What is dumbcane?
- Family: Araceae
- Botanical name: Dieffenbachia spp.
- Common names: Dumbcane, Mother-in-law plant, Dumb cane
- Toxicity: Toxic to cats
- Toxic parts: All parts
- Severity: Moderate
- Toxic principle: Insoluble calcium oxalate
What plants are deadly to cats?
These Idaho native shrubs tolerate at least some shade, but are not evergreen:
- Syringa
- Woods rose
- Thimbleberry
- Oceanspray
- Mallow ninebark
- Rocky Mountain maple
- Golden currant
- Red flowering currant
- Common snowberry
- Red-twig dogwood
What plants are not toxic to cats?
About
- Aster. ...
- Hibiscus. ...
- Orchid. ...
- Rose. ...
- Cornflower or bachelor’s button. ...
- Cock’s Comb. ...
- Gerbera. ...
- Pincushion: A hardy plant native Australia, there are 48 species of pincushion plant, with flowers in shades of red, orange and pink.
- Kangaroo paw: Native to Australia, these hardy perennials come in several vibrant colours. ...
What are some poisonous plants for cats?
Top 6 Most Common House Plants That Are Toxic to Cats
- Lilies. Many types of lilies, including those commonly bought around the holidays, are toxic to cats. ...
- Autumn Crocus. The autumn crocus is extremely toxic to cats. ...
- Azaleas and Rhododendrons. Eating a tiny amount of azaleas or rhododendrons could make a cat seriously ill. ...
- Oleander. ...
- Cyclamen. ...
- Daffodils/Narcissus. ...
What flowers are poisonous to cats?
The consumption of some flowers and plants can cause reactions varying from a mild rash to death in cats. Do You Know Which Flower is a Potential Danger to Your Cat? The Answer Is: Lilies Lilies are extremely toxic to cats. Any part, even just a leaf or pollen, can cause kidney failure and death.
See more
What if my cat eats a Dieffenbachia?
Dieffenbachia – catsRinse your pet's mouth with milk, as this is believed to dissolve calcium oxalate crystals and reduce injury to the mucous membranes.Do not induce vomiting.If your pet has any difficulty breathing or any evidence of swelling around the tongue, jaw or neck, seek immediate veterinary attention.More items...
Is a Dieffenbachia pet friendly?
Dieffenbachia is generally known as Dumb Cane, Exotica or Tropic Snow and it's poisonous to both dogs and cats. This plant's harmful toxins can result in burning/swelling of the mouth and tongue as well as difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, and increased salivation.Feb 26, 2018
What part of Dieffenbachia is poisonous?
All parts of the Dieffenbachia plant contain raphides. The raphides in Dieffenbachia plants also release proteolytic enzymes which increase the severity of symptoms, causing swelling and respiratory distress. Oxalates are typically found in the leaves of Philodendron plants.
Are all Dieffenbachia poisonous?
Dieffenbachia one of the most common indoor plants, is easy to care and great as an office plant. However the plant can be poisonous so there are some situations where it might not be a good fit. Sadly, there are many popular houseplants that are toxic to both humans and pets so care must be taken when growing them.Jun 19, 2017
Are Chinese evergreen plants toxic to cats?
Chinese evergreen Chinese evergreen's level of toxicity is mild to moderate, though symptoms can include liver and kidney damage. Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.Sep 12, 2018
Is dieffenbachia an air purifier?
Dieffenbachia. Ideal for creating a tropical look, dieffenbachia (sometimes called dumb cane because its poisonous leaves contain a substance that can temporarily numb the vocal cords if consumed) offers lush foliage that takes toxins out of the air, so your family can breathe easier.
Is dieffenbachia good for indoors?
Dieffenbachia is a tropical plant that grows well indoors in lots of indirect light. It can tolerate low light, but its growth will slow dramatically.
Does a dieffenbachia flower?
Dieffenbachia has a unique type of flower; a spathe and spadix make up the inflorescence (imperfect bloom). The spathe is green and often resembles an unfolding leaf. It persists for a long period of time. The spadix is erect, off-white in color, and is often hidden.
Is dieffenbachia toxic to dogs and cats?
Fortunately, Dieffenbachia is not severely toxic, and pets usually get better with no significant consequences. However, a trip to the vet is advised to provide your pet with pain medication until the oral ulceration resolves.Nov 13, 2020
Is Cordyline toxic to cats?
The Hawaiian Ti tree produces natural chemicals to protect itself from fungi, illnesses and insects, which are mildly toxic to domestic pets.Jul 27, 2021
What does a dieffenbachia look like?
Dieffenbachia, also known as the dumb cane, this easy-to-grow houseplant is perfect for homes and offices. This old-time favorite indoor plant features lush blue-green, chartreuse-gold foliage with yellow, white, or cream spots.
Why does my cat chew on dieffenbachia?
In most cases, cats will cease chewing on dieffenbachia in response to the bitter taste and sudden pain. The most common symptoms relate to acute oropharyngeal pain from contact with needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals. In rare cases, swelling can lead to breathing difficulty.
What happens if a cat chews on a plant?
