ASPCA Issues Plant Poisoning Warning

The ASPCA has issued a warning based on the publication of a study done by Dr. Safdar Khan, veterinary toxicologist for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) that dogs seem especially attracted to the seeds and berries of the Brunfelsia plant.

The Brunfelsia plant, also known as "morning, noon and night" or "yesterday, today, tomorrow", has a striking floral display with flowers that bloom purple, then lavendar, and then finally white.

The study finds that Labrador and Golden Retrievers seem to have greater interaction with these plants. It is reported that vomiting and diarrhea will occur within hours of ingesting the seeds and berries of this plant, with more severe symptoms of rigid muscles, tremors and seizures also indicative of poisoning.

The ASPCA recommends that these plants be kept out of distance of dogs, or replacement with a non-toxic plant.

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