One of the struggles of owning pets and plants is creating a space that's safe for both. Fortunately, most succulents are completely harmless to animals. Additionally, most animals instinctively avoid eating succulents. They just don't smell or taste very appetizing.
Many succulents in the euphorbia genus, such as the pencil cactus and crown of thorns, are poisonous to both cats and dogs. Symptoms of poisoning from ingesting this succulent range from gastrointestinal upset to skin and eye irritation.
Luckily, most succulents are considered non-toxic and are harmless to pets when ingested. Others contain skin irritants that can cause minor skin irritations, and some can cause mild symptoms when ingested. But there are a few succulents that can be fatal when ingested in large quantities.
Symptoms to look for if your dog ate a succulent
“Some may appear tired or lethargic, and they might skip eating their food. Dogs who ingest kalanchoe may develop a very slow heart rate or heart rhythm, and dogs who ingest baby jade may stumble and fall when they walk.” Common signs to look out for include: Drooling.
Cacti are not toxic and will not harm your pets. Having said that, they may still have the following effects on your dog's health: The sap of cactus may lead to allergic reactions on dogs if ingested. Fertilizers & pesticides contain chemicals that can be harmful to them.
Kalanchoe and Euphorbia succulents are two succulents that can be toxic to humans.
A stuck cactus needle should be treated as a puncture wound. As the needles enter the skin, they create an opening for bacteria. Before you start the removal process (if doing it yourself), have some antibiotic ointment on hand along with your removal tool of choice. Most use tweezers.
The ideal time to remove a succulent pup from the stem is once it is about 1" (2.5cm) in size, or big enough that you can hold it easily without smashing it.
It can be dangerous for your pet to digest some plants, so it's best to keep an eye on them whilst they're exploring and out and about on walks. It's also good to avoid dangerous and toxic plants in your home, so your pup isn't tempted to chew on your indoor plants.
Your vet might recommend bringing your pet in to give him IV fluids, induce vomiting, or administer activated charcoal (which can help absorb the toxin), says Barrack. She'll also determine whether your pet needs further treatment.
Avoid touching succulents with a powdery coating. This coating protects them from the sun and does not grow back once it has been rubbed off, leaving a permanent effect on your plant's overall health.
Used as a topical gel in conventional medicine, aloe vera is one of many poisonous plants for dogs. When eaten by dogs, aloe vera can cause mild to moderate bouts of toxicity. Side effects may include vomiting, lethargy, depression, tremors and change in urine.
Are Spider Plants toxic to dogs and cats? No! Chlorophytum comosum, commonly referred to as Spider Plants, are safe for dogs and probably one of the most widely recognized houseplants.
Common garden and indoor plants can be toxic to dogs. While some might just cause an upset tummy, others can cause more serious problems – especially if they're eaten in large amounts. Although most dogs will avoid eating dangerous plants, others will be more curious, especially young dogs or puppies.
But Tina Wismer, DVM, MS, DABVT, DABT, a veterinarian and senior director at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, shared with us 5 common plant culprits with more severe clinical signs. "Eating any plant can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea in pets," Wismer points out.
“This could happen for one of several reasons, such as a natural tendency to graze (the same way a dog would eat grass outdoors), curiosity (dogs explore with their mouths) or accidentally swallowing parts of a plant while trying to play with it,” Dr. Austin told The Dodo.
The interest in leaves may also be an indicator that your dog is bored and need something to keep their attention. Try purchasing chewing sticks or other toys to redirect their need to eat leaves. You can also try food puzzles to stimulate your dog's brain and get them to engage with something other than leaves.
They're not trying to make your life difficult. Dogs, by nature, are scavengers - it's hard-wired into their DNA. So, it stands to reason that puppies will constantly be on the lookout for things to pick up, chew on, or eat.
You can set up a succulent garden indoors any time of the year. However, if you are looking to plant succulents outdoors, it might be best if you chose spring or summer. Although succulents are hardy and can even survive the winter pretty well, succulents need to be planted when the soil can be worked.
Succulents are one of the plants that work better in shallow pots. "The ideal garden pot for succulents is wider than it is deep," Baldwin says. "Succulents are shallow-rooted, and a soil-filled container that's too deep may hold too much moisture, which risks rotting the roots."
Slide the teeth between the piece of cactus and your pet's skin and 'comb' it out. Then inspect for any quills left behind. Larger quills can be removed using your pair of needle-nosed pliers. Grab one quill at a time, as close to the skin as you can, and pull straight out.
If your pet considers Christmas cactus to be a treat for the teeth instead of the eyes and chows down accordingly, you don't need to panic. The ASPCA lists Christmas cacti as non-toxic for both dogs and cats―neither the cactus nor the flowers are poisonous to pets.