The content of this page is not veterinary advice. A number of factors (amount of substance ingested, size of the animal, allergies, etc.) determine what is toxic to a particular pet. If you think your pet has eaten something potentially toxic, call Pet Poison Helpline or seek immediate veterinary treatment.
Japonica, Bog Rosemary and Pieris species contain grayanotoxins (formally called andromedotoxin). Like the Rhododendrons (same family), ingestion of these plants cause a disruption in sodium channels affecting the cardiac and skeletal muscle. Clinical signs of excessive drooling, depression, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, heart arrhythmias, hypotension (drop in blood pressure), and death can occur when ingested by dogs and cats.
Plants that are safe for dogs
Its best to opt for dog-friendly plants. The species below are safe for both dogs and cats. Although, one word of warning: some cats find these extremely appetising:
Searching for cat safe plants? Then please read our previous blog about cats andh houseplants here Pawshake
Treatment of Pieris Poisoning in Dogs
Preliminary treatment will be dependent on the length of time since the flower was consumed and if any symptoms have already become apparent. In most cases of pieris plant poisoning, your dog will be admitted to the veterinary hospital for treatment right away. If the pieris plant was ingested very recently and if no symptoms are showing as of yet, vomiting will be induced as soon as possible to prevent the absorption of the toxins into the bloodstream. In some cases, your veterinarian will give you instructions on how to induce vomiting on your own, so this can take place before the animal’s transfer to the clinic. Activated charcoal will also be dispensed to the patient in an attempt to soak up as much of the grayanotoxin as possible.
If the exposure was more than an hour or so before treatment, the attending veterinarian might choose to perform a gastric irrigation under general anesthetic to remove as much toxin from the patient’s digestive system as possible. Once the toxins have been eliminated from the gastrointestinal system, supportive treatments can begin. Supportive measures that may occur include IV fluids to prevent dehydration and electrolytes and sugar imbalances. Respiratory support may be required, and atropine may also be needed if the canine’s heart rate drops below 40 – 50 beats per minute.
Worried about the cost of Pieris Poisoning treatment?
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