You turn around for two minutes. When you look back, your cat is chewing on something it definitely shouldn't be, or your dog has helped itself to the flower arrangement on the coffee table.
Your stomach drops. Now what?
Here's exactly what to do — calmly and quickly.
Step 1: Don't Panic, But Don't Wait
The worst thing you can do is freeze. The second worst is to assume everything is fine and do nothing.
Stay calm, panicking helps neither you nor your pet. But act immediately. The faster you respond, the better the outcome, particularly if the plant turns out to be toxic.
Step 2: Identify What They Ate
This is the most important step and the one most people skip in the panic of the moment.
- What plant or flower was it? Take a photo if you don't know the name.
- How much did they eat? A nibble is different from consuming an entire stem.
- Which part did they eat? Leaves, petals, stem, bulb — toxicity levels often differ by part of the plant.
Write this down or take photos. You will need this information for the vet.
Step 3: Check If It's Toxic
Not all plants are dangerous. But some are severely so.
Plants and flowers that are highly toxic to cats and dogs:
- Lilies: Extremely toxic to cats. Even pollen on fur can cause acute kidney failure within 24–72 hours.
- Sago Palm: One of the most toxic plants to dogs. Can cause liver failure.
- Tulips and Daffodils: Toxic, especially the bulbs.
- Azaleas: Can cause vomiting, low blood pressure, and cardiac complications.
- Pothos / Money Plant: Causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting in both cats and dogs.
- Peace Lily: Toxic to cats and dogs despite the name.
To check quickly: Visit Animal-poison-control page, the ASPCA maintains a comprehensive, searchable database of toxic and non-toxic plants. It's free and takes under a minute to use.
Step 4: Watch for These Symptoms
Even before you confirm toxicity, watch your pet closely for:
- Excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Lethargy or unusual stillness
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty breathing
- Tremors or seizures
- Swollen face or lips
Symptoms can appear within minutes or take several hours depending on what was ingested. Don't wait for symptoms to worsen before acting.
Step 5: Call Your Vet Immediately
If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, call your vet now. Don't wait to see if symptoms develop.
In Singapore, emergency veterinary clinics include:
- Mount Pleasant Animal Medical Centre, multiple locations, 24-hour emergency services
- Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital
- The Animal Clinic
When you call, have ready:
- Your pet's weight and age
- The plant name and photo
- How much was consumed
- Any symptoms already showing
Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to by a vet. For some toxins, inducing vomiting can cause additional harm.
Step 6: At the Vet
Bring the plant or a photo with you. If packaging is available, bring that too. The more information the vet has, the faster and more accurately they can treat your pet.
Treatment depends on what was ingested and how much, it may include induced vomiting, activated charcoal, IV fluids, or observation.
Prevention Is Always Better
The easiest way to handle this situation is to never be in it.
- Choose pet-safe flowers and plants for your home
- Keep any non-pet-safe arrangements on high shelves or in rooms your pet can't access
- Inform anyone who gifts you flowers about your pets
The safest flowers for homes with cats and dogs: orchids, sunflowers, gerbera daisies, roses (de-thorned), and snapdragons. The safest plants: areca palms, calathea, Boston ferns, and air plants.
Your home can be beautiful and safe for your pets. You just need to know what to choose.
Browse our pet-safe flower and plant collection — beautiful arrangements your whole family can enjoy safely.