Yucks! Toxic House Plants

Bunny 101

Toxic House Plants

Rabbits are naturally curious animals and may nibble on plants within their reach. It’s crucial to ensure that the plants in their environment are safe and non-toxic.

All house plants should be considered toxic. It is impossible to list them all so it is better and safer to assume most are toxic. This list is non exhaustive and we may add more to the list as we go along. Keep house plant pots out of reach and if possible, in rooms your rabbits don’t go into. If the leaves are about to wilt, snip and dispose them before your bunny can nip on them.

It’s essential to research any plant thoroughly before bringing it into your home if you have free roaming rabbits. Always place plants out of their reach to prevent accidental ingestion. (Learn more rabbit proofing tips here)

If you suspect your rabbit has ingested a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian immediately. We will be sharing safe plants to grow in your home in our next blog post, do follow us on Facebook for updates!

Ivy
Ivy plants contain substances such as triterpenoid saponins and polyacetylene compounds, which can cause symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and, in severe cases, coma and death if ingested by rabbits.
Succulent
Many succulent plants, including Aloe vera, Jade plant (Crassula ovata), and Kalanchoe, contain compounds that can be harmful to rabbits if consumed in large quantities.
Daffodil
Daffodil plants contain a substance called lycorine, which can cause symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and, in severe cases, convulsions and low blood pressure if ingested by rabbits.
Hyacinth
Ingestion of hyacinth plants can lead to convulsions and even death in severe cases.
Rhododendron
Rhododendrons, including azaleas, are beautiful plants that are highly toxic for rabbits. This applies to all parts of the plant, including the flowers, leaves, stems, and roots. Even honey that is made from these flowers can be toxic for rabbits..
Cacti
Many succulent plants, including Aloe vera, Jade plant (Crassula ovata), and Kalanchoe, contain compounds that can be harmful to rabbits if consumed in large quantities.
Peace Lily
Peace lilies contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and swelling in the mouth, tongue, and throat, leading to drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting. In severe cases, ingestion of peace lilies can cause respiratory distress and difficulty breathing.
Hydrangea
Hydrangeas contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in rabbits. In severe cases, ingestion of hydrangea plants can be fatal.
Begonia
Begonias contain oxalates, which can cause irritation and discomfort in the mouth, throat, and digestive tract if ingested.
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrins, which can cause symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing and tremors in rabbits.
Monstera
Monstera plants contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and discomfort if ingested by rabbits. Symptoms may include drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and oral irritation.
Lillies
Various types of lilies, including Easter lilies, tiger lilies, and daylilies, are extremely dangerous if ingested by rabbits. Ingesting any part of a lily plant, including the leaves, flowers, or even the pollen, can cause severe kidney damage and potentially be fatal to rabbits.
Tomato Plant
The green parts of the tomato plant, including the leaves and stems, contain a substance called solanine, which can be toxic when ingested in large quantities. If a rabbit consumes a significant amount of green tomato plant material, it can cause symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy.
Lillies
Various types of lilies, including Easter lilies, tiger lilies, and daylilies, are extremely dangerous if ingested by rabbits. Ingesting any part of a lily plant, including the leaves, flowers, or even the pollen, can cause severe kidney damage and potentially be fatal to rabbits.
Snake Plant
Snake plants contain compounds that can cause digestive upset, nausea, and vomiting in rabbits.
Aglaonema
Aglaonema plants, also known as Chinese Evergreen plants, are toxic to rabbits.
Dumb Cane
Dumb Cane contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and swelling in the mouth and throat when ingested. Symptoms of ingestion may include drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.
Monstera
Monstera plants contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and discomfort if ingested by rabbits. Symptoms may include drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and oral irritation.
Rubber Plant
Rubber plants contain compounds called proteolytic enzymes and ficin, which can cause irritation and discomfort if ingested by rabbits. Symptoms may include drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Zanzibar Gems
also known as ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), are considered toxic to both humans and animals, including rabbits, if ingested. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and discomfort in the mouth, throat, and digestive tract when chewed or ingested.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and changes in urine color if ingested by rabbits.
Dracaena Iron Plant
Dracaena species, including the Dracaena Iron Plant (Dracaena marginata), are considered toxic to rabbits. These plants contain compounds called saponins, which can be harmful if ingested. Ingestion of Dracaena plants can lead to symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and in severe cases, more serious health issues.
Ponthos
Like philodendron, pothos contains calcium oxalate crystals and can cause similar symptoms if ingested.

Signs & Symptoms of Poisoning

If you suspect that your rabbit has ingested a toxic plant been poisoned, stay calm and contact your vet immediately – never watch and wait.

  • Abdominal pain
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weakness & lethargy
  • Diarrhoea
  • Loss of body temperature regulation – high or low
  • Seizures
  • Irregular heatbeat
  • Internal/external bleeding
  • Death

Source:
https://bunnylady.com/poisonous-plants/
https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rabbits/health/poisoning/common
https://www.allearssac.org/pdf/poison.pdf

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