The oleander (Nerium oleander) is also a popular ornamental shrub for the house and garden in this country. However, the shrub, which belongs to the dogbane family and grows up to five meters high, with its elongated leaves and numerous flowers, is highly poisonous.

Eating oleander can be fatal to cats and humans

Oleander deadly poisonous to humans and animals

All parts of the plant contain the cardioactive glycosides nerioside and oleandrin, which attack the cardiovascular system - to the point of cardiac arrest. In many animals, very small amounts are enough to cause severe symptoms of poisoning or even death. Cats, for example, like to nibble on the leaves or sharpen their claws on the oleander wood - both behaviors have potentially fatal consequences. By the way, oleander is highly poisonous not only for animals, but also for humans.

In the event of signs of poisoning, go to the vet as soon as possible

Poisoning with the poison of the oleander is first noticeable through (also bloody) diarrhea and vomiting. As the disease progresses, the pupils dilate, the animal develops a fever (or develops a hypothermia, depending on the amount of poison ingested) and is tormented by convulsions. In the case of severe poisoning, cardiac arrhythmias can also occur, which can ultimately lead to cardiac arrest. As soon as you notice even one of these signs, you should consult a veterinarian immediately if you suspect it. If treated quickly, the cat can usually be saved. The veterinarian will give the animal infusions of poison-excreting drugs and treat the vomiting and diarrhea. In addition, the cat receives heart-strengthening medicine.

tips

If you have pets and/or small children at home, it is better to avoid oleanders. There are a number of beautiful flowering shrubs that do not have a fatally toxic effect on the animal or human organism.

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Trees