Indoor Plants That Are Poisonous To Black Russian Terriers

Beautifying your home with indoor plants can be extremely enticing and exciting, however for pet owners it can be extremely dangerous due to the fact that your indoor plants may be poisonous to your pet.

At Iz Teremka BRT Kennel, we are very concerned about these indoor plants that we have made a decision not to have any indoor plants in our kennel and house to protect our dogs.

So to contribute to the Black Russian Terrier community and other dog communities, we have compiled a list of poisonous indoor plants for your perusal. Over the years there have been many outdoor trees that have become indoor ornamental trees and some of these trees have been included in our list.

Adenium (Desert Rose)

The  Adenium also known as Desert Rose, Desert Azalea Lily, Kudu Lily, Mock Azalea and Sabi Star. Eating any part of this plant can be extremely toxic to your dog. Consult with a veterinarian  immediately

Alocasia

Alocasia also known as Elephants Ear produces insoluble oxalate crystals which when chewed by a dog causes irritation of the mouth and GI tract.

 




Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera also known as Candelabra Plant, Barbados Aloe, Medicine Plant, Octopus Plant, Torch Plant, and True Aloe is a common plant sold in nurseries and hardware stores. This plant Aloes contain anthraquinone glycosides which are laxatives and causes extreme vomiting and diarrhea. Consult with a veterinarian  immediately.

Amaryllis (Amaryllis sp.)

Amaryllis also know by common names as Amaryllis, Jersey Lily and Lily Langtry. This plant contains Lycorine, a toxic crystalline alkaloid found in Amaryllis bulbs. If eaten by dogs, it is extremely toxic. Consult with a veterinarian  immediately.

Anthurium Scherzerianum (Flamingo Flower)

Anthurium Scherzerianum (Flamingo Flower) is also known by Flamingo Lily, Oilcloth Flower, Painter's Pallet, and Pigtail Plant also exudes Insoluble calcium oxalates which when ingested causes mouth irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing. Consult with a veterinarian  immediately.

Arrowhead Plant

Arrowhead Plant contains Insoluble calcium oxalates which causes irritation of the mouth, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips. Consult with a veterinarian  immediately.

Begonia(All)

Begonia is extremely toxic and lethal. Plant contains Cucurbitacin B and Insoluble calcium oxalates. Toxicity of kidneys with renal failure. Consult with a veterinarian  immediately.

Brunfelsia

Brunfelsia also known as Fransiscan Rain Tree, Kiss-Me-Quick, Lady-of-the-Night, Today, Tomorrow, Yesterday contains the chemical Brunfelsamidine which causes neurotoxicosis in dogs if ingested. Consult with a veterinarian  immediately.

Calla Lily

Calla Lily  contain Insoluble calcium oxalates which causes irritation of the mouth, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips. Consult with a veterinarian  immediately.

Castor Bean

Castor Bean also known as African Wonder Tree, Euphorbiaceae, Ricinus, seed, is extremely toxic. Contains glycoprotein called ricin and ricicine, an alkaloid found in both the seeds and leaves. Due to the toxicity of this plant a vet should be consulted immediately.

Cyclamen

Cyclamen also known by the common name of Persian violet, Sowbread contains a very poisonous compound called Terpenoid Saponins which ingested in large quantities can cause heart failure and death. If your pet has ingested any amounts of this plant please consult with your vet immediately.

Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)

Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) also known as Charming Dieffenbachia, Exotica, Exotica Perfection, Giant Dumb Cane, Spotted Dumb Cane and Tropic Snow contains Insoluble calcium oxalates, proteolytic enzymes. Insoluble calcium oxalates which when ingested causes mouth irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing. Consult with a veterinarian  immediately.

Dracaena

Dracaena also known by the common names as Corn Plant, Cornstalk Plant, Dragon Tree, Ribbon Plant contains saponins which when ingested can cause  gastrointestinal irritation. If you dog has ingested Dracaena, please consult with your vet.

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English Ivy also known Branching Ivy, California Ivy, Glacier Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy and Sweetheart Ivy, contains Triterpenoid saponins (hederagenin) which when eaten by a dog causes  gastric upset, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Please consult with your vet if you suspect that your dog has eaten English Ivy.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus and all it varieties contain eucalyptol which is classified as a narcotic and neurotoxin which attacks the kidneys and causes  increased salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and other symptoms. Consult a vet immediately if your dog has ingested Eucalyptus.

Ficus Benjamina

Ficus Benjamina also known as Weeping Fig, Indian Rubber Plant contains proteolytic enzyme (ficin), psoralen (ficusin). Ficin destroys the dog’s protein cells and Ficusin causes dermatitis and irritability in dogs that may lead to severe scratching which can break the dogs skin leading to serious infections. If you suspect that you dog has eaten the leaves of the bark of Ficus Benjamina, consult with your vet immediately.