When a cat chews on the plant, calcium oxalate crystals penetrate the delicate tissue of the mouth and throat leading to intense pain and in some cases, swelling and difficulty breathing.
How to prevent dumbcane toxicosis?
Prevention. The only way to prevent dumbcane toxicosis is to not have these plants in homes with cats or keep them in rooms the cat cannot access. There are many cat safe indoor plants for plant lovers to grow.
Where does the Dumbcane plant grow?
Dumbcane is a herbaceous perennial which consists of approximately 30 species and 100 cultivars. The plant is native to the Caribbean and South America and is widely cultivated as an easy to grow ornamental houseplant valued for its decorative mottled foliage.
Is it safe to bring a poinsettia plant to a pet?
It is important to consider pets when bringing plants into the home. Toxicity can range from mild and self-limiting such as poinsettia with its irritatant sap and insoluble calcium oxalate containing plants to the deadly Lilium family which must be avoided at all costs.
Is dumbcane poisonous to cats?
Dumbcane (dieffenbachia) is toxic to cats. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals which are formed by specialised cells known as idioblasts. These needle-sharp crystals clump together in bundles known as r aphides. When a cat chews on the plant, calcium oxalate crystals penetrate the delicate tissue of ...
Why is the Dieffenbachia plant poisonous?
The poisonous effect of the dieffenbachia plant happens because the plant contains needle-shaped oxalate crystals, (oxalic acid) as well as asparagines, a protein found in the plant. When the leaf is chewed, these crystals will cause a burning sensation. This can make it a problem if the plant is grown around children or pets.
What are the symptoms of dieffenbachia poisoning in animals?
In addition to the symptoms above for humans, dieffenbachia poisoning in animals might also include: pawing at the face. restlessness. drooling. difficulty eating. loss of appetite. unconsciousness. Since the symptoms in animals can be life threatening, a vet should be called if you suspect dieffenbachia poisoning.
What is the name of the poison that causes the inability to speak?
The common name for dieffenbachia is dumbcane. The name refers to its poisonous effect, mainly when ingested. The poison can temporarily cause an inability to speak. Another common name for it is “mother in law’s tongue.”.
How is dieffenbachia poison transmitted?
The poison is transmitted through the juice in the plant, found in the stems, leaves and more rarely, the roots. For children and pets, the problems are more severe than for adults. The effects are rarely life threatening. The most common patients attended to for dieffenbachia toxicity are children younger than 5.
How to treat dieffenbachia?
:If you or your child is affected, first wipe out the mouth with a cold, wet cloth. Drink milk to ease the symptoms. For eye symptoms, rinse them well with cool water.
What happens if you swallow a plant?
If the juice of the plant has been swallowed, one can expect. diarrhea. vomiting. difficulty breathing (if enough is consumed) Since the juice of the leaves produces a burning sensation, it is unlikely that large amounts would be consumed, so the last symptoms are “worst case” scenarios.
Where is Dieffenbachia native to?
Dieffenbachia is an attractive house plant. It is native to the tropics. It is grown worldwide as an ornamental house plant. It is very attractive, with large white flecked leaves growing on a straight stem.
What is the APCC number for Dieffenbachia?
Dieffenbachia. If you suspect your pet may have ingested a potentially toxic substance, call the APCC at (888) 426-4435 or contact your local veterinarian as soon as possible.
What is the phone number to call a pet for toxic substances?
If you suspect your pet may have ingested a potentially toxic substance, call the APCC at (888) 426-4435 or contact your local veterinarian as soon as possible. *. * A consultation fee may apply. Browse Toxic Plant Gallery List ».
What plants are poisonous to cats?
Here are some of the most common plants poisonous to cats with mild symptoms: Philodendron, Pothos, Dieffenbachia, Peace lily, Poinsettia – Whether it comes from chewing on or ingesting the plants, all of these can lead to mouth and throat irritation, drooling and vomiting.
What plants cause vomiting?
Ivy can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, breathing difficulty, fever and muscle weakness. Azalea and rhododendrons can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyper salivation, weakness, depression of the central nervous system and, in severe cases, death. Holly shrubs may result in digestive upset and nervous system depression.
Is a calla lily poisonous to cats?
Severely Toxic Plants to Cats. Severely toxic plants can include any of the following: With exception to peace lily and calla lily, all other lily varieties are major threats to cats, causing kidney failure and death. It takes only a small amount to result in poisoning.
Do cats eat plants?
While cats do feast on a great many plants, especially those found in the home , they are usually less likely to feed on an entire plant as most dogs will.
Is a hydrangea plant poisonous?
Hydrangea shrubs contain a toxin similar to cyanide and can quickly lead to oxygen deprivation and death. All parts of sago palm are considered poisonous, with the seeds (nuts) being the most toxic part of the plant. Ingestion results in acute gastrointestinal symptoms, tremors and severe liver failure.
Can poinsettias cause diarrhea?
Note: Massive amounts of poinsettias must be ingested before symptoms occur. Ficus and Snake (Mother -in-laws tongue) plants can result in vomiting and diarrhea, while Dracaena (corn plant) may cause vomiting, drooling, and staggering. Jade carries the same symptoms in addition to depression.
