Gardenias are beautiful flowers with a strong, sweet smell. Many people love to grow them at home. But if you have pets, you should be careful. Gardenias can make dogs and cats sick if they eat them. While they are not usually deadly, they can cause health problems.
Toxicity of Gardenias
Gardenias have natural toxins called geniposide and gardenoside. These toxins are found in all parts of the plant—stems, leaves, and flowers. The amount of toxins may change depending on the weather, soil, and season.
Some gardenia species are only mildly toxic, but Gardenia jasminoides (Cape Jasmine) has higher toxin levels. This makes it the most dangerous type for pets. Luckily, gardenias taste bitter, so most pets don’t eat a lot of them. Because of this, severe poisoning is rare.
Symptoms of Gardenia Poisoning in Dogs and Cats
If your pet eats a gardenia, they may show different symptoms. Some are mild, while others can be more serious. Here are the symptoms:
- Vomiting: Your pet may throw up because of the toxins.
- Diarrhea: The toxins can upset the stomach, causing loose stools.
- Skin Hives: Some pets may have an allergic reaction with itchy bumps.
- Low Blood Pressure: This can cause weakness, dizziness, or collapse.
- Low Body Temperature: Your pet may feel colder than normal.
- Irregular Heartbeat: The toxins can cause a fast or uneven heart rate.
- Partial Loss of Sight: In serious cases, pets may have trouble seeing for a while.
- Convulsions: Severe poisoning may lead to seizures or muscle spasms.
- Coma: In extreme cases, pets may become unconscious.
- Lethargy: Your pet may seem very tired or weak.
- Loss of Appetite: Stomach problems may cause pets to eat less.
What to Do if Your Dog or Cat Eats a Gardenia
If you think your pet ate a gardenia, call a vet right away. Even if they seem fine, the toxins may still harm them.
Steps to Take:
- Watch for Symptoms: Look for vomiting, diarrhea, or skin hives.
- Call Your Vet or a Poison Helpline: Your vet can guide you, or you can call the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.
- Bring a Sample of the Plant: If possible, take a piece of the gardenia or a photo to show the vet.
- Share Your Pet’s Health History: Tell the vet about any medicines or recent health issues your pet has had.
Treatment for Gardenia Poisoning
The vet will decide the best treatment based on how much your pet ate and how sick they are. Here are some common treatments:
- Inducing Vomiting: If your pet is not already vomiting, the vet may make them throw up to remove the toxins.
- Activated Charcoal: This can help absorb any remaining toxins.
- IV Fluids: If your pet is vomiting or has diarrhea, fluids can prevent dehydration.
- Medication: The vet may give medicine to coat the stomach and reduce irritation.
- Observation: In severe cases, your pet may stay at the vet clinic for monitoring.
The average treatment cost ranges from $200 to $500, with most cases costing around $300.
Recovery and Prevention
Most pets recover well if they get quick treatment. Watch your pet for a few days after treatment. If they seem sick again, call the vet.
How to Prevent Gardenia Poisoning:
- Keep Gardenias Out of Reach: If you have gardenias, make sure your pets can’t get to them.
- Use Barriers: Fences or plant cages can stop pets from chewing on gardenias.
- Try Pet-Safe Plants: Some safe alternatives include roses, zinnias, and sunflowers.
Conclusion
Gardenias are lovely but can be dangerous for pets. Knowing the risks and keeping gardenias away from your pets can help keep them safe.