Common Garden Vegetables That Are Toxic to Pets

People value the companionship of their pets and go to great lengths to protect them and ensure their health and well-being. Our homes and yards often house plants that might seem harmless, but can actually be very dangerous to pets. Common vegetables that can harm your animals include corn, cow parsnip, onions, garlic, rhubarb and taro. If you think your pet may have eaten a poisonous plant, call your veterinarian as soon as possible.

  1. Corn

    • Corn plants contain saponins, a substance that is extremely toxic to cats and dogs. If your pet has ingested part of a corn plant you might notice vomiting that may contain blood, signs of depression, increased salivation and a decreased appetite. Cats often experience dilated pupils.

    Cow Parsnip

    • Cow parsnip, also known as giant hogweed, can make pets very sick. Cow parsnip plants contain furanocoumarins that are toxic to cats, dogs and horses. If your pet has eaten cow parsnip, symptoms could include a skin rash and sensitivity to light.

    Onion

    • Onions are a popular garden plant but are quite toxic to cats, dogs and horses. These plants contain N-propyl disulfide, which makes pets sick. Signs that your pet has eaten onion might include panting, an increased heart rate, weakness and blood in the urine. Cats are more sensitive to onions and might experience exaggerated symptoms.

    Garlic

    • Garlic, also known as stinking rose and rocambole, is a staple in many gardens but is toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Garlic plants contain N-propyl disulfide. Ingestion can cause vomiting, panting, an increased heart rate, blood in the urine and the breakdown of red blood cells.

    Rhubarb

    • Pie plant, or rhubarb, is a garden favorite for many people but is not good for cats, dogs and horses. The plants contain soluble calcium oxalates which can cause pets to experience kidney failure, increased salivation and body tremors.

    Taro

    • Taro plants, also known as caladium, elephant ears or via, contain calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to cats and dogs. Animals who have eaten taro usually exhibit an irritation on the mouth, lips and tongue as well as excessive salivation, vomiting and trouble swallowing.