Pets and plants often co-exist in our homes. The fact that these two living creatures make our lives so calming can often lead us to dismiss the effect they have on each other. While our pets are busy making friends with the plants in our homes or gardens, it is not necessary for these plants to reciprocate that emotion. Here is a list of plants that can often elicit symptoms of pet toxicity in pets:

• Azaleas

Azaleas belong to the genus rhododendron and have several variants. This plant finds its use as a common ornamental shrub that is used for landscaping. Present throughout the country, azaleas can instigate symptoms of toxicity in your cats and dogs. Even a few leaves can cause severe digestive upset, weakness, appetite loss, and in some cases, paralysis of hind limbs. It is recommended to keep an eye on your pets and ensure that they are at arm’s length from this plant at all times.

• Tulips

These innocuous-looking early-bloomers can prove to be dangerous for your pets. Ingestion of any part of tulips, especially the bulbs, can lead to symptoms of pet toxicity such as nausea, vomiting, and excessive drooling. Increased ingestion will lead to symptoms with increased severity, some of which are irregular breathing and an increased heart rate. Although toxic, tulip ingestion can seldom prove to be fatal for your pet. The symptoms can be controlled through proper treatment.

• Daffodils

Daffodils are a common plant of spring; these plants, too, can prove toxic to your pet. Ingestion of this plant can cause diarrhea, vomiting, increased salivation, and heart problems. Any part of this plant can be toxic to your pet, but the bulb is the most dangerous of all. Your pet might experience respiratory and cardiac issues on the ingestion of daffodil bulbs.

• Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are commonly found plants and make for no-fuss house friends. However, when it comes to your pets, they might not be equally unfriendly. Chrysanthemums contain compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, increased drooling, and loss of coordination, among other symptoms of pet toxicity. If you have pets in your house, then it is best to keep your chrysanthemums out of their reach.

• Sago palms

Sago palms are common houseplants that are also used in landscaping. These plants contain a toxic chemical that can prove to be fatal to your pet. The toxicity of these plants is present in all its parts but is especially concentrated in its seeds. Ingestion of even a single seed pod can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, decreased appetite, bloody feces, nosebleeds, and the severest of all—liver failure.

• Lilies

The numerous varieties of lilies make it difficult to keep track of which ones are toxic to pets and which ones are not. While some varieties of this flowering plant are non-toxic, most of them are better far away from your pets. Symptoms of pet toxicity upon the ingestion of any part of this poisonous variety include gastrointestinal upset, anorexia, burning of the mouth, and tremors.