Yuccas are found in many backyards, fields, pastures and countless other places a pet may wander. So how do encounters with yucca plants poison your pet?
Yuccas in the wild are poisonous to small pets if ingested. They may experience mild nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. A cut from a yucca can cause infections and temporary behavior issues. However, there are some health benefits from yucca in the form of yucca schidigera extract.
Smaller pets have mild symptoms, but larger animals, especially ones that may graze, tend to have more severe reactions due to the amounts they may consume. We will discuss the dangers of yuccas as well as their benefits.
Effects of Yucca Toxin on Pets
Raw yuccas, especially the roots, contain saponins, a harmful chemical compound that leads many small pets who don’t graze to have:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Bad coordination
- Drooling
In addition, animals that graze may develop liver disease and have inflammation in the skin.
The toxins in the leaves can enter the body when the spiky leaves cut a pet. This causes a similar reaction to an animal eating a raw yucca plant.
Is Yucca Poisonous to Dogs
Yuccas are toxic to dogs when a dog ingests the raw plant. Consuming a raw yucca plant can cause a dog to have mild vomiting and diarrhea due to the toxins. A cut or a puncture has similar symptoms as ingesting the plant or can cause an infection.
If this occurs, take the dog, with the plant, to the vet immediately. Having the plant can help the vet make a proper diagnosis.
Is Yucca Poisonous to Cats
Raw yuccas are poisons to cats when ingested. Listed below are symptoms a cat may develop.
- Vomit
- Diarrhea
- Involuntary muscular contractions
- Poor coordination
- Dilated Eyes
- Drool
A cut by the sharp leaves can have similar symptoms as eating the yucca and lead to an infection. Take the cat to the vet immediately if the cat has eaten or been cut by yucca. The plant should go with the cat to help the veterinarian diagnose.
Is Yucca Poisonous to Cattle, Goats, and Horses
Yuccas in the wild are toxic to cattle, goats, and horses, but they stay away from yuccas due to their sharp leaves. A cut can quickly become infected if care is not supplied. Yuccas have a foul taste like soap, so most animals avoid them.
Yuccas are a nuisance because they take up land meant for grass and have a vast root system that regrows when removed.
Is Yucca Poisonous to a Rabbit
Raw yucca plants are very toxic to rabbits, whether the yucca plant is fresh or dried. After eating yucca, a rabbit may seem fine at first, but as time continues, the rabbit may start to drool, become weak, and have a lack of coordination. Since rabbits can not regurgitate their food to remove the toxin, yucca ingestion can become life-threatening.
Benefits of Yucca Schidigera Extract for Dogs and Cats
Cooked yucca, processed commercially as medicine, can be used for arthritis, hip and knee dysplasia, digestive problems, and skin problems. This is known as yucca schidigera extract, and it can reduce swelling and inflammation in cats and dogs. Yucca schidigera extract has many health benefits because of these ingredients:
- Vitamins
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Iron
- Manganese
- Copper
The roots have an ammonia bind that has been linked to reduced odors from pet urine and feces. This reduces litter box odors.
Yucca Schidigera Added to Pet Food
Ingesting cooked yuccas can positively affect a pet’s health. Yucca schidigera extract is often found in some pet food brands such as Diamond. In pet food, yucca schidigera extract can be safely consumed to improve health.
Yucca schidigera can also be given as a supplement to pets. But monitoring the amount you provide your pet is essential to avoid an overdose.
Poultry Benefits from Yucca Schidigera Extract
Yucca schidigera benefits poultry by boosting growth, productivity, and reproductive performance. In addition, yucca schidigera can also increase blood profile, immune function, and antioxidants.
Benefits of Yucca Schidigera Extract for Livestock and Rabbits
Yucca schidigera extract has many benefits for livestock and rabbits. Yucca schidigera can be given to:
- Horses
- Cattle
- Goats
- Pigs
- Rabbits
The benefits include supporting joint health, healing external and internal wounds and restoring cartilage. Yucca schidigera can also comfort these animals by reducing muscle swelling and increasing tissue repair. In addition, yucca schidigera can work as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
Overdose on Yucca Schidigera Extract
Yucca schidigera extract should be given in small doses to prevent an overdose. Pet food has schidigera within safe parameters according to the pet food labels, so it is unlikely a pet will overdose from commercially produced pet food.
Most overdose cases occur from the pet eating the plant or overeating the extract. In addition, the pet may develop stomach problems, increased heartbeat, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, poor coordination as time continues.
If you notice these signs, visiting a vet is important to help prevent long-lasting and deadly situations. Bringing the plant or the extract can help your veterinarian make a diagnosis.
Conclusion
Yucca contains a toxin called saponins that can sicken your pet lead to death or long-lasting effects. Therefore, yuccas should never be given to a pet unless the plant has been properly prepared by being cooked or boiled. This should be done by a professional.
Yucca Schidigera extract can be given to animals to provide great healing benefits but should be done in small quantities to prevent dangerous overdoses.
