March 16-22 is National Poison Prevention Week which means this is the perfect time for a reminder about common toxic plants. Here is a list of toxic plants that you should avoid and since pets are often left unattended, it’s best to not have any of these plants in your house or yard. If you believe your pet may have been exposed to any of the following toxins, please call VESCONE at 781-684-8387 or the Animal Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4235 and a veterinarian will speak with you about further care for your pet. For a more complete list of toxic plants please click here. And please check out our additional pet safety tips also in this section.

	Azalea/Rhododendron - Members of the Rhododendron spp. contain substances known as grayantoxins, which can produce vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and depression of the central nervous system in animals. Severe azalea poisoning could ultimately lead to coma and death from cardiovascular collapse.
	Castor Bean - The poisonous principle in Ricinus communis is ricin, a highly toxic protein that can produce severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness and loss of appetite. Severe cases of poisoning can result in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma and death.
	Cyclamen - Cyclamen species contain cyclamine, but the highest concentration of this toxic component is typically located in the root portion of the plant. If consumed, Cyclamen can produce significant gastrointestinal irritation, including intense vomiting. Fatalities have also been reported in some cases.
	Kalanchoe - This plant contains components that can produce gastrointestinal irritation, as well as those that are toxic to the heart, and can seriously affect cardiac rhythm and rate.
	Lilies - Members of the Lilium spp. are considered to be highly toxic to cats. While the poisonous component has not yet been identified, even ingestions of very small amounts can cause severe kidney damage.
	Marijuana - Ingestion of Cannabis by companion animals can result in depression of the central nervous system, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased heart rate, and even seizures and coma.
	Oleander - All parts of Nerium oleander are considered to be toxic, as they contain cardiac glycosides that have the potential to cause serious effects—including gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death.
	Tulip/Narcissus Bulbs - The bulb portions contain toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.
	Yew - Taxus spp. contains a toxic component known as taxine, which causes central nervous system effects such as trembling, incoordination, and difficulty breathing. It can also cause significant gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac failure, which can result in death.
Remember, the most important thing in an emergency is to not panic. Before taking your pet to the hospital remember to bring a sample of the substance ingested, it may be helpful in determining what toxins were involved. If you witness your pet ingesting a substance you believe might be toxic, don’t wait, seek emergency assistance right away. Sometimes, even if poisoned, an animal may appear normal for several hours or even days after the incident.