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If you have pets in the house, it is good to be cautious of the house plants you place in your home. Some house plants would be safe for your pets when consumed. However, if you have poisonous plants around your home, you risk your plants consuming them and probably dying of poisoning. And you would have to choose between having either of them.
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 to have ingested, seek immediate medical care.
If you have a pet and are thinking of introducing jade plants to your home, you will find this post helpful. I will be providing 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 you can have both safely at your home.
Jade Plant Toxicity in Pets
Jade plants, also known as 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 such as 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 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 that the animal does not have an 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, make sure to 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 let the doctor know.
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 there is any indigestible material 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 animals 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; the procedure entails gastric bypass (flushing the digestive system with a warm saline solution). The animal will be sedated and then a long hose is inserted through the mouth to the stomach.
- Fluid therapy; the doctor might also give the animal some intravenous (IV) fluids to help clean the kidneys. The fluids might perform other functions such as reducing chances of dehydration in instances of vomiting and diarrhea.
- Medications; the doctor will assess the animal and see if there is need of medication. In case of vomiting, the veterinarian will issue antiemetic to stop it.
- Observation; in severe cases, the animal may have to remain for a few hours under the watch of specialists. If the poisoning was minor, you will have to keep an eye of 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 any 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 be eyeing your jade plants. For this reason, with the utmost care, you can safely have pets and toxic plants in the house. If your dog or cat is chewing on your jade plants, it is because they are bored, and the pants are easily accessible to them.
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 they are 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. By 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, wouldn’t keep jade plants at places where the animals wouldn’t reach. Pets will have a habit of collecting 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 plants 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.
It is helpful to provide your pets with a flower pot of grass or catnip for cats and make sure 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
FAQ’s about Jade Plants
Conclusion
Jade plants are poisonous to your pets. If you have jade plants within your home, you risk your animals ingesting them. It is best to protect your pets from poisoning by keeping them away from your jade plant.
Showing the symptoms of jade plant poisoning helps you identify such cases and act within time to save the animal’s life. Finally, if you cannot guarantee your animal’s safety around these plants, you should do away with them.
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