Pick Plants For Pet Safety

The Animal Poison Control Center has come out with a list of five plants with the most potential to cause illness or death to pets. Check your plants against this list, and make sure your pets do not have access to them. Better still, don't keep these plants in your home or yard:

Lilies. The APCC says lilies are at the top of the list for calls regarding plant toxicity. Pretty they may be, but lilies are highly toxic to cats. Even a small amount can damage an animal's kidneys, and some cats that eat these plants die of kidney failure.

Azaleas. The bright colors of azaleas are one of the signs that spring is finally here, a welcome antidote to months of gray weather. But according to the APCC, azaleas can produce vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and central nervous system depression. Severe cases could lead to death from cardiovascular collapse.

Oleander. Hardy oleanders are another easy-care landscaping favorite. But oleanders contain toxic components that can cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, hypothermia and potentially severe cardiac problems.

Sago Palms. This plant may trigger vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures, liver failure and death.

Castor Bean. Although all parts of this plant are dangerous, the APCC warns that the seeds contain the highest concentration of toxins. Ingestion can produce significant abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and weakness. In severe cases, dehydration, tremors, seizures and death could result.

For more information on poison risks to pets, visit the Animal Poison Control Center on the Web site of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (www.aspca.org).