Trying to keep your dog from knocking over plants and other items in the house is almost as difficult as commanding the sun not to shine. For this reason, we will be answering the topic, "Are orchids poisonous to dogs?" today.
We want you to enjoy your time with your dogs at home without having to worry about rushing to the clinic every time your dog goes on an adventure. This post is for anyone who like cool houseplants or is just starting out in the world of plant enthusiasts.
In addition to discussing whether orchids are toxic to dogs, we'll also go over some additional plants that, if you have dogs in your home, you should avoid.
Let's first examine what can cause your dog to begin chewing on your orchids before delving into the different species.
Why Are Orchids Intriguing to Dogs?
Your dog may be drawn to your lovely orchids for a variety of reasons, including teething, curiosity, boredom, and anxiety.
This final section primarily pertains to puppies. Puppies frequently search for nearby items to chew on when they are teething. Consequently, if your new infant begins to chew on your beloved pair of slippers, don't be shocked.
With that out of the way, let's examine why orchids are such interesting plants and which types pose a risk to your dog.
The Orchid Species
The Orchidaceae family includes all orchids. Orchids come in about 25,000 different species, with even more hybrids.
What makes orchids popular houseplants? because to their beauty, color, and fragility. They do something to your house that changes the atmosphere.
The good news is that, if consumed by dogs, orchids are usually regarded as safe or nontoxic. We'll examine those in a moment, but there are still several to be aware of.
What Are Some Orchid Plants to Pay Attention to?
1. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
The Moth Orchid is not poisonous to dogs.
These pet-friendly flowers are readily available in supermarkets and other garden retailers. As a result, if you're seeking for orchid plants that are easy to find and won't injure your dog, consider this Phalaenopsis Orchid.
However, you may want to keep this orchid away from your dog. For starters, you don't want your lovely plant ruined. Second, excessive chewing on this orchid may lead your infant to feel unwell.
2. Lady Slipper Orchid (Cypripedioideae Orchid)
The orchid plant is harmful to dogs.
The Lady Slipper Orchid is a unique orchid that should not be purchased if you own a dog. Also called as slipper orchids, these orchid plants can easily irritate your dog's skin and stomach.
Even as garden plants, Lady Slipper Orchids are toxic to dogs. As a result, pay great attention when you're outside with your dog to keep them from chewing on any Lady Slipper Orchids in the wild.
What Should You Do When Your Dog Eats An Orchid?
The first step is to avoid panic. We've highlighted several steps you can take if you suspect your dog ate some orchid blossoms or leaves.
Here they are.
Step 1: Relocate the Orchid Plant
After the initial shock has subsided and you have removed the plants, the following step is to select a new location for your plant.
Keep moon orchids, valley orchids, Phalaenopsis orchids, and other plants out of your dog's reach. This applies to both hazardous and nontoxic orchids.
Before proceeding to the following stage, make sure your dog's mouth is clean and free of any remnants of their adventure. Remove any remaining orchid leaves, blossoms, bark, or compost from their lips.
Step 2: Check for Any Sign of Skin Irritation
The extent of irritation may vary depending on the orchid with which your dog came into touch. If you notice any rashes on your dog, use clean, warm water to bathe the afflicted areas.
Remove any orchids that remain on your dog's skin and take precautions to keep yourself safe. To protect your hands from the orchids, use waterproof gloves.
Step 3: Call the Vet
The next step is to contact your veterinarian. Tell them what happened to your dogs, cats, and other pets. Provide them with information on the orchids you have and the overall scenario.
If you put fertilizers on your orchids, make sure to tell your veterinarian. Mention all of your dog's symptoms, especially any skin sensitivities and obvious stomach discomfort.
Your veterinarian will next advise you on the next steps based on the information you've provided.
Step 4: Follow the Veterinarian’s Instructions
This may seem like an obvious step, but we believed it's vital to include it for emphasis. The truth is that you may be so shocked and distressed that you don't pay close attention to what the vet says.
Take a few deep breaths before calling the vet to make sure you're calm enough to follow the instructions. The veterinarian may advise you to phone the poison helpline or bring your dog in for an assessment.
What Are Other Plants Harmful to Dogs?
1. Philodendrons
Pet parents and dog owners should be aware of this popular houseplant, especially if their pets are adventurous. These plants frequently have long vines, heart-shaped leaves, and insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.
If your dog ingests the plant material, these crystals may irritate their lips and tongue. Furthermore, these plants are toxic to dogs and can cause retching, drooling, and discomfort in their mouths.
