields blooming with an array of color. But pet owners should be aware of the danger of some of these plants, according to Pet Poison Hotline Director of Veterinary Medicine, Renee Schmid.

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Schmid said there are a variety of different plants that pet owners should watch out for:

• Crocus plants: There are two types of Crocus plants; one that blooms in the spring and the other in the autumn. Though the spring plant can cause gastrointestinal issues in pets, including vomiting and diarrhea. The autumn plant is highly toxic and can cause severe vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and kidney damage and respiratory failure.
• Azaleas: Blooming in the late spring, to early summer, these plants can be harmful to pets. If your pet eats even a couple of leaves, it can result in vomiting, diarrhea and excessive drooling. Ingesting large portions of the plant can lead to heart rate, rhythm and neurologic abnormalities.
• Cyclamen: The roots of this plant, which blooms in early spring, can be toxic to pets, with symptoms including severe vomiting.
• Kalanchoe: These bloom in early spring, can cause vomiting, diarrhea and heart arrhythmias if eaten by pets.
• Lilies: While there are dangerous and benign lilies, all will cause reactions in your pets. Peace and Calla lilies can cause tissue irritation to the mouth, tongue, pharynx and esophagus of your pet. But lilies, including tiger, day, Asiatic, Easter and rose lilies are potentially fatal, especially to cats. These flowers can cause kidney failure.
• Oleander: This outdoor shrub blooms in late spring and though pretty, their leaves are extremely toxic with symptoms including: Vomiting, slow heart rate and even death.
• Daffodils: Blooming in late February till April, these flowers can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression.
• Lily of the Valley: These flowers begin blooming in March and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, a drop in heart rate, cardiac arrhythmias, and possibly seizures.
• Tulips and hyacinths: The plant and bulbs are toxic to pets. The symptoms include profuse drooling, vomiting, or even diarrhea, depending on the amount consumed.

Schmid said she encourages people to check with their veterinarian first before buying plants for inside their home or for their outdoor areas. Or to check out petpoisonhelpline.com, for a full list of toxic plants.