Pet Safety and Angel Plant:
A Guide for Pet Owners

As a pet owner, it’s essential to ensure that your furry friend is safe and healthy at all times. One way to do this is by being aware of plants that can be harmful to pets. One such plant is the Angel Plant, also known as the Devil’s Backbone or the Redbird Cactus. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to keep your pets safe around Angel Plants.

What is an Angel Plant?

The Angel Plant (Pedilanthus tithymaloides) is a succulent plant that belongs to the Euphorbia family. It’s a tropical plant that is native to Central and South America, but it’s now grown worldwide as an indoor and outdoor ornamental plant. The plant has thick stems that are green or reddish-brown in color, and they often have small leaves along their edges. The stems produce small flowers that are yellow-green in color and bloom year-round.

Why is the Angel Plant Dangerous to Pets?

The Angel Plant contains a white, milky sap that is toxic to both humans and animals. The sap contains latex, which can cause skin irritation, itching, and redness if it comes into contact with the skin. If ingested, the sap can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and even death in severe cases.

How to Keep Your Pets Safe Around Angel Plants

Here are some tips on how to keep your pets safe around Angel Plants:

• Keep Angel Plants out of reach: Keep your Angel Plants out of reach of pets by placing them on high shelves or hanging baskets.

• Train your pets: Train your pets not to chew on plants by using positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, toys, and praise.

• Supervise your pets: Supervise your pets when they’re around plants to ensure they don’t chew on them.

• Use deterrents: Use deterrents like bitter-tasting sprays or motion-activated devices to discourage your pets from chewing on plants.

• Know the symptoms: Be aware of the symptoms of Angel Plant poisoning in pets so you can seek veterinary care immediately if needed.

What to Do if Your Pet Ingests an Angel Plant

If you suspect that your pet has ingested an Angel Plant, take the following steps:

1. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet’s mouth.
2. Call your veterinarian or a pet poison control hotline immediately.
3. Provide any necessary information about the plant and the symptoms you’ve observed.
4. Follow the veterinarian’s instructions for further care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can dogs eat Angel Plants?

A: No. Dogs should not eat Angel Plants as they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and even death in severe cases.

Q: Can cats eat Angel Plants?

A: No. Cats should not eat Angel Plants as they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and even death in severe cases.

Q: Can Angel Plants be kept in the same room as pets?

A: Yes. You can keep Angel Plants in the same room as pets as long as you keep them out of reach and supervise your pets when they’re around them.

Q: How do I know if my pet has ingested an Angel Plant?

A: Some common symptoms of Angel Plant poisoning in pets include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and lethargy.

Q: What should I do if my pet ingests an Angel Plant?

A: If you suspect that your pet has ingested an Angel Plant, remove any remaining plant material from their mouth and call your veterinarian or a pet poison control hotline immediately.

In conclusion, keeping your pets safe around plants like the Angel Plant requires some basic knowledge and precautions. By following these tips and being aware of the signs of poisoning in pets, you can help ensure that your furry friends stay safe and healthy.