Getting a new pup or kitten into the home can provide some challenges when their curiosity gets the better of them.  Lovely to look at but some of these plants can be poisonous to dogs and cats.

Flowers are a wonder of nature, but it is important to know when they are not good for our pets.

American Bittersweet(Celastrus scandens)
Weakness, convulsions, gastroenteritis (vomiting, diarrhoea.)

Azalea (Rhododendron spp)
Vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, weakness, coma, hypotension, CNS depression, cardiovascular collapse and death.

Clematis (Clematis sp.)
Vomiting, diarrhoea, oral ulcers, ataxia irritant or vesicant action.

Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)
Excessive salivation, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, gastrointestinal disorders, lack of appetite, tremors, convulsions, seizures

Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia splendens prostrata)
Ingestion results in vomiting and diarrhoea.

Daffodil (Narcissus spp)- Severe gastrointestinal disorders, convulsions, shivering, hypotension, dermatitis, muscular tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Day lily (Hemerocallis dumortierite)- Vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, kidney failure. Cats are the only species known to be affected.

Easter cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesi)
Ingestion can result in vomiting, diarrhoea and depression. Cats can also develop staggering.

Easter Lily (Lilium longiflorum)
Vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, and kidney failure. Cats are the only species known to be affected.

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Cardiac arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, cardiac failure, death.

Hyacinth (Hyacinthus oreintalis)
Ingestion can result in intense vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and tremors.

Lily of the Valley (Convalaria majalis)
Ataxia, vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias, death.

Morning Glory (Ipomoea spp)
Seeds may cause hallucination, may cause diarrhoea.

Narcissus (Narcissus spp)
Severe gastrointestinal disorders, convulsions, shivering, hypotension, dermatitis, muscular tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp)
Ingestion can result in ulcers in the mouth, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp)
Vomiting, diarrhoea, hyper-salivation, weakness, coma, hypotension, CNS depression, cardiovascular collapse and death.

Tiger Lily (Lilium tigrinum)
Vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, kidney failure. Cats are the only species known to be affected.

Tulip (Tulip spp)
Ingestion can result in intense vomiting, depression, diarrhoea, hyper-salivation, drooling and lack of appetite.

Non-Toxic Plants

• Easter daisy (Townsendia sericea)- This plant is considered non-toxic.

• Easter orchid (Cattleya mossiae)- This plant is considered non-toxic.

• Easter lily cactus (Echinopsis multiplex)- This plant is considered non-toxic.

• Resurrection lily (Kaempferia pulchra)- This plant is considered non-toxic.

Contact your nearest vet if you suspect your pet has consumed this.

Source: CitiVet Bothasig / CitiVet Monte Vista

What does Veterinary Emergencies Cost?

Will the cost of a pet emergency limit the care options that you as a pet owner can offer to your pets?  About 80% of pet owners do not have pet insurance, and most of them do not have adequate funds to afford the cost of an emergency.

"How much does the average pet emergency then cost?" you ask.   If we take into consideration that according to Mr Murphy, most emergencies additionally occur after typical business hours, you are looking at a cost of nothing under R3000.   A more serious emergency, at an advanced animal medical facility, will undoubtedly set you back R10000 or more in an instant.  

Advanced diagnostic testing is required, x-rays, ultrasounds, CT-scans, and surgery to help save your pet's life will not come cheap.  Post-incident care and medication is another hidden expense during such an ordeal.  

Consider getting pet insurance for your pets today.  Our boutique-style brokerage (GVC Brokers) is of the best in the country. Rest assured that you and your precious baby will be taken care of when you sign up here.

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