Poisonous Plants for Dogs- Cause for concern

ASPCA alpabetical list of plants dangerous to dogs--CLICK HERE

If you already have dogs or if you have just brought a new puppy or cat into your home, be sure you don't have potentially lethal plants any where near your pets. The heart break of loosing a pet this way is a terrible price to pay for some green decorations in your home.

Also-- if you receive a floral arrangement from someone, the bouquet could contain plants that are toxic to your pets.  A friend of mine lost his cat after a vendor sent him a bouquet of flowers that included lilies.  He found his precious kitty dead the next day in his apartment. The cat had eaten one of the lilies in the arrangement.

My Mother's Story:

I received a call from my mother. She has a dog 
that is absolutely the center of her life.  She was very concerned because Bailey threw up the night before and pooped in the dining room--something he never does.

Upon inspection she discovered that he had been chewing on a house plant that she has had for many years. In a panic she called me and I went on line to do some research. What I discovered was not good. I want to share what I found because this particular plant is a common house plant-- one I have seen in many homes. 

Click here for the list of Plants Poisonous to Dogs

I found this website to be a great source for information. They had descriptions of the toxic effects of the plant to the dog's system, organs and advice on immediate treatment and veterinary care.

This is the plant that Bailey chewed on:

Schefflera Is Poisonous To Pets

Name: Schefflera

Toxins: Oxalates that bind with calcium in the blood to form calcium oxalate crystals

Symptoms: Intense sensation of burning in the mouth, throat, lips and tongue, excessive drooling, choking and swelling, inability or difficulty swallowing, Ingestion of larger quantities, can result in severe digestive upset, extreme difficulty in breathing, rapid shallow gasps, if to much is consumed the symptoms become much more severe and can include any of the above with the addition of convulsions, renal failure, coma and death. It is possible to recover from severe calcium oxalate poisoning, however in most cases permanent liver, and kidney damage may have already occurred.

Additional Information: Hypocalcaemia (the presence of low serum calcium levels in the blood) and/or Oxalate Nephrosis ( Kidney disease that is characterized by the formation of lesions of the epithelial lining of the renal tubules), can also occur. Upon ingestion of Schefflera which contains oxalates, the oxalates will be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract to bind with the serum calcium in the blood forming calcium oxalate crystals and depleting the blood of its normal calcium levels causing hypocalcaemia. This lack of unbound body regulated calcium in the blood stream will impair the function of the cell membrane causing muscular tremors, lethargy due to weakness, collapse and quite possibly death. It is the formation of these insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and the bodies attempt to process them that causes irreversible kidney damage, that may lead to eventual renal failure.

First Aid: Upon ingestion of plants containing oxalates, the mouth should be rinsed and flushed thoroughly with water. The dog can then be given yogurt, milk, cheese or any other source of calcium to prevent the onset of hypocalcaemia by precipitating soluble oxalates. You should also begin fluid therapy to promote urination and assist the body in removing the non soluble oxalate crystals. Oxalate Nephrosis is not reversible, leaving supportive care as the only available treatment option. Seek Veterinary Attention.

This information posted on: http://www.pawsdogdaycare.com/Start-Up-Services/Plants-Poisonous-To-Pets.htm