The dog daisy, also known as dog fennel or yarrow, is a beautiful flowering plant that is poisonous to cats. This plant contains achilleine glycoalkaloids, hydrolyzable tannins, and volatile oils that can disturb a cat’s gastrointestinal tract and cause skin irritation. There’s also a chance that cats who have a lot of allergies, are pregnant or nursing, or have wounds or incisions after eating yarrow will have more risks.
What Is Dog Daisy or Achillea Millefolium?
Dog Daisy, scientifically known as achillea millefolium, is a flowering plant that is endemic to temperate regions of Asia, Europe, and North America. This member of the Asteraceae plant family reaches a height of three feet and has no branches other than towards the top. Dog daisy leaves are three to five inches long, alternating, and have several leaflets on each side of the midrib, which are further divided into smaller leaflets, giving them a delicate, fernlike, lacy appearance. At the top of the stalk, flower heads are clustered in huge, compact clusters, each cluster containing one or more flower heads.
Clinical Signs of Dog Daisy or Achillea Millefolium Poisoning in Cats
If your cat has ingested a part of dog daisy or yarrow, the typical signs that he or she may display are:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive urination
- Lethargy
- Drowsiness
- Skin irritation
First Aid and Treatment of Dog Daisy or Achillea Millefolium Poisoning in Cats
Depending on the extremities of your cat’s situation, the veterinarian may order laboratory testing in addition to a comprehensive physical examination. The vet’s main focus is on treating the symptoms that your cat is experiencing. It is fairly common for a cat to get dehydrated after evacuating its gastrointestinal contents for an extended length of time. Intravenous fluid administration can assist rehydrate the cat and keeping it as healthy as possible while it deals with the poison’s consequences. Activated charcoal may be also utilized to aid in clearing your cat’s stomach. Other therapy and medications may be also prescribed by the doctor as he may deem necessary for your cat’s recuperation.
Recovery from Dog Daisy or Achillea Millefolium Poisoning in Cats
Poisoning from dog daisies or achillea millefolium rarely results in death. Once all of the toxic material from the plant has passed through the body, most cats will recover completely. The poisoning should not have any long-term consequences. Although, dog daisy poisoning can cause miscarriage in pregnant cats. It is also recommended that mother cats who have taken dog daisy or yarrow not be allowed to nurse their kittens.
Prevention of Dog Daisy or Achillea Millefolium Poisoning in Cats
Keeping your cat indoors is the most ideal way to prevent exposure to dog daisies and other toxic plants. Utilize cat houses or playpens where they can be occupied and entertained while staying safe. Building plant terrariums with non-toxic plants is also helpful particularly if your cat is a nibbler.
If you love plants but have cats at home, check out these lists:
