One of the struggles of owning pets and plants is creating a space thats safe for both. Fortunately, most succulents are completely harmless to animals.
Additionally, most animals instinctively avoid eating succulents. They just dont smell or taste very appetizing. Consider Los Angeles, a city covered with wild Jade Plants. Jade is slightly toxic and there are more than 2.6 million cats and dogs in the city, but it is incredibly rare for a pet to try eating it.
There are, however, a few exceptions that are mildly toxic if consumed. As a responsible pet owner its important to know which house plants are safe and which could cause issues if ingested by a curious cat or dog. Read on or watch the video for all the details.
Good news for succulent fans who also love animals: most succulent varieties are completely pet-safe! Below are our five favorite types that pose absolutely no risk to our furry friends.
The baby jade plant known scientifically as Crassula ovata, is becoming an increasingly popular houseplant for its attractive jade green leaves and easy care. However many pet owners wonder if jade plants are toxic to dogs and cats. While not severely poisonous, jades can cause mild stomach upset if pets ingest parts of the plant.
This comprehensive guide covers jade plant toxicity, symptoms, and vet care guidance to help pet owners keep their furry companions safe We’ll provide tips on preventing access, pet-proofing your home, and identifying signs of trouble. With proper precautions, you can confidently keep jade plants in your home even with pets around.
Assessing Toxicity in Dogs and Cats
The baby jade plant contains substances like anthraquinones and saponins that can irritate the digestive system if ingested However, it’s considered only mildly toxic to pets. The ASPCA classifies it among plants that cause minor illness at most.
Cats are more likely to nibble on houseplants, but both dogs and cats may chew or ingest fallen leaves and stems while exploring your home. Pets are also drawn to the fragrant flowers that can bloom in mature jade plants.
Leaf ingestion usually only leads to gastrointestinal upset like vomiting or diarrhea. Serious poisoning is very rare except if a large amount is eaten. Still, it’s smart to take precautions with your furry friends.
Recognizing Symptoms of Exposure
Be alert for these signs that your pet may have nibbled on or ingested parts of a jade plant:
- Drooling or lip licking
- Pawing at mouth
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy
- Dilated pupils
Usually symptoms appear within 6-12 hours of exposure and most are mild. Serious signs like seizure or collapse are very unlikely. If you suspect ingestion, call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline for guidance.
Seeking Veterinary Care
In most cases of minor exposure, you can manage symptoms at home under the guidance of your vet:
- Encourage drinking water to flush out toxins
- Offer bland foods like rice, bread or chicken
- Monitor for worsening symptoms
More significant ingestion may require:
- Inducing vomiting to remove plant matter
- Activated charcoal treatment
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Intravenous fluids for dehydration
Unless symptoms are extreme, hospitalization and long-term impacts are very rare. Full recovery is expected within 24-48 hours.
Preventing Access to Baby Jade Plants
The key is keeping pets away from jade plants in the first place. Here are some tips:
- Place out of reach on high shelves or hang from ceiling
- Keep plants in rooms pets are not allowed in
- Use cactus-style spike strips around pots to deter access
- Opt for artificial jade plants if pets are aggressive chewers
- Spray leaves with bitter apple spray deterrent
Supervise pets closely when introducing new plants and correct any interest or chewing immediately. Removing flowers after blooming can also make plants less enticing.
Pet-Proofing Your Home
You can also pet-proof your home using these methods:
- Block access to plant areas with baby gates
- Apply sticky shelf liner to surfaces to prevent knocked over pots
- Avoid placing plants near food and water bowls
- Use cord covers and protectors to prevent tipped pots
- Prune lower leaves and branches pets can reach
- Train “leave it” to deter any interest in plants
While not severely toxic, baby jade plants can still cause mild tummy upset in pets if ingested. So take simple precautions like preventing access, deterrent training, and careful supervision when introducing these plants into your home. Correct any interest immediately and remove flowers and low-hanging parts. Follow these tips and you can confidently keep beautiful jade plants in your home while also keeping your precious pets safe and healthy. Reach out to your vet with any concerns. With some basic safety practices, you can avoid issues and enjoy the benefits of these gorgeous succulents!
Succulents That are NOT Pet-Friendly
Please Note: Toxicity research is an ongoing process. More varieties than those described below could also cause an adverse reaction.
Aloe vera is great for soothing skin irritations in humans. It does not, however, make a great snack for pets. The gel of the Aloe is fine to apply on both human and animal skin but should never be ingested. Aloin, one of the toxic chemicals in these plants, is a bitter, yellow liquid. Its found just beneath the outer skin of the leaves.
Symptoms: Lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, red urine
Euphorbia are known as “Milk Plants” because of the white latex sap in their stems. Unfortunately, this sap can be irritating to skin and toxic if ingested.
Symptoms: Mouth irritation, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea
Jade Plants (Crassula) are rubbery plants that are famously hard to kill. Unfortunately, Jade leaves can be irritating to cats and dogs if consumed.
Symptoms: Lethargy, clumsy movements, dry-heaving, vomiting
Source: ASPCA
Kalanchoe are prolific succulents and a good choice for new plant enthusiasts. They should, however, be out of reach of dogs, cats, and birds. If ingested, Kalanchoe can irritate your pets mouth or cause moderate digestive distress. It can take anywhere from 12 hours to five days for symptoms to show.
Symptoms: Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea
Source: DVM360
Senecio feature a high diversity of shapes and growth habits. There is evidence to suggest that String of Pearls (S. rowleyanus) can cause an adverse reaction if ingested. Be sure to hang this trailing variety out of reach of playful cats. Other species of Senecio may cause problems as well, so use caution with this genus.
Symptoms: Listlessness, vomiting, diarrhea
Cactus are not toxic if consumed, but their sharp spines make them hazardous to pets all the same. Take particular care with members of the Opuntia (Prickly Pear) genus. They dont always have long spines, but they do have tiny, barbed glochids. Glochids spread easily (particularly when stuck to fur) and can lodge in skin.
Symptoms: Skin irritation
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FAQ
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