Gardenia

Gardenia also known as Cape Jasmine contains the toxins of  Genioposide and Gardenoside substances which when ingested by dogs lead to vomiting. diarrhoea. If not treated immediately fatality can occur. Consult with your vet if you suspect that your dog has eaten Gardenia.

Geranium

Geranium plants contain the chemicals Geraniol and Linalool. Geraniol is an oily irritant which is harmful to the eyes and Linalool is also an irritant which causes skin eczema or dermatitis

Gloriosa superba (Flame Lily)

Gloriosa Superba or Gloriosa Lily also known Climbing Lily, Creeping Lily, Fire Lily, Flame Lily, Glory Lily, Superb Lily, Tiger claw is an extremely toxic plant to dogs. The plant contains Colchicine alkaloids. Signs that a dog has ingested the Gloriosa Lily are increased salivation, bloody vomiting, bloody diarrhea, shock, kidney failure, liver damage, bone marrow suppression. Medical intervention is immediately required otherwise fatality will occur.

Golden Pothos

Golden Pothos aliases are Devil's Ivy, Ivy Arum Pothos and Taro Vine contain Insoluble calcium oxalates which causes irritation of the mouth, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips. Consult with a veterinarian  immediately.

Jade Plant

Jade Plant also known as Baby Jade, Chinese Rubber Plant, Dwarf Rubber Plant, Jade Tree,  Japanese Rubber Plant contains unknown toxins, however dogs that have ingested this plant have shown signs of depression, incoordination and vomiting. As there are unknown toxins, a dog that has ingested the Jade Plant should seek immediate attention from a vet.

Kafir Lily

Kafir Lily also known by the names of Clivia Lily and Clivia Minata contains Lycorine and other alkaloids. Lycorine Lycorine is a toxic crystalline alkaloid found in various Amaryllidaceae species, such as the cultivated bush lily (Clivia miniata), surprise lilies (Lycoris), and daffodils (Narcissus). It may be highly poisonous, or even lethal, when ingested in certain quantities.

Clinical Signs: Vomiting, salvation, diarrhea; large ingestions cause convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors and cardiac arrhythmias. Bulbs are the most poisonous part.

If your dog has ingested this plant see immediate vet attention.

Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe also known as Chandelier Plant, Devils Backbone, Mother-In-Law-Plant and Mother of Millions contain the chemical compound Bufodienolide  which is a cardiac glycoside. The clinical signs of ingestion is Vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythm (rare). If your dog has ingested, seek medical attention from a vet.

Mistletoe

Mistletoe American contains Pharatoxin Viscumin (Lectins, Phoratoxins) and Toxalbumin which when eaten shows clinical signs of diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure (rare) and vomiting. Seek a vet attention if your dog has ingested mistletoe

Oleander (Nerium)

Nerium oleander contains cardiac glycosides which causes hyperkalemia. Clinical signs of ingestion could be  Arrhythmias, Blood pressure changes , Dehydration, Gastrointestinal (vomiting, diarrhea), Neurological signs (lethargy, depression, ataxia, tremors, seizures) and Shock. Immediate vet intervention is required.

Peyote (Lophophora williamsii)

Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) contains the hallucinogen mescaline, the effects which is similar to LSD. If your dog has ingested this, immediate attention is a must.

Philodendron (Heartleaf)

Philodendron (Heartleaf) also known by Cordatum, Fiddle-Leaf, Fruit Salad Plant, Horsehead Philodendron, Panda Plant, Red Emerald, Red Princess, Saddle Leaf, and Split Leaf Philodendron contain Insoluble calcium oxalates which causes irritation of the mouth, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips. Consult with a veterinarian  immediately.

Poinsettia

Poinsettia contains a sap that is an irritant  to the dogs mouth and stomach. Seek the help of a vet.

Prayer Bean

Prayer Bean is also known as Buddhist Rosary Bead, Indian Bead, Indian Licorice, Love Bean, Lucky Bean, Rosary Pea, Precatory Bean, Rosary Pea, Seminole Bead and Weather Plant contains Abrin and Abric Acid a glycoside.  Clinical symptoms of Prayer Bean ingestion includes severe vomiting and diarrhea (sometimes bloody), tremors, high heart rate, fever, shock, death. Seeds are very toxic (seed coat must be broken). Vet intervention is a must.

Sago Palm

Sago Palm is all known as Cardboard Palm, Coontie Palm, Cycads and Zamias contains Cycasin which is a carcinogen. Ingestion results in clinical symptoms of bruising, coagulopathy, death, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, icterus, increased thirst, liver damage, liver failure and vomiting. If you suspect that you dog has eaten any part of the Sago Palm, seek the advice of a vet.

Schefflera

Schefflera also known as Australian Ivy Palm, Octopus Tree, Starleaf and Umbrella Tree contains Insoluble calcium oxalates which causes irritation of the mouth, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips. Consult with a veterinarian  immediately.

Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily)

Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily) also known as Mauna Loa Peace Lily contain Insoluble calcium oxalates which causes irritation of the mouth, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips. Consult with a veterinarian  immediately.

Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise)

Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise Flower)(Do not confuse with Caesalpinia or Poinciana Gilliesii, which is also known as Bird of Paradise and is more toxic.) also known as Bird's Tongue Flower and Crane Flower contain GI irritants. Ingestion results in Mild nausea, vomiting, drowsiness; caused mainly by fruit and seeds.

Ti plant (Cordyline terminalis)

Ti plant (Cordyline terminalis) is also known by Baby Doll Ti Plant, Hawaiian Ti Plant contains Saponins which when ingested produces anorexia, depression, hypersalivation and vomitus with blood. If you dog has ingested the Ti plant seek the aid of a vet.

The Black Russian Terrier

Preamble

Visitors attending dog shows, or strangers walking by often ask the question “What type of dog is that. I have never seen a dog like that before, how can that dog see and other numerous questions regarding our Black Russian Terriers.

Well today I am going to answer some of these questions.

Black Russian Terrier Bogdan Iz Teremka

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIER BACKGROUND INFORMATION

During the Second World War, the Russian Military used their dogs to perform war tasks such as sniffing out bombs, guarding prisoners of war, acting as couriers to carry messages from one command to another command. As a result of these activities, many brave dogs died leading to a decline of military dogs.

The Russian government decided that they had to have a new dog which would be able to withstand the very cold Siberian climate, be a guard dog with nice attributes as having nice gait. So the Russian authorities made an edict that the Red Star Kennel, which was part of the Russian militia to undertake the development of this new dog.

The Red Star Kennel undertook this project by first breeding a Giant Schnauzer with a Rottweiler and then breeding the off springs to different breeds of dogs namely the Airedale Terrier, Caucasian Ovcharka and New Foundland Dog just to name a few. It has been reported that approximately 17 dog breeds were used to evolve to what is now known as the Black Russian Terrier.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIER SIZE AND WEIGHT

The Black Russian Terrier is a large dog.

The males can attain a weight of 140lbs (64kgs) to 160lbs (73kgs) and reach a height of over 30” (76cm).

The females are smaller than the males and can weigh anywhere from 99lbs (45kgs) to 120lbs (54kgs) and reach a height of 26” (66cm) to 29” (74cm).

If one decides to show their Black Russian Terriers, there are specific rules pertaining to heights, grooming and other physical attributions with respect to this breed. One should familiarize oneself with the:

•  breed standard of the American Kennel Club, 
• the breed standard of the Canadian Kennel Club 
• the breed standard of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in order to get the proper features of how the Black Russian Terrier should be presented in the conformation ring.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIER TEMPERAMENT

The Black Russian Terrier was bred to be a guard dog and as such he is one. It is his true nature. He knows the difference between danger and safety. He is a very intelligent and smart dog. The breed standard describes him as being all of and weary of strangers. As he is an alpha dog he needs to be owned not by first time dog owners but by owners who have had prior experience with alpha dogs. Obedience training is a must and must be started as early as three months of age and continues to when the owner feels that he is comfortable trained. Once he is settled with his family, he shows all his love and his real temperament for you.

Championship for Black Russian Terriers Blitzen and Glasha handled by Lana

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIER COAT AND SHEDDING AND GROOMING

The Black Russian Terrier has a double coat. It’s undercoat can be described as thick and soft while it’s overcoat can be coarse and wiry. It’s overcoat may vary from dog to dog depending on the dog’s pedigree and can be like human hair. The coat must be brushed at least every two days to keep it mat free.

There are many kennels on the Internet who have described that the Black Russian Terrier does not shed. This is a falsification. The Black Russian Terrier does shed but in a different way. Since his coat is like human hair, he sheds very small balls of hair. Brushing him twice a week will eradicate most of his shedding.

Since the Black Russian Terrier is relatively a new breed and a rare breed, not to many professional groomers know how to groom him. The best advice is to speak to your breeder who can advise you or teach you how to groom him. Grooming the Black Russian Terrier is an art and speciality.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIER HEALTH ISSUES

As with all dogs, health issues are a great concern. The Black Russian Terrier has his own health issues, but with prudent judgement when purchasing a Black Russian Terrier, you can alleviate some of the serious problems by purchasing a puppy from a reputable Black Russian Terrier Breeder. How to find a reputable breeder? Read my article on this.

Instead of writing on the health issues of the Black Russian Terrier, you can read it all at Black Russian Terrier Health Issues.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIER LONGEVITY

The World Animal Life Expectancy indicates that the Black Russian Terrier life span is from 10 to 12 years of age. With this reporting, it is known for a fact that Black Russian Terriers can live up to 14 years of age.

References: Iz Teremka BRT Kennel