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Home Plant guides Checklist: What do you do when your pet has eaten your plant?

Checklist: What do you do when your pet has eaten your plant?

Discover how to keep your pets safe with this quick and easy guide on what to do when your pet eats a plant. Learn essential steps to identify toxic plants, monitor symptoms, and effectively train your pets to avoid plants, ensuring their health and safety.

Cat next to parlor palm

It's the biggest fear of every pet owner: Your pet has chewed on a plant. Do you know what to do next? It might not always be as easy as you think, so let's figure that out in this quick plant guide!

We'll go through a few short steps to figure out what you should do to help your pet.

Step 1: Figure out if the plant is toxic to pets

The first thing you should do is to figure out if the plant your pet has eaten is toxic or completely safe for your pet. If the plant is completely safe, there is no problem, just move your plant or make it inaccessible for your pet in another way. This way they won't chew on it again.

Step 2: Check how much your pet has eaten

If the eaten plant is toxic to your pet, the next step is to figure out how much your pet has eaten. Some plants are "only" mildly toxic to your pets, so they might get a bit of an upset stomach, but nothing life-threatening. If your pet is acting like it's completely fine, even after some time has passed (don't wait more than 15 minutes), it might still be a good idea to give your veterinarian a quick call to ask for advice.

Step 3: Watch out for these symptoms

Most toxic plants contain particles that will start to irritate your pet's gums, teeth, and stomach. So if you're unsure whether your pet has eaten too much of the plant to cause problems, be extra mindful of the following symptoms:

Vomiting
Not wanting to eat
Scratching at their mouth
Sneezing
Choking or gagging
Coughing

If you see any of these symptoms, no matter how little they might be, call your veterinarian right away. Perhaps it's nothing serious, but it's better to be safe than sorry in this case.

If you're in doubt, always call your veterinarian! It's better to call too much than too late.

Step 4: Move your (toxic) plants out of reach of your pets

Cat looking up at plant

Moving your plants out of reach is not really a next step, but rather to prevent your pets from chewing on your plants again. Sometimes it's not possible to keep your plant away from your pet, or the other way around, so then you'll need to get a little creative with training your pets.

Step 5: Train your pet (even cats) to stay away from your plants

Cat trained to not touch plant

Pet love plants! They love the texture, the way it moves, and they just have to touch it, especially when they're bored. So, if you can safely bring your cat outside or to a room without any plants, do so. If that's not an option, you'll have to train your pets to stay away from your plants. This can take a while, especially for cats.

I've trained my cats by consistently using a spray bottle and physically pushing them away from plants for 3 to 6 months. Cats are very stubborn, but it was worth it: they're no longer interested in eating the plant. They'll lay next to it, but never actually touch it. Dogs are much easier to train, so it'll take a shorter time.

Thank you for reading this post! I hope it helps you to keep your plants healthy and beautiful! If you're looking for more guides on specific plants, you can always request a plant guide to get a guide for the plant you have trouble with.

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Tags: crisis pet-friendly

About the Author

Roelof Jan Elsinga - Plant care for Beginners Author

Meet Roelof Jan Elsinga, a passionate and knowledgeable plant care enthusiast. With 6 years of personal experience, Roelof Jan has gained a wealth of knowledge on indoor plant care. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced plant owner, Roelof Jan's practical advice and deep understanding of various plants and their needs can help you become a successful plant caretaker.

Although Roelof Jan may not have formal gardening credentials, his expertise has been cultivated through caring for many plants and providing valuable guidance to fellow plant lovers just like you.

Roelof Jan is always eager to expand his knowledge. He dives into many different sources to deepen his understanding, stay up-to-date with the latest findings and is always happy to receive feedback. He takes great care to ensure that the recommendations he provides are not only practical, but also accurate.

Roelof Jan's main focus is to offer reliable and easy-to-understand information and support to all plant lovers out there, helping them confidently navigate their plant care journeys with success.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if my pet has eaten a plant?

If your pet has eaten a plant, the first step is to determine if the plant is toxic. Next, observe your pet for any signs of illness and contact your veterinarian immediately for advice on how to proceed.

How can I identify toxic plants that are harmful to pets?

You can identify toxic plants by researching common ones that are dangerous to pets or using a plant identification app. It's essential to keep a list of toxic plants out of reach of your pets to prevent accidental ingestion.

What are the common symptoms of plant poisoning in pets?

Common symptoms of plant poisoning in pets include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, drooling, difficulty breathing, and seizures. If your pet shows any of these signs after ingesting a plant, seek veterinary help right away.

How can I monitor my pet's health after they have eaten a plant?

Keep a close eye on your pet for any unusual behavior or symptoms after they have eaten a plant. Monitor their eating and drinking habits, as well as their bathroom habits, and seek immediate veterinary help if you notice any changes.

How can I train my pets to avoid eating plants?

You can train your pets to avoid eating plants by providing them with safe and appropriate chew toys, using positive reinforcement techniques when they avoid plants, and regularly reinforcing the training to ensure they continue to avoid harmful plants.

Are there any pet-safe alternatives to plants for my pets to chew on?

Yes, there are pet-safe alternatives to plants for your pets to chew on, such as chew toys, dental chews, and treats designed specifically for pets. These alternatives can help satisfy your pet's natural urge to chew without risking their health.

What should I do if I suspect my pet has eaten a toxic plant but is not showing any symptoms?

If you suspect your pet has eaten a toxic plant but is not showing any symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance. They may recommend monitoring your pet closely for any signs of illness or bringing them in for a check-up to be safe.

How can I create a safe environment for my pets to prevent plant ingestion?

To create a safe environment for your pets, keep toxic plants out of reach or opt for pet-friendly plants instead. Place barriers or use deterrents to prevent access to harmful plants and supervise your pets when they are outdoors to ensure they do not ingest anything toxic.

What are some common plants that are toxic to pets?

Common plants that are toxic to pets include lilies, philodendron, sago palm, azaleas, and oleander. It's essential to research and identify toxic plants in your home or yard to protect your pets from potential harm.

How can I react quickly in an emergency if my pet ingests a toxic plant?

In an emergency where your pet ingests a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline immediately. Be prepared with information about the plant ingested, your pet's symptoms, and follow their instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome for your pet's health.

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