Are Daisies Toxic to Guinea Pigs? (You Need to Know)
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We all think that daisies are pretty flowers, don’t we? But can your pigs eat them? Are daisies toxic to guinea pigs?
Yes, daisies are toxic to guinea pigs. Your cavies shouldn’t eat this plant because it has harmful chemicals.
Daisies contain lactones which can cause allergic reactions. High calcium levels in the flower can also cause urinary problems. Eating too many daisies can lead to the death of your cavy.
Wanna know more about daisies and guinea pigs? In this blog post you’ll find out why daisies are bad for your cavies. Let’s get started.
What Are Daisies, Anyway?
Daisies are flowers that have over 4000 different species. They can be found all around the world, except Antarctica. Most daisy species are either annual or biennial plants.
These flowers are known to symbolize purity, love and beauty. They’re medicinal too.
Some species of daisies are poisonous to humans, but others can be eaten. A few species are safe for pets, but most are poisonous to them.
It’s hard to differentiate the good and bad species so daisies are usually a no-go for most pets.
When it comes to foraging for wild plants, if you’re not 100% sure of what it is, then please don’t feed it to your fur babies.
Are Daisies Toxic To Guinea Pigs?
Yes, daisies are toxic to guinea pigs. They contain harmful chemicals that can make our piggies very sick if they eat them.
Now, what are these chemicals?
Daisies have a lot of sesquiterpene lactones in them. These are toxic and irritating to animals like guinea pigs.
Another chemical is a toxin known as pyrethrin. It is used to make botanical insecticides. Pyrethrin is also a very deadly nerve toxin.
Now you know why daisies are toxic for your fur babies, don’t you?
Note: these toxins can enter your cavies’ bloodstreams and cause death.
Some daisies are safe, but it can be hard to tell which ones are safe and which ones are not. So I think we can agree that it’s better to stay away from daisies altogether.
If you want some more information on what guinea pigs can and can’t eat, check out these posts: What Guinea Pigs Can Eat (Everything You Need To Know) and What Herbs Can Guinea Pigs Eat? (The Good, The Bad, The Tasty)
What Happens If A Guinea Pig Eats A lot Of Daisies?
Too many daisies can be bad for your guinea pig and for you too. Daisies can cause health problems that may become more serious.
Anorexia
Daisies have chemicals that can make your guinea pigs not want to eat. If they don’t eat, they’ll lose weight and might become anorexic.
If your cavies eat daisies and they stop eating, you should go to the vet. If they don’t eat enough, they might develop other health problems. Daisies are not food for guinea pigs, so let’s stay away from them.
Digestive Problems
Guinea pigs have a delicate digestive system and they get sick easily. Any food with a compound that is slightly toxic will give them digestive problems.
The compounds in daisies can cause stomach pains, gas, and diarrhea. It may even lead to bleeding within the digestive tract.
If your cavies eat daisies, they might get sick. To prevent this, give them a lot of water and take them to the vet.
Allergic Reaction
The first thing you will probably notice is that most guinea pigs are allergic to compounds in daisies. These compounds can trigger a lot of allergic reactions in your little critters.
The sesquiterpene lactones in daisies can cause your pigs’ eyes and mouth to become irritated. It will also cause skin and nose irritation.
The other component is just as bad. It will cause allergic reactions like:
- Dermatitis
- Swelling or irritation in the throat
- Diarrhea
- Choking
- Vomiting
- Paralysis
- Death
These are usually allergic reactions to daisies.
Death
Aside from death due to allergic reactions, there’s other dangers from daisies. Don’t worry, I’ll tell you.
Daisies contain a lot of calcium. This is good for people, but it can be dangerous for cavies. Cavies that eat daisies can get bladder and kidney stones. We all know that urinary problems can be deadly.
There are many ways that the daisy plant can kill your cavy. Cavies can die from not eating, having urinary problems, or having allergic reactions to the plant.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Gerber Daisies?
No, guinea pigs shouldn’t eat gerber daisies. They are harmful to your pet and can cause skin and eye irritation. They’re similar to other daisies and contain irritating pyrethrins.
Plus, your piggies will experience side effects like gas, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, it may lead to loss of appetite and weight loss.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat China Crown Daisies?
No, guinea pigs shouldn’t eat china crown daisies. This daisy is also called garland chrysanthemum. It’s toxic because it contains harmful compounds like the other daisies.
This daisy can also cause allergic reactions in your cavies. If they eat it, they might get bloated and vomit. So it’s best not to give this flower to your piggies.
