Coleus is a popular plant with bright leaves, often seen in homes and gardens. But pet owners need to know that this plant can be dangerous to cats and dogs. Coleus has oils that can make pets sick. These oils can cause problems like skin irritation or upset stomachs, and in some cases, even trouble breathing.
What Makes Coleus Toxic?
Most types of coleus are harmful to pets. The essential oils in the plant are the main problem. These oils have compounds that can hurt animals, like coleonol and coleon O. Even a small amount of coleus can cause harm. Just touching the plant can irritate a pet’s skin. If a pet eats the plant, it can lead to worse symptoms.
Symptoms of Coleus Poisoning
Here are some common signs that your pet might have eaten coleus or touched it:
Skin Problems
- Rash
- Redness
- Itching or pain
- Burns on the face, mouth, or gums
These happen if your pet touches the plant.
Stomach Problems
- Vomiting (could be bloody)
- Diarrhea (could be bloody)
- Drooling
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain
These happen if your pet eats the plant.
Other Signs
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Shaking
- Trouble walking
- Low body temperature
- Breathing problems
- Seizures (in cats)
- Trouble moving (in cats)
If your pet has severe symptoms, it may affect their whole body.
What to Do If Your Pet Eats Coleus
If your pet eats coleus or shows any of the symptoms, get help from a vet right away.
- Call your vet or the Pet Poison Hotline at (855) 764-7661.
- If you can, bring a piece of the plant with you to the vet.
- Tell the vet when it happened, how much your pet ate, and what symptoms they have.
- The vet may run tests, like blood tests or x-rays, to check how sick your pet is.
Do not try to make your pet vomit or give them any home remedies unless your vet tells you to. Some home treatments can make the problem worse.
Treatment for Coleus Poisoning
The vet will treat the symptoms. Here are some common treatments:
- Medicine to stop vomiting
- IV fluids to keep your pet hydrated
- Oxygen if your pet is having trouble breathing
- Medicine for skin or mouth pain
- Pain relief
- Medicine to protect the liver
In serious cases, your pet may need to stay in the hospital for closer care.
How to Prevent Coleus Poisoning
The good news is that pets usually recover if they get treatment quickly. But if treatment is delayed or the poisoning is severe, there may be damage to the liver or kidneys.
To keep your pets safe:
- Keep coleus out of their reach.
- Put plants in hanging baskets or high shelves.
- Grow coleus outside where your pets can’t get to it.
- Teach your pets to avoid the plants.
- Offer safe plants for them to chew on.
Other Toxic Plants
Coleus is not the only dangerous plant for pets. Here’s a quick list of some other toxic houseplants:
| Plant | Toxicity Level | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Lilies | Highly toxic | Kidney failure, vomiting, diarrhea |
| Philodendron | Moderately toxic | Drooling, stomach upset |
| Sago Palm | Highly toxic | Liver failure, seizures |
| Aloe | Mildly toxic | Vomiting, lethargy |
| Jade Plant | Mildly toxic | Vomiting, depression |
| Azalea | Highly toxic | Vomiting, diarrhea |
This list is not all-inclusive. Always check if a plant is safe before bringing it home with pets.
Conclusion
Coleus can be dangerous for pets because of the oils it contains. These oils can cause skin problems, upset stomachs, and other serious health issues. To keep pets safe, keep coleus out of reach. If you think your pet has eaten coleus, see a vet right away. Most pets will recover with the right treatment.