British Columbia’s lush climate makes our gardens, yards, and parks full of vibrant plants, shrubs, and flowers. But while these green spaces are beautiful, they can also pose serious risks to your pets. Many common plants in North Vancouver and West Vancouver are toxic to dogs and cats, and ingestion can lead to mild stomach upset—or life-threatening emergencies.
As a responsible pet owner, understanding which plants are dangerous and what to do in case of accidental ingestion can save your pet’s life. At North Care Animal Hospital in North Vancouver and our West Vancouver animal hospital, we regularly treat poisoning cases. This guide explains the risks, common toxic plants in BC, symptoms of poisoning, and when to seek urgent care.
Why Plants Pose a Risk for Dogs & Cats
Pets are naturally curious. Dogs may chew on plants while playing outdoors, and cats often nibble on leaves or flowers indoors and outdoors. Certain plants contain toxins such as alkaloids, glycosides, oxalates, and essential oils that can harm pets’ liver, kidneys, nervous system, or gastrointestinal tract.
Some of the most severe poisoning cases we see in our pet emergency clinic in North Vancouver involve pets that ate just a few leaves or seeds. That’s why prevention and awareness are crucial.
Common Toxic Plants for Pets in BC’s Climate
Here’s a quick reference table of plants commonly found in North and West Vancouver gardens and their toxic effects on pets:
| Plant Name | Toxic Part | Effect on Dogs & Cats | Level of Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lilies (Easter, Tiger, Daylily) | All parts, especially pollen | Severe kidney failure in cats | Very High |
| Azalea / Rhododendron | Leaves, flowers | Vomiting, drooling, possible coma | High |
| Foxglove | Entire plant | Cardiac arrhythmias, death | Very High |
| Tulips & Daffodils | Bulbs | Nausea, diarrhea, tremors | Moderate–High |
| Autumn Crocus | Bulbs, flowers | Multi-organ failure, seizures | Very High |
| Oleander | All parts | Heart arrhythmias, shock, death | Very High |
| Hydrangea | Leaves, buds | Vomiting, lethargy, depression | Moderate |
| Yew (Japanese/English) | Berries, leaves | Sudden death from heart failure | Very High |
| Aloe Vera | Leaves (sap) | GI upset, tremors | Moderate |
| Tomato Plants (green parts) | Leaves, stems | Weakness, confusion, GI upset | Moderate |
Symptoms of Plant Poisoning in Pets
Signs of toxicity depend on the plant but often include:
Digestive distress: vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, abdominal pain
Neurological signs: tremors, seizures, unsteady gait
Cardiac issues: irregular heartbeat, weakness, collapse
Kidney failure: increased thirst/urination, lethargy (especially in cats with lily exposure)
If you notice any of these, don’t wait. Contact us immediately at 604-984-1464 or visit our emergency veterinary services.
What To Do If Your Dog or Cat Eats a Toxic Plant
Remove access: Take away any remaining plant material and keep a sample for identification.
Do not induce vomiting unless instructed: Some toxins can cause more harm if vomited up.
Call a veterinarian right away: Immediate intervention may involve inducing vomiting, giving activated charcoal, or IV fluids.
Bring your pet to urgent care: Fast treatment is critical. Our walk-in veterinary services in North and West Vancouver mean you don’t need an appointment during emergencies.
Preventing Plant Poisoning at Home
Check plant lists: Before planting or bringing home new greenery, consult ASPCA’s toxic plant list or ask our veterinarians.
Pet-safe gardening: Fence off gardens or raised beds to prevent access.
Indoor safety: Avoid lilies, poinsettias, and philodendrons inside homes.
Educate family & neighbors: Many cases occur when pets wander into other yards.
Routine checkups: Regular exams at our hospital help ensure early detection of health issues related to toxic exposures.
When to Seek Emergency Help
Even if your pet seems fine after chewing a plant, toxins can take hours to show symptoms. Time is critical—for example, cats exposed to lilies must be treated within hours to prevent fatal kidney damage.
That’s why our emergency vet in North Vancouver is open 7 days a week, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM for urgent cases. For pets that can’t travel, our in-home veterinary services bring professional care to your doorstep across North & West Vancouver.
Why Choose North Care Animal Hospital
At North Care Animal Hospital, we don’t just treat emergencies—we focus on prevention and long-term health. Our team, led by Dr. Ali Sadaghdar and Dr. Farhang Farhadi, provides compassionate, expert care tailored to your pet’s needs.
With convenient walk-in vet care and a reputation as trusted animal hospitals in North Vancouver and West Vancouver, we’re your partner in keeping pets safe and healthy.
Contact Us
North Care Animal Hospital
📍 1061 Marine Drive, Unit #101, North Vancouver, BC V7P 1S6
📞 Tel: 604-984-1464
📧 Email: Northcareanimalhospital@gmail.com
🕒 Open 7 days a week, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
If you suspect plant poisoning, don’t wait. Call us or come directly to our clinic—we are here for your pets when they need us most.