If you want some more information on tasty things you can feed your guinea pigs, then read: What Fruits Can Guinea Pigs Eat? (What You Need To Know)and Is It Safe For Guinea Pigs To Eat Oregano? (Find Out Now)
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Ox-Eye Daisies?
No, your guinea pigs shouldn’t eat Ox-Eye daisies. They contain toxic compounds like pyrethrins. It can cause allergic reactions which may lead to complicated health issues.
It is best to avoid feeding your cavies Ox-Eye daisies. Humans can eat it and use it for medicine, but it’s bad for guinea pigs.
So, what’s different about Ox-Eye daisies?
The petals are white with a yellow center. They have tall stems (up to 30 centimeters high). They’re beautiful, but they’re a red flag for your cavies.
Will The Smell Of Daisies Hurt Guinea Pigs?
The smell of daisies isn’t toxic to guinea pigs. The plant itself won’t hurt them if they smell it. But other fragrant things made from daisies could be harmful to your cavies.
For example, daisy essential oil would hurt your cavies if they smell it. Medicines made from daisies may have strong smells that can harm your cavies too.
Daisies can be used to make things that smell too strongly. But the smell of ordinary daisies won’t be harmful to your pet cavies.
What Happens If A Guinea Pig Eats A Daisy?
Some side effects can include diarrhea and severe allergic reactions. Compounds in daisies can cause chronic issues for your cavies.
Some of the other side effects of eating daisies for your piggies are:
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Dermatitis
- Gas
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Bleeding within the digestive tract
- Death
If your guinea pig eats just one daisy, it will have a mild side effect. If your guinea pig eats many daisies, it might have severe problems.
Some piggies might have life-threatening allergic reactions. Now you’ll agree with me that daisies aren’t such a great treat, are they?
What Flowers Are Toxic To Guinea Pigs?
Sunflowers, asters and daffodils are toxic to guinea pigs. Actually, a lot of pretty flowers that you see probably aren’t safe for your cavies. Don’t risk your furry friends’ health with flowers that you’re unsure of.
Don’t be too shocked. Here’s a list of some flowers that are toxic to your guinea pigs:
- Daffodil
- Goldenrod
- Green clover
- Groundsel
- Mallow
- Nasturtiums
- Aster
- Coltsfoot
- Plantain
- Sunflower
Feed your guinea pigs flowers that you are sure are safe. Make sure to wash them thoroughly too. Remember to feed them flowers in moderation, too many may be toxic.
What Flowers Can Guinea Pigs Eat?
Guinea pigs can eat many healthy flowers like marigolds and geraniums. These flowers are high in fiber, vitamin C and low in fat, and are a great addition to your cavy’s diet.
Some flowers that your guinea pigs can eat include:
- Lavender: lavender is low in fat and calories which avoids heart problems. It’s rich in vitamin C and helps prevent scurvy. It also has stomach cleansing properties.
- Clover: clover is safe for your guinea pigs to eat and is highly nutritious, but should be fed in small quantities.
- Marigolds: marigolds are rich in fiber and help in digestion. They can also be used as ointments to treat external injuries.
- Geraniums: these are safe for piggies and are anti-inflammatory, but too much of it can cause intestinal problems.
- Roses: the rosehip part contains vitamins and iron, but it’s also high in sugar. It should be fed in small quantities.
What Herbs Should Guinea Pigs Avoid?
Guinea pigs should avoid herbs like yarrow, ivy, and privet. Many herbs are harmful and can even kill your fur babies.
Let’s look at some of these toxic herbs that your cavies shouldn’t eat.
They include:
- Nightshade
- Holly
- Hemlock
- Foxglove
- House plants
- Sage
- Chives like garlic and onions
- Yew
- Ragwort
- Ivy
- Privet
Some of these plants are less toxic than others. Some may just cause nausea, vomiting, and bloating. But others can be much worse and lead to urinary problems.
Chives have a high level of oxalates. This means that they can cause bladder and kidney stones in your cavies.
The bottom line is that you should seek advice before feeding any new herb to your cavies.
Wanna keep your piggies safe? Check out the post: Guinea Pig Killing Foods (What You Need to Avoid)
Things To Remember About Guinea Pigs Eating Daisies
When it comes to what guinea pigs can and can’t eat, daisies should definitely be on the list of things to avoid. That’s because these flowers contain toxins that can be harmful to guinea pigs.
If you have a guinea pig, it is important to make sure that he or she does not eat any daisies. This is especially true if you plan on taking your guinea pig outside, where there may be daisies growing.
If your guinea pig eats some daisies, which will hopefully never happen, it’s important to get him or her to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
So, now that you know that guinea pigs shouldn’t eat daisies, be sure to spread the word to other piggie parents.