2023 Are Ice Plant Poisonous To Pets: Expert Tell You

What is Ice Plant?

Ice plants are succulents native to rocky areas in South Africa that belong to the Mesembryanthemum genus[[wikipedia:Mesembryanthemum]Mesembryanthemum]. They have thick, water-storing leaves and colorful blooms. Their leaves and colorful flowers enable them to survive in harsh conditions with little precipitation.

The term “ice plant” refers to the appearance of the leaves when covered with dew droplets or after rainfall, which resembles tiny pieces of ice due to their waxy coating. The coating helps prevent excess water loss from the leaves while also reflecting sunlight to keep the internal temperature lower.

Ice plants have thick, fleshy leaves that allow them to withstand long periods of drought between rainfall. When water is available, the leaves absorb it quickly . These adaptations make ice plants well-suited to hot, arid environments.
More comprehensive information and care guidelines can be read here.

ice plant, ice plant, a leaf that is sitting on some ice — *Photo by* *Raymond Eichelberger* / *Unsplash*

Ice Plant Varieties: A Closer Look

There are many varieties of ice plants with different leaf shapes, sizes, colors, and flower types.Some of the most common types are:

Red Apple

Red Apple ice plants have bright red flowers and rounded, medium green leaves.[[wikipedia:Crassula] Crassula “Red Apple” ] is prized for its vivid color and year-round blooms.The flowers range from bright red to light pink in color. Even the new leaf growth is tinted red. This variety is a compact grower, reaching only 6 to 8 inches in height.

Lance Leaf

[[wikipedia:Delosperma]Delosperma “Lance Leaf”] ice plants have silver-gray lance-shaped leaves and yellow flowers.The leaves are long, narrow, and pointed.Their flexible physique allows them to lay flat during strong winds. When scorching summer temperatures fade into cool autumn days,Lance Leaf ice plants erupt in a display of bright yellow flowers.

Characteristics	Red Apple	Lance Leaf
Leaf Shape	Round	Lance-shaped
Leaf Color	Medium Green	Silver-Gray
Flower Color	Red	Yellow
Height	6-8 inches	8-12 inches

Emerald Carpet

[[wikipedia:Delosperma cooperi]Delosperma cooperi], also called Emerald Carpet ice plant, has light green foliage and pink star-shaped flowers. It forms a dense, trailing groundcover with leaves that emerge red and mature to light green. Emerald Carpet blooms profusely during spring and early summer, offering stunning carpets of delicate pink star flowers.

The varied leaf shapes, sizes, and colors combined with the array of colorful flowers make ice plants excellent choices for low-water,drought-tolerant gardens. Their ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions means they require little care once established.

ice plant, foliage, woman standing on concrete floor outdoor — *Photo by* *Raychan* / *Unsplash*

Are Ice Plants Toxic to Pets?

Yes, ice plants are toxic and poisonous to dogs and cats if consumed. While ice plants may look harmless, various parts of the plant contain high levels of [wikipedia:Oxalates]Oxalates that can cause health issues in pets.

Oxalates are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in many plants. When pets ingest high amounts of oxalates by eating ice plants or licking plant surfaces, they can lead to digestive problems and other health issues.

The primary risks of oxalate poisoning in pets who ingest ice plants are:

Irritation and inflammation: Oxalates can irritate and inflame the digestive tract lining, especially the mouth and esophagus. This can cause symptoms like drooling, vomiting and loss of appetite.
** Kidney damage:** When oxalates are absorbed into the bloodstream, they can accumulate in the kidney tubules and crystals form. This can damage kidney tissues over time and potentially lead to kidney failure.
Calcium deficiency: Oxalates bind with calcium in the digestive tract, preventing its absorption. This can decrease calcium levels in the blood and lead to deficiency symptoms.

Other symptoms of oxalate poisoning from ice plants in pets include:

Lethargy and depression
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Weakness
Dehydration

In severe cases, oxalate poisoning from ice plants can cause:

Bleeding in the digestive tract
Difficulty breathing
Coma or death

The severity of toxicity from ice plants depends on several factors, including:

The amount of plant consumed
The pet’s weight
Any existing health conditions

Ingesting small amounts of ice plants as an occasional snack is unlikely to cause issues in most pets. But eating large portions, especially for pets with health problems, can lead to oxalate poisoning and require medical treatment.

Removing access to ice plants and monitoring pets closely around these plants is the best way to keep them safe from toxicity. Pet owners should also be aware of the signs of oxalate poisoning in case their pet does ingest part of an ice plant.

ice plant, ice plant, a close-up of some moss — *Photo by* *Tony Litvyak* / *Unsplash*

Symptoms of Ice Plant Poisoning in Pets

Pets who ingest parts of ice plants may experience various symptoms depending on the severity of oxalate poisoning. In general, symptoms usually arise within a few hours to a day after exposure and can range from mild to severe.

