By: Morgan Watters and Gisselle Venable
Staff-Writer/Cartoonist and Staff-Writer
Indiana is filled with plants and animals that may be deadly to your critters. Here are some to look out for and protect your furry friends from as spring makes its way to the Midwest.
When we bring plants inside the home, we see them as decoration – something to liven up the room. Our pets, however, see them as a snack. It can be nearly impossible to keep pets away from plants, so the best option is to play it safe and monitor the plants you bring into the home or have outside.
Here are some plants to stay away from:
- Lilies: All lilies are extremely toxic to both cats and dogs. The effects in cats, though, are much more severe. Being exposed to the plant can cause seizures, vomiting or deadly effects such as kidney failure.
- Tulips: Tulips are in the Lily family, and if ingested can cause health problems ranging from vomiting and drooling to convulsions and even a coma.
- Hyacinths: The bulbs of this flower are the most dangerous part of the plant. If ingested, they can cause difficulty breathing, depression and an increased heart rate.
- Amaryllises: All parts of this plant are considered toxic, especially the bulb. If ingested, pets can become lethargic with abdominal pain and excessive drooling.
- Azaleas: Ingestion of azaleas can cause muscle weakness, seizures and an erratic heartbeat in pets.
Plants aren’t the only threat to our pets. There are numerous animals that dogs and cats may eat or be attacked by when wandering outside or being taken on walks as the weather gets warmer.
Here are some common animals in Indiana to look out for:
- Rattlesnakes: Venomous and hostile but usually stay in tall grassy areas.
- Brown Recluse Spider: Painful bites that may cause wounds to not heal.
- Black Widow Spider: Painful bites that are not typically deadly but may cause shock.
- Wasps: Unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times and are usually hostile. They are not deadly, but be cautious.
- Racoons: May have rabies and attack your pets, which passes on the virus.
Please check your yards and surroundings for your furry friends’ safety and your own!
