Plants Poisonous To Dogs

Bydanail

If you are a dog parent, you know how much pups love digging or eating almost everything they can get to. So, if you have a garden, potted plants on your balcony or patio, or look after beautiful flowers, you should remember that some plants can be harmful, and others can be life-threatening for dogs.

According to the Annual List of Top Toxins for Pets for 2020 by the ASPCA, the cases of pet poisoning from toxic plants hold the 5th place of all cases. The number of incidents increased by 9,000 more cases compared to the previous year, attributed to the pandemic, people staying home, and spending more time gardening, sending bouquets, or decorating their homes with plants.

But even if you do not like indoor or outdoor flowers or plants, you should still know which plants to keep your dog away from. Plus, the chances are that you use some of these toxic plants for cooking and food. Some toxic plant-based foods for canines include onions, garlic, leeks, macadamia nuts, cacao beans, coffee, grapes, resins, wild mushrooms, sultanas, apple seeds, rhubarb, and more.

In the best-case scenario, your dog may suffer from a mild stomach upset, diarrhea, or vomiting from ingesting part of a toxic plant. In the more severe cases, the canines can suffer from liver damage and deadly poisoning.

The plants poisonous to dogs which can cause mild to severe harm can be found both indoors and outside. This means that you should be careful about what your pup munches on and eats in your own home or garden and when you are outdoors enjoying a walk.

Here Are 10 Of The Most Commonly Found Toxic Plants For Canines

1. Sago PalmSago-Palm

The sago palm is a preferred house and outdoor plant, especially in warmer climates. While it is charming and beautiful, looking like a miniature palm tree, the sago palm is highly toxic for dogs.

The entire plant is dangerous for pups. But while eating a little bit of the bark or leaves can lead to diarrhea and vomiting, ingesting larger quantities of the seeds of the sago palm can lead to a dangerous level of toxicity, with symptoms like damage to the stomach lining, seizures, severe liver failure, and death.

2. Tulips

Tulips are beloved flowers for all gardeners from around the world. But be warned that these gorgeous spring flowers can be harmful and dangerous for your dogs. The part of the tulip which is the most toxic for canines is the bulb. So, make sure that your pet doesn’t have access to any bulbs in your shed or in the garden.

While munching on some tulip leaves or the flower itself is less likely to harm your dog, the bulb can cause severe irritation to its esophagus and mouth. This can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and other adverse effects. Some dogs may experience a loss of appetite and depression.

If a dog eats a lot of tulip bulbs, it can experience more severe symptoms such as respiratory problems, racing heart rate, and others that require emergency veterinary care.

3. Lily of the Valley

Lily-of-the-Valley

This delicate flower is a favorite among gardeners because of its adorable bell-like white flowers and its strong aroma.

But behind this charming appearance, a true danger for dogs is hidden because all parts of Lily of the Valley can be toxic for them.

It is packed with cardiac glycosides that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, a lowered heart rate and blood pressure, arrhythmia, seizures, and coma.

Related: Are Lilies Toxic To Dogs?

4. Oleander

This evergreen outdoor shrub is a famous garden and landscaping plant. It has luscious green leaves and delicate clusters of flowers and can grow to up to 12 feet.

The problem is that every single part of the Oleander can be toxic for dogs. Again the reason is the content of glycosides.

Eating the leaves or flowers of this bushy shrub can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, stomach pain, a slow heart rate, lowered blood pressure, and if not treated promptly, can be fatal for canines.

5. Philodendron

The philodendron is a common houseplant, which many appreciate because of its impressive heart-shaped large green leaves and long vines.

But it contains insoluble calcium oxalates, which can lead to pain, irritation, or swelling of the canine’s mouth, lips, and tongue. This can cause difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, retching, vomiting, and other mild to severe poisoning symptoms in dogs and horses.

6. Rhododendron (Azalea)

Rhododendron

This is another popular flowering landscaping shrub that can be seen in yards and gardens around the country. The problem is that you should keep your dog away from the Azalea shrub because all of its parts contain grayanotoxin, which can lead to poisoning.

The symptoms which a pup that has ingested the leaves or flowers of the Rhododendron can be mild such as digestive problems, or if eaten in larger quantities, can be severe and include general weakness, low blood pressure, tremors, heart rhythm irregularities, and more.

7. Dieffenbachia (Dumb cane)

This well-known indoor plant has lush evergreen leaves decorated with white stripes or spots.

Keep in mind, though, that the leaves of the Dieffenbachia contain proteolytic enzyme and insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause intense burning and irritation of the pup’s mouth, lips, and tongue. This can lead to swelling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing and breathing.

8. Japanese Yew

This versatile evergreen shrub is perfect for hedges and landscaping but is among the most toxic plants for canines.

Its needle-like dark green leaves, seeds, and bark contain volatile oil and Taxine A and B, which can lead to vomiting, difficulty breathing, muscle tremors, and death as a result of acute heart failure.

The red berries are not dangerous for the dogs, but it still it is advisable to keep your pup far away from the Japanese Yew.

Related: What Berries Can Dogs Eat?

9. Cyclamen

The cyclamen is a beloved house plant and is often given as a present. While it is wonderful with its pink blooms, it contains terpenoid saponins, which are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.

The symptoms you can expect to see if your pup munches up some leaves or petals are increased salivation, diarrhea, and vomiting. But if it has eaten the roots (tubers) of the plant, the poisoning may be much more severe and even fatal and can lead to abnormalities of the heart rhythm, seizures, and death.

10. Autumn Crocus

Also known as meadow saffron or naked lady, this pretty flower blooms in late spring but without any leaves. The leaves and the bulbs appear much later in the spring.

The entire plant contains colchicine as well as other alkaloids, which are poisonous to dogs and cats.

