Hibiscus warning

[FrenchKiss]

I have noticed Emma was getting bouts of nausea and diarrhea after playing around the hibiscus plant. I caught both of the pups trying to graze on it. I put them in the outdoor ex pen for a few minutes and they pushed the pen to the bush. Emma probably ingested some of the plant and later refused food, then ate only a bite and then threw it up. The fact that she didn't woof down her food meant something was VERY wrong. I took her to the vet to be worked up. The vet called me at work and called me later to say Emma threw up the activated charcoal and the vet was suspicious of an obstruction.

I quickly left work and took her to the ER vet to be worked up for obstruction. They kept her overnight, did serial x-days and gave her IV hydration. The next day she was eating and passing stool so the obstruction was ruled out. Some Google research shows hibiscus plants can be toxic and cause gastritis. I will be having the hibiscus ripped up and removed post haste. I swear my Frenchies have the eating habits of a goat. The vet bill came up to 2K and could have been much worse as Emma ended up not needing surgery. I do have Trupanion for insurance and it cost me about $250 for the deductible and the rest was reimbursed.

I have never been so happy to see my girl eat her meal with the gusto of a pig again. She is back to my silly, sweet Emma and I am thinking of having my entire backyard covered in gravel. lol

 

[2bullymama]

WOW... so glad she is doing better-- never knew about the hibiscus


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[davidh]

So happy she is better, and thanks for the info, I never knew hibiscus was poisonous to dogs.

 

[Honeys Owners]

Good to know ! I used to feed hibiscus flowers all the time to my tortoise, and he loved it. I have a Rose of Sharon (hibiscus) in my front yard, but my dog doesn't run loose out front.

Other examples of toxic plants: rhododendron,azaleas, cycad palms, oleander, foxglove, lily of the valley and castor bean, easter lily for cats

 

[Frenchie Grrrl]

I'm glad that your sweet Emma has recovered. Thanks for the info.

I'm suddenly thankful for my black thumb, lol.

 

[Mavis]

Thank God for happy endings. What a worry!

 

[Cbrugs]

Glad to hear it was nothing too serious and she has recovered. Good lesson to always be careful with plants and shrubs outside.

 

[Squishy Walnuts]

So glad she's going to be OK! I'm lucky that my dogs only eat grass and leave our plants alone.

 

[TeresaW]

I have noticed Emma was getting bouts of nausea and diarrhea after playing around the hibiscus plant. I caught both of the pups trying to graze on it. I put them in the outdoor ex pen for a few minutes and they pushed the pen to the bush. Emma probably ingested some of the plant and later refused food, then ate only a bite and then threw it up. The fact that she didn't woof down her food meant something was VERY wrong. I took her to the vet to be worked up. The vet called me at work and called me later to say Emma threw up the activated charcoal and the vet was suspicious of an obstruction.

I quickly left work and took her to the ER vet to be worked up for obstruction. They kept her overnight, did serial x-days and gave her IV hydration. The next day she was eating and passing stool so the obstruction was ruled out. Some Google research shows hibiscus plants can be toxic and cause gastritis. I will be having the hibiscus ripped up and removed post haste. I swear my Frenchies have the eating habits of a goat. The vet bill came up to 2K and could have been much worse as Emma ended up not needing surgery. I do have Trupanion for insurance and it cost me about $250 for the deductible and the rest was reimbursed.

I have never been so happy to see my girl eat her meal with the gusto of a pig again. She is back to my silly, sweet Emma and I am thinking of having my entire backyard covered in gravel. lol

I have this problem with both of my Frenchies. My father-in-law loves having a hibiscus plant each summer on his porch ( he lives with us). The boys always want to grab and eat the dropped blooms. They have never had any ill effects from them, but I told him after the first year that he had to keep them picked up. This is the only plant they do this with!


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[Mavis]

You are an excellent mommy. So glad that Emma is doing better.

 

[Honeys Owners]

I have this problem with both of my Frenchies. My father-in-law loves having a hibiscus plant each summer on his porch ( he lives with us). The boys always want to grab and eat the dropped blooms. They have never had any ill effects from them, but I told him after the first year that he had to keep them picked up. This is the only plant they do this with!


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The tropical hibiscus is safe for dogs, so if that's the one your dad keeps on porch, dogs can eat the blooms. It's only the hardy hibiscus that's a problem.