ST. LOUIS – Springtime is here and so is the planting season. 

But some common indoor plants and those in your garden may pose toxic risks to your pets.

While some plants can be as small as an upset tummy if ingested by your dog or cat, others bring serious health issues.

“Depending on what kind of plant they eat. Drooling is big; if a cat is drooling, that’s not normal. Dogs drool more often than cats,” said Senior Practice Manager Laurie Fodor of Animal Medical Center of Mid-Missouri. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and potential seizures.”

Flowers, including Easter lilies—a lily that blooms with leaves going up the stalk is called a lithium lily or a stargazer lily. Both are toxic to animals if ingested. 

However, the callous which is a daylily, is not toxic

Other common household varieties that are toxic to dogs and cats are lavender, lantanas, golden pothos, jades and hydrangeas.

Cindy Collins, owner of Hartke Nursery in Maryland Heights, said that the hydrangeas’ that are of the blue and pink varieties are toxic; however, the white ones are not.

If your pet shows any signs of illness, especially vomiting, lethargy, drooling or changes in appetite or behavior, it’s crucial that you contact your veterinarian immediately. 

Letting them know about any potentially toxic plants in the home or any that the pet may have ingested can help make for a faster and more accurate diagnosis.

For more information on toxic plants/flowers to avoid, visit here. To find a list of safe, non-toxic plants, visit here.