Alocasia: toxic to humans or animals?

The arrow leaf is one of the most beautiful tropical plants that can be found in living rooms at home. But their beauty doesn't hide the fact that Alocasia is toxic, especially to children and pets.

Toxicity to humans

Also known as arrow herb Elephant ear Alocasia belongs to the arum family. They are known to be poisonous houseplants. As a result, Alocasia is also poisonous, especially the milky sap and the onions or bulbs. Tubers. In addition, the plant water, which partially collects in the saucer, should contain toxins.

• so-called insoluble calcium oxalate crystals are responsible
• as well as soluble oxalic acids and their salts
• repeated contact can be irritating to skin and mucous membranes
• burning inflammatory reactions
• up to blistering
• Milky juice can lead to gastrointestinal problems
• In the worst case, to cramps and circulatory failure
• small children more at risk than adults
• as long as they absorb the toxins in larger quantities

Quick help

• spit out possible plant residues immediately
• do not induce vomiting
• Give tea or still water to drink, no milk
• Call an emergency doctor or poison control center
• drive to the doctor if possible
• Take parts of the plant with you for identification

Note: Even if alocasia is only slightly toxic to adults, sensitive people should wear gloves as a precaution when handling elephant ears and washing their hands with soap.

For pets

For pets, the risk of poisoning by the elephant ear (alocasia) is much greater. In addition to the gastric mucous membrane, poisoning can also affect the heart, kidneys, muscles and the central nervous system. Dogs and cats as well as parakeets and small rodents such as rabbits and guinea pigs are at risk. If a pet of any kind shows symptoms of poisoning, this should generally always be viewed as an emergency. Time is an important factor here and can determine 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
• with severe poisoning, palpitations
• Kidney problems
• Indication of increased urine flow, then decreased urine flow
• in the worst case death of the dog from respiratory paralysis

With the cat

• affected animal salivates heavily
• keeps shaking his head
• repeatedly strokes its mouth with its paw
• tries to drink frequently
• can't eat, no more voice
• later diarrhea and exhaustion
• Uncertainties occur when walking
• Muscle tremors, paralysis, cramps and irregular heartbeat
• after a few days kidney inflammation up to kidney failure

Quick help

• Do not induce vomiting in the event of acute poisoning by the arrow blade
• Poison would irritate the mucous membranes too much
• Shortness of breath could be the result
• In any case, calm down your dog or cat
• best help, an immediate visit to the vet or the veterinary clinic
• Veterinarian knows best what to do
• take a sample of vomit or the plant concerned
• facilitates diagnosis and treatment for the doctor

Poisoning in parakeets

Poisoning can also occur in parakeets, especially those that can fly freely in the home 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. Indications of internal bleeding are brown or bloody droppings from the bird. These animals should also see the vet as soon as possible.

In small rodents

Unfortunately, the assumption that rabbits or guinea pigs instinctively avoid poisonous plants is not true. If an animal is starved or undersupplied due to poor husbandry, it tries to compensate for this deficiency somehow. Then it can happen that toxic substances or Plant parts come from the arrow blade. This can also happen if the animal is bored or the feed is heavily processed. Provided that the rodents can easily reach the poisonous arrow leaf or falling leaves.

Symptoms

• often increased salivation
• noticeable thirst, increased drinking
• bloated stomach, diarrhea, or constipation
• significantly changed pupils
• Fever and drowsiness
• Muscle tremors, paralysis, cramps, accelerated breathing
• Nosebleeds, blood in the urine

As with all pets, an immediate vet visit is required and parts of the elephant's ear must be brought with you. This is the only way to help the animal and prevent the worst.

Tip: E.Poisoning is particularly favored in rabbits and guinea pigs because they cannot vomit. This means that they cannot get the toxic substances they have ingested out of their bodies naturally.

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