Is Your Jade Plant Toxic To Your Pets? Find Out Now!

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Jade plants are toxic to pets, inducing gastric distress, heartbeat irregularities, and depression. Any part of this plant is equally harmful. If you suspect your pet has ingested, seek immediate medical care.

If you have a pet and are considering introducing jade plants to your home, you will find this post helpful. I will provide you with all there is to know about jade plant poisoning in pets, including the symptoms, what to do when your pet ingests the plant, and how to have both safely at home.

Jade Plant Toxicity in Pets

Jade or rubber plants contain harmful chemicals that are likely to kill your pet if ingested. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals lists the plant as among the most poisonous houseplants for animals.

Pets like dogs and cats are curious, often chewing on items around them. Jade plant poisoning can be mild or severe, and if your pet takes a bite of this plant, it might develop the following symptoms and behavior:

• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Depression
• Slow heart rate
• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Impaired muscle movement
• Convulsions
• Aggression
• Hiding

Research has not yet identified specific toxic substances in the plant. However, the amount of plant ingested will determine the severity of the animal’s condition. Also, remember that the digestive system of certain animals, such as cats and dogs, is not designed to digest plant material.

When you suspect your animal to have ingested a jade plant, take the animal away from the plant. Also, remove any plant material from the animal’s mouth and wipe it with a clean damp cloth.

If the animal’s condition is not critical, the veterinary doctor may recommend that you keep an eye on the animal. You must ensure the animal has no allergic reaction or aspirate the vomit. You should also not try to induce vomiting, which may cause aspiration pneumonia if the animal inhales any material.

As you take your animal to a veterinary doctor, bring the plant part the animal consumed. The plant sample will help the doctors diagnose and develop the most suitable treatment plan. Also, if the animal has other medical conditions or is on other medications, it is helpful to inform the doctor.

Even after identifying the type of plant ingested, you should expect the doctor to run other tests to determine the animal’s condition. At some point, the doctor might have to sedate the animal using a flexible tube called an endoscope. Some of the routine tests include:

• Reflexes
• Blood pressure
• Weight
• Temperature
• Heart rate
• Oxygen levels
• Breath sounds
• Urine samples
• Stool samples
• Endoscopy for airway obstruction and inflammations
• Imaging (abdominal X-rays and ultrasound)
• And other lab tests

From these tests, the doctor will tell if any indigestible material is in the animal’s digestive system. They also help identify organs with inflammations, such as the intestinal tract and other vital organs.

The typical treatment of jade plant poisoning in pets might involve procedures depending on the affected organs. These include:

• Evacuation; this procedure will help clear out any toxic or indigestible plant material in the animal’s stomach. The vet doctor might give the animal ipecac to induce vomiting. In other cases, activated charcoal is might be given orally to help absorb all the toxins remaining in the digestive system.
• Decontamination entails gastric bypass (flushing the digestive system with a warm saline solution). The animal will be sedated, and a long hose is inserted through the mouth to the stomach.
• The doctor might also give the animal some intravenous (IV) fluids for fluid therapy to help clean the kidneys. The fluids might perform other functions, such as reducing dehydration chances in vomiting and diarrhea.
• Medications; the doctor will assess the animal and see if medication is needed. In case of vomiting, the veterinarian will issue an antiemetic to stop it.
• Observation; in severe cases, the animal may have to remain under the watch of specialists for a few hours. If the poisoning is minor, you will have to keep an eye on the animal at home.

Also read, 9 Tips for running house plants for Success

How to protect your pets against jade plant poisoning at home

Keeping poisonous plants within their reach is not advisable if you have dogs and cats around the house. The easiest way to prevent accidental ingestion is by getting rid of the plant or not having the plant at all.

Pets such as dogs and cats are not herbivorous; thus, they will eye your jade plants. For this reason, you can safely have pets and toxic plants in the house with the utmost care. If your dog or cat is chewing on your jade plants, they are bored, and the pants are easily accessible.

Another reason why carnivorous pets chew on house plants is that there are existing gaps within their diet which they try to fill gaps in their diet. It could be that the animal is not getting enough to eat or missing certain nutrients in their diet.

For instance, whenever cats are not getting sufficient vegetables in their diet, they will start chewing on plants around them, which might be poisonous. Addressing the underlying issues, you will have an easier time keeping the animals away from the plants.

Also, if you have pets in the house, you wouldn’t keep jade plants at places where the animals wouldn’t reach. Pets will habitually collect items on the ground and toying with them. For this reason, ensure that you keep an eye on the plant and collect leaves and flowers that drop from the plant.

Keeping cats away from the toxic jade plant might not be possible. If you must have them both, you can consider using a cat repellant or placing the plants in a glass display case.

Avoid planting jade and other toxic plants outdoors where pets can easily find them. And having a fence around your home will help prevent your pets from going to the neighbors where their safety is not guaranteed.

Providing your pets with a flower pot of grass or catnip for cats is helpful and ensures it is easily accessible. This technique will prevent the animals from seeking other animals that might be toxic.

It is always advisable to confine your animals whenever you are not at home to restrict their movement and ensure their safety.

Also, read, Jade plants make an excellent choice of household plants, find out why

Frequently Asked Questions

Are jade plants toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes, jade plants can poison your animals if they happen to chew on them. If your cat or dog ingests the plant, you need to have the animal seen by a specialist.

What happens when a dog or cat eats a jade plant?

Whenever a dog or cat chews on jade plants, they will show symptoms, including trouble walking, vomiting, and breathing difficulties. These symptoms vary depending on the amount of plant material ingested.

Which parts of jade plants are poisonous?

All parts of jade plants are poisonous and should be kept away from pets.

What makes jade plants grow faster?

Jade plants grow fastest in a temperate environment of about 65-86°F (18-30°C). If you have indoor plants, try to always keep temperatures in this range. Try to move it indoors during winter for an outdoor plant if your climate is not suitable.

Does the jade plant need sunlight?

Jade plants should receive at least 6 hours of bright light each day. Young jade plants should be kept in bright, indirect sunlight; large, well-established ones can handle more direct sunlight.

Conclusion

Jade plants are poisonous to your pets. If you have jade plants within your home, you risk your animals ingesting them. Protecting your pets from poisoning is best by keeping them away from your jade plant.

Showing the symptoms of jade plant poisoning helps you identify such cases and act quickly to save the animal’s life. Finally, if you cannot guarantee your animal’s safety around these plants, you should do away with them.