2. Lily of the Valley
Despite its cuteness and sweetness, pet parents should avoid this plant. These hazardous plants to dogs can thrive in shaded areas, so you might encounter them in surprising places.
If exposed to these plants, your dog may suffer heart problems. Furthermore, if they consume a few bulbs or leaves, your dog may vomit, have convulsions, have low blood pressure, or fall into a coma in severe circumstances.
3. Oleander
If you enjoy landscaping, you are probably familiar with the oleander plant. This plant can grow up to 12 feet tall.
The worst part about this plant is that it contains no non-toxic components. The flowers and foliage are all poisonous to dogs. It will impact your dog in the same way as Lily of the Valley does.
4. Sago Palm
The appearance of the sago palm will appeal to those who enjoy palm trees. It appears to be a tiny palm tree. All pets are poisoned by sago palms, unfortunately. Consequently, it is imperative that pet owners keep their animals away from this plant.
It is the seeds of sago palms that are the most toxic. But it doesn't mean the leaves and bark aren't also toxic. Therefore, keep the sago palm away from your dog regardless of whether they enjoy eating plants.
5. Tulips
Tulips are popular because they are lovely spring flowers that brighten up everyone's day. They might be either indoors or outside. Nonetheless, keep them away from your dog if you have one.
If your dog consumes these leaves, it may get gastrointestinal distress. Pay particular attention to any recently planted bulbs that your dog may dig out from the garden. These contain concentrated poisons that might cause your dog to experience gastrointestinal issues, lack of appetite, and sadness.
6. Rhododendron (Azaleas)
Every portion of these Rhododendrons contains grayanotoxin, which can irritate your dogs' stomachs. The severity of your dog's reaction is determined by the amount of plants swallowed.
Tremors, low blood pressure, weakness, and abnormal heart rhythms are some of the additional symptoms you could experience.
7. Cyclamen
Cyclamen produces brilliantly colored, long-lasting booms. This houseplant is the ideal accent to the winter season.
These cyclamen plants are definitely not pet-friendly. They may cause your dog to vomit, have diarrhea, or drool. However, just like the tulips, if your dog eats the tubers, they will be in even greater danger. So, if you suspect your dog has eaten one of these, call your veterinarian immediately.
8. Japanese Yews (Southern Yew or Buddhist Pine)
These Japanese Yews resemble miniature evergreen trees. This is why they produce some of the best hedges, which are widely popular throughout the United States.
These shrubs produce little red berries. However, these red berries are not harmful to your dog. However, the seeds, bark, and leaves are.
If your dog ingests it, you should expect to witness a shaky stride, vomiting, and lethargy. Other early warning indicators include muscle tremors and seizures.
9. Autumn Crocus
These plants are often known as "naked ladies." This is because their fragile blossoms typically emerge from the ground without foliage. These plants' bulbs frequently appear in the spring, following the death of their blossoms.
If your dog ingests these non-pet-friendly plants, you should expect vomiting and diarrhea.
10. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
Finally, we have some indoor plants that contain calcium oxalate crystals. If your dog ingests these crystals, they will experience a burning sensation in their mouth, lips, and tongue.
Other symptoms include drooling, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
Now that we've finished looking at the plants, you should keep your dog away; we'd want to caution you.
No matter how careful you think you'll be, if you have dogs, you should avoid having these plants in your home. It is always better to prevent than to cure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is pet repellent spray?
A pet repellent spray is simply defined as a spray that keeps pets away. A excellent repellent spray is inexpensive, efficient, and safe.
You can manufacture your own excellent spray or purchase one. If you dislike having strange dogs pooping in your yard and having to clean up the waste, read this article on dog repellents to see how you may improve the issue.
2. Are orchids parasites?
No. Orchids may grow anywhere in the world and are self-sufficient. They don't need other plants to survive.
Nonetheless, don't be astonished if you find an orchid clinging to another tree or bush. They frequently engage in this as a growing habit. However, be certain that they are not depleting the tree's nutrients or causing it any harm.
3. Why do dogs eat flowers?
There are several reasons why your dog might be eating flowers. The same goes for grass. Curiosity and boredom are two of the causes.
It's also possible that your dog enjoys eating the flowers or grass. This could happen if they have a dietary shortage.
If you have puppies, you will notice them chewing on various items around them. They do this when they are teething to relieve the pain.
4. Are roses poisonous to dogs?
No. The thorns are dangerous because they can injure your dog's mouth. There are no major consequences to chewing the leaves and blooms.
However, you may find that your dog is having gastrointestinal issues as a result. If you have the need to call the vet after your dog ate some roses, go ahead. Nonetheless, roses are generally not poisonous to dogs.
