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The arrow leaf is one of the most beautiful tropical plants that you can find in your living room. However, their beauty does not hide the fact that Alocasia is poisonous, especially to children and pets.
In a nutshell
- Elephant ear (Alocasia) is poisonous to humans and animals in all parts of the plant
- only slightly toxic to adults
- Small children are more at risk, depending on the amount ingested
- The arrow blade is particularly dangerous for pets such as dogs, cats, parakeets and rodents
toxicity to humans
Alocasia, also known as the arrowhead, belongs to the arum family. They are known to be poisonous indoor plants. As a result, Alocasia is also poisonous, especially the milky plant sap and the bulbs or tubers. In addition, the plant water that partially collects in the saucer should contain toxins.
- so-called insoluble calcium oxalate crystals are responsible
- and soluble oxalic acids and their salts
- can be irritating to skin and mucous membranes after repeated contact
- burning inflammatory reactions
- up to the formation of blisters
- Milky juice can lead to gastrointestinal problems
- in the worst case, to cramps and circulatory failure
- young children more at risk than adults
- as long as they ingest the toxins in larger quantities
giant elephant ear (Alocasia odora); Source: Forest & Kim Starr, Starr 080117-2130 Alocasia odora edited by Plantopedia, CC BY 3.0
Quick help
- Have any plant remains spit out immediately
- do not induce vomiting
- Give tea or still water to drink, no milk
- Call an ambulance or poison control center
- if possible go to the doctor
- Take parts of the plant with you for identification
Notice: Although Alocasia is only mildly toxic to adults, sensitive individuals should wear gloves when handling the elephant's ear and washing their hands with soap as a precaution.
For pets
For pets, the risk of poisoning by the elephant ear (Alocasia) is much greater. In addition to the mucous membrane of the stomach, the heart, kidneys, muscles and central nervous system can also be affected by poisoning. Dogs and cats as well as parakeets and small rodents such as rabbits and guinea pigs are at risk. If a pet shows symptoms of poisoning, no matter what kind, this is usually always to be regarded as an emergency. Time is an important factor and can decide about the life of the animal.
symptoms in the dog
- increased salivation
- Irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth and swelling
- nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain, diarrhea and shortness of breath
- tachycardia in case of severe poisoning
- problems with the kidneys
- Indication of this, first increased, then decreased urine flow
- in the worst case, death of the dog due to respiratory paralysis
At the cat
- affected animal salivates profusely
- keeps shaking his head
- strokes the mouth repeatedly with the paw
- tries to drink frequently
- can't eat, no more voice
- later diarrhea and exhaustion
- Uncertainty when walking occurs
- Muscle tremors, paralysis, cramps and cardiac arrhythmia
- after a few days kidney inflammation up to kidney failure
Quick help
- in case of acute poisoning by the arrow blade do not induce vomiting
- Poison would irritate the mucous membranes too much
- Shortness of breath could result
- Definitely calm down the dog or cat
- best help, an immediate visit to the veterinarian or veterinary clinic
- Vet knows best what to do
- take a sample of vomit or the plant in question with you
- makes diagnosis and treatment easier for the doctor
Poisoning in parakeets
Poisoning can also occur in parakeets, particularly those that are free to fly indoors or otherwise have access to these plants. These can manifest themselves in shortness of breath, diarrhea, irritation of the mucous membranes and difficulty swallowing, but also in the form of bleeding and damage to the kidneys. Signs of internal bleeding are brown or bloody droppings from the bird. These animals should also be taken to the vet as soon as possible.
For small rodents
Unfortunately, the assumption that rabbits or guinea pigs instinctively avoid poisonous plants is not correct. If an animal is starved or undersupplied due to poor husbandry, it tries to compensate for this deficiency in some way. Then it can happen that toxic substances or parts of plants are absorbed by the arrow blade. This can also happen if the animal is bored or the food has been heavily processed. Provided that the rodents can easily get to the poisonous arrowhead or falling leaves.
Source: Photo by David J. Stang, Alocasia zebrina 4zz, Edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
symptoms
- frequent increased salivation
- noticeable thirst, increased drinking
- bloated stomach, diarrhea or constipation
- clearly changed pupils
- fever and drowsiness
- Muscle tremors, paralysis, cramps, rapid breathing
- Nosebleeds, blood in the urine
As with all pets, an immediate veterinary visit is required, as well as bringing along parts of the elephant's ear. This is the only way to help the animal and prevent the worst from happening.
Tip: EIn rabbits and guinea pigs in particular, poisoning is favored by the fact that they cannot vomit. So they cannot get toxic substances ingested out of their bodies naturally.
frequently asked Questions
What can you do if there is no vet nearby?If there is no veterinary practice nearby, you have the option of calling the animal emergency service. Daily newspapers and/or the internet usually announce when which veterinarian is on call.
Why is it important to take the animal to a vet immediately?Any delay in treatment can make the animal's situation worse, leading to permanent organ damage or even death in the worst case. The worse the condition of the animal, the worse the chances of recovery.
Can you treat poisoning in pets with home remedies?Poisoning should always be presented to a doctor. Home remedies are absolutely unsuitable for treating poisoning and can possibly make the situation worse for the animal. You shouldn't even think about it.