Some of the most common symptoms of oxalate poisoning from ice plants in pets include:

Drooling: The oxalates in ice plants can irritate the mouth and esophagus, causing pets to excessively drool.
Vomiting: As oxalates come in contact with the stomach lining, they can trigger vomiting as a defense mechanism to remove the irritant from the body.
Diarrhea: The oxalates in ice plants can also irritate the lower digestive tract, causing pets to have loose or liquid stools.
Depression/Lethargy: As the body attempts to cope with the effects of oxalate toxicity, pets may seem tired, withdrawn and depressed.
Abdominal pain: Pets may vocalize, cry out, or act restless due to cramping pains in the abdomen caused by irritation in the digestive tract.
Weakness: Pets may seem shaky, uncoordinated or have trouble standing due to effects on the nervous system, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

More severe poisoning can lead to symptoms like hemorrhaging, difficulty breathing, seizures and eventually coma or death in extreme cases. But these outcomes are less common with small exposures to ice plants.

Most affected pets see their symptoms resolve within 1-3 days as long as they avoid further exposure. However, some long-term effects can potentially occur in cases of severe or chronic oxalate poisoning.

ice plant, foliage, green leaf plant — *Photo by* *Toa Heftiba* / *Unsplash*

How to Keep Pets Safe from Ice Plant

While ice plants make attractive additions to gardens, they can pose risks to pets if consumed. Here are some of the top ways pet owners can keep their furry companions safe from ice plant poisoning:

Move ice plants out of reach. The most effective way to prevent pets from ingesting parts of ice plants is to [wikipedia:Fencing]Fence off the plants or move them to areas inaccessible to pets. This may involve using tall planters or raising the plants on benches.
Supervise pets while outdoors. When pets are in the yard, watch them carefully to ensure they do not chew or lick ice plant leaves.Interrupt any unwanted plant interactions immediately. This is especially important with young pets or those with a history of plant ingestion.
Consider planting pet-friendly alternatives. Rather than ice plants,opt for non-toxic ground covers and succulents that are safe for pets. Some options include:[[wikipedia:Lavandula]Lavender], thyme, catnip, daisies and sedumplants.These plants still provide visual appeal without posing risks.
Remove fallen leaves and debris. Pick up any ice plant leaves or petals that have fallen to the ground. Pets are more likely to ingest plant debris that is within easy reach.Remove any dropped material as soon as possible.
Educate pets to avoid ice plants. Use verbal cues and spray bitter apple on ice plant leaves to train pets not to chew on them. Consistently interrupt any interactions and reward when your pet avoids the plants. Repetition is key to education.
Work with a professional. If you suspect your pet has ingested parts of an ice plant, immediately contact your veterinarian or an[wikipedia:Animal poison control center]animal poison control hotline. They can recommend next steps based on your pet’s symptoms and history. In some cases,medical treatment or induction of vomiting may be needed.
Trim ice plants frequently. Keeping ice plant leaves and stems short makes them less available and appealing for pets to chew on. Consider pruning ice plants every 4-6 weeks to maintain a neat appearance and remove long pieces.

The best prevention strategy is removing ice plants altogether if you have concerns about pet safety. But if you decide to keep these plants, diligent supervision, frequent pruning and education can help minimize the risks for your furry companions.

ice plant, foliage, close up photo of green leafed plant — *Photo by* *Ren Ran* / *Unsplash*

Alternatives to Ice Plant for Pet-Friendly Gardens

While ice plants provide many benefits in gardens, their toxicity makes them a poor choice for gardens with pets. Luckily there are numerous alternatives that offer similar aesthetic appeal without posing health risks. Some of the best non-toxic substitutes for ice plants for gardens with pets include:

• [wikipedia:Lavandula]Lavender: Lavender is a fragrant, drought-tolerant perennial with beautiful flowers. It grows in most soil types and offers similar groundcover benefits as ice plants.

• Sedum: Also called stonecrops, sedum plants form attractive mats of fleshy leaves with colorful flowers. They are very low maintenance and grown well in rock gardens or containers.

• Thyme: Common thyme has tiny purple or pink flowers and aromatic foliage. It is evergreen, grows well in full sun and spreads to form a dense groundcover.

• Daisies: Several types of daisies make beautiful,long-blooming additions to gardens. They typically flower from spring through fall and come in a range of sizes.

• Catnip: This herbaceous perennial forms dense clumps that fill in unused garden areas. It features aromatic foliage and tiny white flowers that attract butterflies and caterpillars.

• Purslane: Though often considered a weed, purslane makes an excellent alternative to ice http://plant.It|plant.It grows in full sun to partial shadeand has fleshy succulent foliage and yellow flowers.

When choosing alternatives, consider attributes like:

• Similar features- Match ice plants’ ability to grow in difficult conditions and form an attractive groundcover.

• Color & size- Select plants with comparable colors, flower types and growth habit to fit the same landscape niche.

• Low maintenance- Choose options that thrive with minimal water, pruning and other forms of care.

• Durability- Select plants that can withstand the same extremes of temperature, precipitation and sunlight as ice plants.

Replacing toxic ice plants with any of the pet-safe alternatives above can provide an equally attractive landscape without endangering your furry companions. Consider mixing several low-growing species together for maximum visual interest while ensuring a guilt-free garden for your pets to enjoy.