Springtime in Bend means warmer weather and more time outdoors playing with your four-legged friend. As most dog owners well know, dogs are curious, seemingly fearless, and almost always putting something in their mouths. Sometimes that object can be toxic and cause serious harm to your dog if not treated quickly. According to Bend veterinarian, Dr. Chad Moles of Blue Sky Vet Clinic, it’s important to learn how to identify these toxic Oregon plants and reduce the potential for an accidental ingestion and poisoning.
1. Fruit Trees: Cherry Varieties, Apricot and Peach
These trees have poisonous leaves, twigs and bark that contain a small amount of cyanide which can cause a dog to become unable to breathe after consumption. If your dog eats any part of these fruit trees or other varieties not named, seek veterinary services near you for immediate care.
2. Japanese Yew
The Japanese Yew is an ornamental shrub that grows red berries. All parts of the plant are toxic to dogs due to the presence of alkaloids that include ephedrine, cyanide and taxine. This is another toxic plant that requires an immediate visit to your veterinarian in Bend for treatment.
3. Horse Chestnut
All parts of the horse chestnut and its seeds, known as conkers, are toxic due to the presence of aesculin, a neurotoxin. A dog that chews on or consumes any part of the horse chestnut tree and its conkers needs to be brought to the vet clinic in Bend for immediate attention. There is no antidote for aesculin, but prompt treatment can improve your dog’s chances of recovery.
4. Foxglove, Lily of the Valley, Milkweed, Oleander and Dogbane
All of these plants contain a toxin known as cardiac glycosides. This toxin is used for treatment of cardiac conditions in humans and pets. However, a dog that ingests any of these plants can experience an adverse cardiac event and require emergency treatment from your veterinarian.
5. Lilies, Tulips and Irises
It’s safe to assume that plants that grow from bulbs or tubers are toxic to dogs, including lilies, crocuses, daffodils, irises and begonias. If your dog has ingested any plant that grows from a bulb or a tuber, call your veterinarian immediately.
Oregon Grape Root: Not Toxic
Many pet owners ask if the Oregon grape, which is actually a holly-leaf barberry, is toxic to dogs. The answer is no, it is not toxic. In fact, it’s frequently used as an herbal supplement for dogs for its anti-fungal medicinal properties in slowing down the growth of bacteria in infections. It’s anti-inflammatory properties also work to reduce swelling and inflammation. Oregon grape is mentioned here because many confuse the plant with the Christmas or American holly which is similar in appearance to the Oregon grape holly and highly toxic to dogs.
Seek Veterinary Services Immediately if Your Dog Has Ingested a Toxic Plant
Time is of the essence when it comes to treatment for a dog that’s consumed a toxic plant. If you think your dog has ingested a toxic plant and notice the following symptoms and signs, then bring them to your veterinarian in Bend immediately.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive Sweating
- Difficulty Breathing
- Muscle Tremors
- Nervousness
- Weakness
- Seizures
The sooner you take action, the better your dog’s chances of survival and full recovery. Prevention of an accidental poisoning comes in the form of being aware of what your dog picks up in its mouth and chews on, but you can’t always catch your dog before it acts. When that happens, bring your dog to Blue Sky Vet Clinic for immediate treatment.
