Succulents are popular as houseplants because they require minimal care, are hard to destroy and look really nice. Some species even have detoxifying properties, but there's one succulent that dog owners shouldn't keep at home. It is Kalanchoe.

Although it delights with its colorful rose-like flower appearance, Kalanchoe contains a chemical compound that is toxic to dogs when ingested. The poisonous substances in this plant can affect the animal's heart and nervous system.

Although dogs don't usually nibble on foliage, some dogs chew on plants out of boredom or in an attempt to settle an upset stomach, unaware of the danger. If you bring a new plant into the home, it's more likely that your pet, driven by curiosity, will want to explore it. Dogs are particularly inclined to explore and chew on anything new and unfamiliar to them.

The best way to protect your dog from toxic plants is to simply not bring Kalanchoe into your home. If you already have a kalanchoa at home, this does not mean that you should throw it out, but it should definitely be moved out of reach of the dog, for example, on a high shelf or in a room that is closed when they are not home.

Even a small amount of Kalanchoe can cause signs of poisoning in a dog. Symptoms include excessive drooling, diarrhea, vomiting, dilated pupils, and even seizures. There are also symptoms that you won't notice from the outside, such as an irregular heartbeat or a fast or slow pulse.

If a dog eats a large amount of this plant, the consequences can be fatal if you do not seek veterinary help immediately. If you suspect that your dog has swallowed part of a kalanchoa, call your veterinarian immediately.