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Plants dangerous to guinea pigs

Guinea pigs graze constantly and are often fed garden greens. Make sure foraged plants are correctly identified.

Guinea pigs

Warning signs: Not eating, drooling, bloating, diarrhea, hunched posture.

If you suspect poisoning: remove any plant material, keep a sample, and call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 immediately.

13 plants to keep away from guinea pigs

  • Lilies (true lilies & daylilies)

    Severe

    Acute kidney failure; even pollen or vase water can be fatal.

  • Foxglove

    Severe

    Cardiac glycosides cause heart arrhythmia and collapse.

  • Yew

    Severe

    Taxine alkaloids cause sudden heart failure.

  • Rhubarb leaves

    Severe

    Oxalic acid causes kidney damage and tremors.

  • Onion, garlic & chives

    Severe

    Damage red blood cells, causing anemia.

  • Avocado (leaves, pit, skin)

    Severe

    Persin causes heart damage and respiratory distress.

  • Deadly nightshade

    Severe

    Tropane alkaloids cause dilated pupils, rapid heart rate and seizures.

  • Azalea & rhododendron

    Severe

    Grayanotoxins cause vomiting, weakness, abnormal heart rhythm.

  • Buttercup

    Moderate

    Blistering of the mouth, drooling and colic.

  • English ivy

    Moderate

    Saponins cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

  • Potato (green parts & sprouts)

    Moderate

    Solanine causes vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.

  • Tomato plant (leaves & stems)

    Moderate

    Solanine causes digestive upset and weakness.

  • Privet

    Moderate

    Digestive upset, weakness and incoordination.

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General information only, not veterinary advice. Toxicity varies with the amount eaten and the animal's size.