You just bought a bright anthurium plant. Its red, heart-shaped flowers look great in your living room. But your dog, curious as always, starts chewing on it. Soon, your dog is pawing at its mouth and drooling a lot. This shows that anthuriums, also known as flamingo flowers, can be harmful to your dog. These plants look nice but have calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to dogs if they eat them. This article explains how anthuriums can harm dogs, what signs to watch for, and how to keep your dog safe.
What Makes Anthuriums Dangerous to Dogs
Anthuriums have tiny crystals called calcium oxalate. When your dog chews on the plant, these crystals hurt the inside of its mouth and stomach. The pain and bad taste often stop the dog from eating too much, but the crystals can still cause swelling and allergic reactions.
Signs of Anthurium Poisoning in Dogs
If your dog eats an anthurium, symptoms can appear quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes. Other times, it may take up to two hours. Common signs are:
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Drooling a lot
- Irritability
- Swelling in the mouth
- Mouth or tongue irritation
- Trouble breathing
- Vomiting
- Feeling anxious
- Trouble swallowing
In serious cases, your dog might also have:
- Irregular heartbeats
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Hoarse bark
- Loss of appetite
- Numbness in the mouth
- Vocalizing more than usual
What to Do if Your Dog Eats an Anthurium
If your dog chews or eats part of an anthurium, get help right away. Even if it only ate a small piece and seems fine, call the vet. Here’s what to do while waiting:
- Confirm the plant: Make sure it’s an anthurium your dog ate.
- Remove any plant parts: Gently take any remaining plant out of your dog’s mouth.
- Call the vet: Tell them about your dog’s size, age, and what happened.
- Follow the vet’s advice: They might tell you to make your dog vomit or come to the clinic for treatment.
How the Vet Treats Anthurium Poisoning
The vet will help your dog recover in a few ways:
- Clean the mouth: They’ll rinse the mouth and nose with clean water to remove the toxins.
- Give fluids: Fluids through an IV will help your dog stay hydrated and get rid of the toxins.
- Induce vomiting: If needed, the vet might make your dog vomit to remove the plant. Activated charcoal may be given to absorb the toxins.
- Medications: For serious cases, the vet might give medicine to reduce swelling, pain, or stomach issues. Treatment costs can range from $200 to $3,000, with an average of $400.
- Monitor recovery: The vet will check your dog’s vital signs and make sure it can breathe properly.
Recovery and Outlook
If your dog only ate a small amount of anthurium, it should be okay in a day or two. However, if it has trouble breathing or swallowing, call the vet right away. Severe cases may need a stay in the hospital until your dog recovers.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe from Anthuriums
To prevent poisoning, follow these tips:
- Place plants out of reach: Keep anthuriums on high shelves or in rooms where your dog can’t get them.
- Train your dog: Teach your dog commands like “leave it” to stop them from chewing plants.
- Use barriers: You can put up fences or cages around your plants.
- Choose safer plants: Consider plants like spider plants or Boston ferns, which are not toxic to dogs.
- Try scents that dogs dislike: Some dogs hate the smell of citrus, coffee, or spices like cayenne pepper. These might keep your dog away from your plants.
Conclusion
Anthuriums are beautiful plants, but they can be harmful to dogs. By understanding the risks, recognizing the signs of poisoning, and taking steps to keep your dog away from them, you can enjoy these plants safely. Always get veterinary help if your dog eats any part of an anthurium. With the right knowledge, you can keep your dog safe and still enjoy your plants.