Top 5 Poisonous Plants for Pets: Every Owner in Malaysia should KNOW this.
Decorating homes with plants is really the most beautiful and beneficial for human’s health. However, if you are a pet-parent, there are few plants that you should avoid getting as it is toxic for both cats and dogs. Some plants can cause mild stomach upset, but others can lead to life threatening that require urgent medical attention.
Here are five common poisonous plants every pet owner should be aware of.
Biggest enemy for Cats. Lilies are one of the MOST DANGEROUS plants for cats and dogs ESPECIALLY cats. Even a pea-sized amount of pollen can cause severe damage. Drinking water from a vase that has lilies and a bite from it can also cause sickness to cats.
Important: if you suspect your cat has encountered any part of a lily, immediately seek veterinary attention.
Monstera, a beautiful rainforest plant and popular in Malaysia thanks to the climate as it thrives in humid and warm environments. Aesthetically pleasing plants suitable for modern home or modern landscapes. BUT just because it’s pretty to humans, doesn't mean it’s pretty to our pet’s health. It can be PRETTY bad…
The plant itself contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate your pet’s mouth and digestive system if chewed. Although it’s rarely life-threatening case but it is still recommended to get a veterinary evaluation if symptoms persist.
The name itself already gave us a hint. It is common to find Devil's Ivy in homes as it is easy to care for. Unfortunately, it’s definitely not easy for your pet’s health. It can cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, etc. Luckily, Pothos is also a hanging plant. Keeping Pothos high up where your pet couldn’t reach can help prevent accidental poisoning.
Nope, not peaceful at all. Just like Monstera, it contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation when chewed. Common symptoms include burning excessive drooling, vomiting or difficulty eating or swallowing. Pets can be recovered with supportive care but immediate veterinary advice is recommended.
Aside from lily, Sago Palm are also one of the most toxic plants for pets. Its seed are the most dangerous and highly toxic that can cause poisoning and even death to dogs if ingested. Common symptoms include diarrhea, weakness, seizures, jaundice (yellowish eyes).
What should I do if my pet eats a poisonous plant?
Stay calm and remove your pet from the pet and prevent them from eating more of the plant. Bring your pet or contact your veterinarian immediately for advice and treatment. If possible, take a photo of the plant or sample to bring to the vet. Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinarian. The sooner, the better.
How to keep your pets safe
Preventing is easier than treating it. Here are the few tips:
Final Thoughts
While not every toxic plant causes life-threatening illness, some such as lilies and sago palms can become medical emergency in just a blink of an eye. If your pet has eaten or chewed a poisonous plant, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Bringing your pet to nearest vet clinic as soon as possible can bring differences in your pet’s health.
At KM Animal Clinic & Surgery, we are here to help whenever your pet needs emergency medical care. If you suspect your pet has any emergency symptoms, bring your pet or contact our veterinary team immediately for professional advice and treatment.
Reviewed by:
Dr. Nor Azimah
Head of Veterinary Department
KM Animal Clinic & Surgery
Here are five common poisonous plants every pet owner should be aware of.
1. Lily
Biggest enemy for Cats. Lilies are one of the MOST DANGEROUS plants for cats and dogs ESPECIALLY cats. Even a pea-sized amount of pollen can cause severe damage. Drinking water from a vase that has lilies and a bite from it can also cause sickness to cats.
Important: if you suspect your cat has encountered any part of a lily, immediately seek veterinary attention.
2. Monstera
Monstera, a beautiful rainforest plant and popular in Malaysia thanks to the climate as it thrives in humid and warm environments. Aesthetically pleasing plants suitable for modern home or modern landscapes. BUT just because it’s pretty to humans, doesn't mean it’s pretty to our pet’s health. It can be PRETTY bad…
The plant itself contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate your pet’s mouth and digestive system if chewed. Although it’s rarely life-threatening case but it is still recommended to get a veterinary evaluation if symptoms persist.
3. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
The name itself already gave us a hint. It is common to find Devil's Ivy in homes as it is easy to care for. Unfortunately, it’s definitely not easy for your pet’s health. It can cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, etc. Luckily, Pothos is also a hanging plant. Keeping Pothos high up where your pet couldn’t reach can help prevent accidental poisoning.
4. Peace Lily
Nope, not peaceful at all. Just like Monstera, it contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation when chewed. Common symptoms include burning excessive drooling, vomiting or difficulty eating or swallowing. Pets can be recovered with supportive care but immediate veterinary advice is recommended.
5. Sago Palm
Aside from lily, Sago Palm are also one of the most toxic plants for pets. Its seed are the most dangerous and highly toxic that can cause poisoning and even death to dogs if ingested. Common symptoms include diarrhea, weakness, seizures, jaundice (yellowish eyes).
What should I do if my pet eats a poisonous plant?
Stay calm and remove your pet from the pet and prevent them from eating more of the plant. Bring your pet or contact your veterinarian immediately for advice and treatment. If possible, take a photo of the plant or sample to bring to the vet. Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinarian. The sooner, the better.
How to keep your pets safe
Preventing is easier than treating it. Here are the few tips:
- Choose pet-friendly plants
- Keep toxic plants out of your pet’s reach
- Supervise curious pets around houseplants
- Do research of the plant before bringing it home.
Final Thoughts
While not every toxic plant causes life-threatening illness, some such as lilies and sago palms can become medical emergency in just a blink of an eye. If your pet has eaten or chewed a poisonous plant, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Bringing your pet to nearest vet clinic as soon as possible can bring differences in your pet’s health.
At KM Animal Clinic & Surgery, we are here to help whenever your pet needs emergency medical care. If you suspect your pet has any emergency symptoms, bring your pet or contact our veterinary team immediately for professional advice and treatment.
Reviewed by:
Dr. Nor Azimah
Head of Veterinary Department
KM Animal Clinic & Surgery
28 Jul 2026
