Note the name of your plants
The Quebec Poison Control Center (CAQ) responded to 834 calls last year about possible poisoning by plants in children 5 years and under who are making their first discoveries. Fortunately, if most of the time the situation is without serious consequences, the presence of toxic plants in their immediate environment, in the garden or at home, should worry parents. For example, a host of indoor plants contain calcium oxalates which account for the majority of cases reported to the Center. Also harmful to pets, these tiny crystals penetrate the tongue and lining of the mouth causing severe pain.
PHOTO LUCALUCA, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
A very common indoor plant, dieffenbachia is often the cause of calcium oxalate poisoning.
The dieffenbachia, a very popular species, is often the cause among indoor plants, explains Guillaum Bélair, nurse at the CAQ. “The sap causes severe pain in the mouth and can cause swelling of the tongue and throat which can lead to breathing difficulties,” he argues.
Other plants with different toxic effects, but sometimes much more serious, are also the source of nearly 300 calls. If the severity of the poisoning varies according to the quantity ingested, the problems range from skin irritation to intestinal disorders, but also sometimes to heart problems. For example, the hydrangea particularly popular at Easter contains compounds similar to cyanide. For its part, the oleander, a pretty balcony plant, can prove to be deadly.
As for the famous poinsettia, while it is not considered dangerous, it can cause significant stomach upset if the fruit is swallowed. Its sap is also irritating to some children and even animals.
PHOTO DAVID BOILY, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
While not considered dangerous, poinsettia sap, like that of other spurges, can irritate the skin and cause stomach problems if swallowed.
“Parents should obviously check the degree of toxicity of their plants, remember their name and keep them out of reach of children,” says Mr. Bélair. He also invites the public to consult the CAQ’s website to discover the list of garden or indoor plants presenting a danger.
Vulnerable cats
The list of plants toxic to pets is long, but cases of poisoning fortunately remain relatively rare, indicate the veterinarians consulted.
The Dr Jean Gauvin, who has 40 years of practice in Lachine in addition to participating in popular science radio programs, explains that a good number of pets will immediately reject the toxic flower or leaf they have just nibbled. . This is the case, among others, of plants whose sap contains calcium oxalates, in particular dieffenbachia. But according to him, the plant that poses the most problems is the lily, whether in a pot, in a bouquet or in the garden. His victim: the cat.
PHOTO DAVID BOILY, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Many garden and indoor plants are harmful to pets, although cases of poisoning are rare. Above all, keep your cat away from lilies, which can be life-threatening.
An opinion shared by Édouard Martin, clinician at the hospital of the faculty of veterinary medicine of the University of Montreal in Saint-Hyacinthe. The Dr Martin, who teaches emergency medicine at the faculty, explains that the sap of the lily causes kidney failure in our domestic cats, which can be fatal.
According to Catherine Fillion-Brochu, of the Rive-Sud Veterinary Center in Brossard, cats tend to nibble on plants more often than dogs. The Centre’s emergency clinic treats four to five cases of lily poisoning annually. In such a situation, the animal must be taken care of urgently by a veterinarian, because its life depends on it.
Of course, a host of other plant products can also be toxic to our pets. The Dr Gauvin says he saw cockatiels (cockatiel) die poisoned by calcium oxalates, or after eating avocado, a deadly product for birds, but also for rabbits, he says. The rising trend in recent years: cannabis poisonings in one form or another caused by consumer negligence.
Some dangerous species
PIOTRUS PHOTO, WIKIPEDIA COMMONS
The sap of crotons is toxic to children and pets. It may cause skin irritation and vomiting if ingested.
Popular houseplants containedant calcium oxalates:
Alocasia, anthurium, colocasia, pothos, monstera, caladium, spatiphylum, calla lily begonia, philodendron, dieffenbachia
Popular poisonous houseplants (for children and pets)
Azalea, cyclamen, aloe, sanseveria (mother-in-law’s tongue), croton, euphorbia, tradescantia, ficus, schefflera, geranium, Christmas cactus, etc.