To prevent a plant poisoning:
• Know the name of all your plants, both indoors
and outdoors. Label each of your plants with the
correct botanical name.
• Mushrooms and berries are particularly attractive
to pets.
• Mushrooms are especially abundant after a
rainfall. Remove mushrooms from your yard and
dispose of properly after each rainfall.
• Do not assume a plant is non-poisonous because
birds or wildlife eat it.
• Do not rely on cooking to destroy toxic chemicals
in plants.
• Never use anything prepared from nature as a
medicine or “tea.”
• If you suspect a poisoning, call the
Poison Control System immediately.
Poison
Information Specialists are available seven days a
week, 24 hours a day. Do not wait for symptoms
to appear; symptoms may often be delayed.
A word about pets . . .
If a plant is known to be poisonous to humans, it’s a safe bet
it can also be harmful to your pet. On the other hand,
because a plant is listed as nontoxic, does not mean it will not
have any ill effects on animals. Nontoxic plants can often
cause vomiting and other related symptoms in dogs and
especially cats. If you suspect your pet may have ingested a
toxic plant, please call your veterinarian.
Follow these steps if
someone is exposed
to a poisonous plant
MOUTH:
• Remove any remaining portion of the plant, berry, or
mushroom.
• Gently wipe mouth with a wet cloth.
• Check for any irritation, swelling, or discoloration.
• Give one glass of water to drink, provided victim is
conscious and able to swallow.
• Call the Minnesota Poison Control System for further
treatment instructions.
SKIN:
• A few plants may cause local irritation, itching, and/or
a rash to the skin. To prevent further irritation, remove
contaminated clothing and wash skin well with soap
and water. Call the Minnesota Poison Control System
for further treatment instructions.
EYES:
• Wash hands with soap and water to avoid further
irritation to the eye.
• Rinse eye well with lukewarm tap water for 10-15
minutes. Gently pour water from a clean container
held 2-4 inches above the eye. Call the Minnesota
Poison Control System for further treatment
instructions.
After following the above steps, always call the
Poison Control System.
Do not wait for
symptoms to appear.
c/o Minnesota Poison Control System
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 voice/TTY
Emergency 911 (Police, fire, medical)
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