Can Dogs Eat Cactus?
Cactus is not a good choice for dogs. Although cactus plants don’t cause death, they can make dogs hypersensitive to the sap. The spines can severely injure your pet, which is something you do not want. It is OK to keep this fantastic plant close to your pet. However, you should ensure your dog does not eat it.
If your pet has eaten this succulent, the spines are the most serious concern. Cacti can have sharp spines that can cause injuries to your dog’s throat and face. Be aware of Cholla, a poisonous cactus.
Cactus is not a good food choice for dogs. Most dogs can ingest them, but they are unlikely to cause any harm.
These xerophytic plants can pose dangers to your dog’s health. It is important to find out more about these plants and which ones you should avoid. Let’s start by discussing the safety of dogs eating cactus.
Are Cactus Poisonous To Dogs?
Are you concerned that cactus is poisonous to dogs? Cactus plants do not pose a serious danger to dogs.
If you consider bringing home a cactus but already have a dog at home, it is crucial to choose the correct cactus for your dog and be aware of its side effects.
Cactus plants contain a fibrous substance that can cause irritation and stomach problems in your pup, leading to vomiting or diarrhea. Spraying your cacti with insecticides and adding fertilizers can affect your dog too.
The sap from the cactus plants can also trigger allergies in dogs, causing them to become allergic, which is something you don’t want for your pet.
Cactus plants aren’t poisonous to dogs, but they should be kept away from your pet and not allowed to eat them. It is your responsibility to ensure your pet’s safety at all times.
Related: Plants Poisonous To Dogs
Which Cactus is Poisonous to Dogs?
Some cacti and cacti-mimicking plant species, like those belonging to the Euphorbia family, are toxic for dogs. They can cause nausea, psychotic imbalance, irregular breathing, and other symptoms.
Below are more examples of toxic cacti:
- Pencil Cactus – Euphorbia Tirucalli – This plant has a milky substance that can cause gastrointestinal, dermal, and ocular injuries to your furry friend.
- Peruvian Torch Cactus – Echinopsis Peruviana – This plant is known for its large spines, which can cause hallucinations and many other disorders.
- San Pedro Cactus – Echinopsis Pachanoi – This plant has beautiful spines and flowers, but it contains psychedelic chemicals such as mescaline which can cause hallucinations.
- Peyote cactus – Lophophora Williamsii – This cactus is spineless but can cause psychotic breakdowns in dogs if they overconsume it. It can also cause irregular breathing, blood pressure, heart rate, and papillary dilation.
- Canary Islands Cactus – Euphorbia Canariensis – This plant is extremely toxic and causes irritation to the eyes and skin.
- The Barrel Cactus – Echinocactus Grusonii – Its ribs are laced with poisonous saps that can irritate pups’ skin, and its spines can cause dermal injuries.
- Saguaro – Carnegiea Gigantean – Its many sharp and pointed spines can inflict severe injuries on your dog’s skin.
- Silver Dollar – Crassula arborescens ) This cactus can cause nausea, vomiting, and even tremor when pricked.
- Cholla – Clindropuntia – It can shoot deadly needles at humans and dogs, which are hard to remove.
These cactus species can be toxic for dogs and humans. When buying this plant as home decoration, make sure you rule out any of these cactus species.
Symptoms of Problems
If your dog has consumed a lot of the cactus plants, be cautious. The fluid from the cactus plants can cause mild to moderate acidic reactions in your dog.
These signs may vary depending on the size and health of your dog. If your pet has eaten cactus, you must act immediately.
These symptoms can indicate that your dog may be suffering from discomfort:
These symptoms may appear if your dog has had contact with the cactus with skin or eyes.
- Permanent or temporary blindness
- Eye swelling
- Lesions
- Painful skin eruptions
- Blisters
- Burning
- Itching of the skin
Cactus spines may cause severe pain and discomfort in your dog.
Prevention
Protecting your pet’s health from Cactus and other succulent plants is as simple and easy as making all plants inaccessible to them.
This will make sure your pet is safe without any worries.
Contact your veterinarian if your dog attempts to eat the cactus plants if you are unable or unwilling to remove them from reach.
Even if you are unsure what type of plant it ate, you should contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog exhibits distressing signs such as excessive salivation or vomiting.
Which Cacti are Safe for Dogs?
Dogs are safe around Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti. These cacti species are well-known for their beautiful winter flowers and pinkish blooms, ideal for holidays.
The Opuntia, or prickly pear cactus, is another safe cactus. This species, which is native to Mexico, is used for sweetening and food cultivation.
You should keep your indoor plants separate from your furry friends, as all cacti have spines.
Separate Cactus Spines from Your Dog
Cactus spines can cause injury to your pet if they eat the plant. Although they aren’t dangerous, cactus spines can cause irritation and injury to your dog. A massive invasion of cacti spinal spines may require immediate veterinary attention. However, you can remove most of the spines at home with minimal difficulty. If your pet experiences severe pain, you should seek veterinary assistance. The dog should be put under anesthesia before the spines are removed.
Before removing the needles, analyze the severity of the infestation. Your dog may also attempt to remove the spines using its mouth and legs. Be careful as the spines may become detached and poke into your skin.
Use the correct tools to remove it from your dog’s skin. You can use a broad comb to get rid of the needles, but be cautious as blood could ooze from the points. It is better to have a styptic pen and some clothes nearby.
If you feel that you cannot do the job on your own, you can ask for help. You can remove each spine using a pair of forceps or tongs. Pull each one in the direction in which fur grows. Clear all blood from the entry point and stop bleeding during the removal of the thorns. It is best to apply an antibiotic ointment to the affected area before moving on to the next.
Take care of the injuries as they can harbor harmful bacteria if not treated properly. Before you begin the process, make sure to have everything close at hand. If the thorns have become lodged in your dog’s eyes or mouth, you should immediately seek veterinary attention.
What if my dog eats my cactus?
It is essential to know the name of every indoor plant.
You can do a quick online test to verify that your cactus does not belong among the most poisonous.
Visit the nearest vet clinic for proper examinations and treatment. The vet can quickly determine the best treatment by knowing the exact name and description of the cactus your dog ate.
The spines are your primary concern if your four-legged friend comes in with a cactus inside their mouth. These spines could be deep in their skin and may soon cause symptoms. These spines must be removed quickly and treated immediately.
Conclusion
With these tips and warnings, you should know if your dog can eat cactus and how to treat any wounds that they get from it. Cactuses are in the plant family of succulents and can be a nice decoration for your dog’s home. Make sure to keep an eye on your dog while around the cactus.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you for reading!
Further Reading: