Can the Dragon Tree Plant Kill Your Pets?

Is it Dangerous?

• According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Poison Control Center, the dragon tree plant is toxic to both cats and dogs. Additionally, the plant is toxic to amphibians and fish, because of the nature of the toxin found in the plant. The plant is considered mildly to moderately toxic to warm-blooded animals and won’t likely kill your cat or dog if it nibbles a few leaves, but is deadly to cold-blooded animals like reptiles and amphibians.

Toxic Principle

• The dragon tree plant contains an unidentified form of steroidal saponin, or saraponins. These toxins cause hemolysis, which is a shredding of the red blood cells in the blood stream. They also create surfactant activity in the body. Surfactants increase the movement of macromolecules, such as proteins and sugars, through the cell membrane. This means that macromolecules are moving too quickly through cells for the body to adequately process.

Effects

• Signs of dragon tree toxicity in dogs and cats include vomiting and diarrhea. Blood is occasionally present in the feces or vomit. The saraponins in dragon tree leaves cause depression of the central nervous system and a general weakness and lethargy. Cats and dogs that have eaten dragon tree leaves can experience ataxia -- uncoordinated movements -- and in severe cases, a refusal to eat and loss of appetite. Some cats and dogs also experience hyper-salivation and in cats, dilated pupils may occur. Amphibians and reptiles may present with lethargy and weakness, slowed movements, coma and death.

Safety Precautions

• Keep all plants in the Dracaena family away from cats and dogs. Do not use Dracaena plants in aquatic landscaping or amphibious or reptilian enclosures. Limit access by placing potted dragon tree plants in a room inaccessible to your pets, or forgo keeping it in the house altogether. If your pet eats dragon tree leaves, do not induce vomiting and seek emergency veterinary medical help immediately. Bring a sample of the plant so your veterinarian can identify the toxin your pet ingested.