If your pup eats some meadow saffron, it can start to show symptoms include diarrhea, bloody vomiting, shock, and multi-organ suppression. Even small quantities of this flower or its bulbs can cause long-term damage to the dog’s health, including liver failure and bone marrow suppression. In severe cases, eating autumn crocus can lead to the dog’s death.

Further Reading: Why Does My Dog Eat Leaves?

The full list of plants that are poisonous to dogs

To be on the safe side and keep your home and garden safe for your dog, as well as prevent it from poisoning itself by eating plants outdoors, we are sharing the complete list of plants poisonous to dogs as compiled by the ASPCA.

Please, keep in mind that the list contains some of the same plants but under their different common names.

Adam-and-Eve

African Wonder Tree

Alocasia

Aloe

Amaryllis

Ambrosia Mexicana

American Bittersweet

American Holly

American Mandrake

American Yew

Andromeda Japonica

Angelica Tree

Apple

Apricot

Arrow-Head Vine

Arum

Arum Lily

Asparagus Fern

Australian Ivy Palm

Australian Nut

Autumn Crocus

Azalea

Baby Doll Ti Plant

Barbados Aloe

Barbados Lily

Barbados Pride

Barbados Pride 2

Bay Laurel

Bead Tree

Begonia

Bergamot Orange

Bird of Paradise

Bird of Paradise 2

Bird of Paradise Flower

Bird’s Tongue Flower

Bishop’s Weed

Bitter Root

Black Calla

Black Cherry

Black Laurel

Black Nightshade

Black Walnut

Bobbins

Bog Laurel

Borage

Boxwood

Branching Ivy

Brazilwood

Bread and Butter Plant

Brunfelsia

Buckeye

Buckwheat

Buddhist Pine

Burning Bush

Buttercup

Butterfly Iris

Caladium

Calamondin Orange

California Ivy

Calla Lily

Cape Jasmine

Caraway

Cardboard Cycad

Cardboard Palm

Cardinal Flower

Carnation

Castor Bean Plant

Ceriman

Chamomile

Chandelier Plant

Charming Dieffenbachia

Cherry

Chinaberry Tree

Chinese Evergreen

Chinese Jade

Chives

Choke Cherry

Christmas Rose

Chrysanthemum

Clematis

Climbing Bittersweet

Climbing Lily

Climbing Nightshade

Clivia Lily

Clusia Rosea

Coffee Tree

Coleus

Common Privet

Coontie Palm

Cordatum

Corn Plant

Cornstalk Plant

Cow parsnip

Cowbane

Cuckoo-pint

Cutleaf Philodendron

Cycads

Cyclamen

Daffodil

Dahlia

Daisy

Deadly Nightshade

Desert Azalea

Desert Rose

Devil’s Backbone

Devils Ivy

Dieffenbachia

Dock

Dog Daisy

Dog Hobble

Dogbane Hemp

Dracaena

Dumbcane

Dwarf Poinciana

Easter Rose

Eastern Star

Elephant Ears

Elephant Ears

Elephant-Ear Begonia

Emerald Feather

English Holly

English Ivy

English Yew

Epazote

Eucalyptus

European Bittersweet

European Holly

Everlasting Pea

Exotica

False Bittersweet

False Queen Anne’s Lace

Feather Geranium

Fern Palm

Fetter Bush

Fetterbush

Fiddle-Leaf

Fig

Figwort

Fire Lily

Flag

Flamingo Flower

Fleabane

Florida Beauty

Florist’s Calla

Foxglove

Franciscan Rain Tree

Garden Calla

Garden Chamomile

Garden Hyacinth

Gardenia

Garlic

Geranium

Geranium-Leaf Aralia

Giant Dracaena

Giant Dumb Cane

Giant Hogweed

Glacier Ivy

Gladiola

Gloriosa Lily

Gold Dieffenbachia

Gold Dust Dracaena

Golden Birds Nest

Golden Pothos

Golden Ragwort

Good Luck Plant

Grapefruit

Grass Palm

Greater Ammi

Green Gold Naphthysis

Ground Apple

Groundsel

Hahn’s Self-Branching English Ivy

Hashish

Hawaiian Ti

Heartleaf Philodendron

Heavenly Bamboo

Hellebore

Hercules’ Club

Hills of Snow

Holly

Hops

Horse Chestnut

Horsehead Philodendron

Horseweed

Hortensia

Hosta

Hurricane Plant

Hyacinth

Hydrangea

Impala Lily

Inch Plant

Indian Apple

Indian Borage

Indian Hemp

Indian Pink

Indian Rubber Plant

Inkberry

Iris

Iron Cross Begonia

Ivy Arum

Jack-in-the-pulpit

Jade Plant

Japanese Yew

Jerusalem Cherry

Jerusalem Oak

Jonquil

Kaffir Lily

Kalanchoe

Kiss-me-quick

Klamath Weed

Kudu Lily

Lace Fern

Lacy Tree Philodendron

Lady-of-the-night

Lambkill

Lantana

Larkspur

Laurel

Lavender

Leather flower

Leeks

Lemon

Lemon Grass

Lemon Verbena

Lenten Rose

Lily of the Palace

Lily of the Valley

Lily-of-the-Valley Bush

Lime

Lobelia

Locust

Lord-and-Ladies

Lovage

Macadamia Nut

Madagascar Dragon Tree

Maidens Breath

Malanga

Maleberry

Mapleleaf Begonia

Marble Queen

Marijuana

Marjoram

Mauna Loa Peace Lily

Mayapple

Mayweed

Meadow Saffron

Medicine Plant

Metallic Leaf Begonia

Mexican Breadfruit

Milfoil

Milkweed

Mint

Mistletoe “American”

Mock Azalea

Mole Bean Plant

Morning Glory

Morning-Noon-and-Night

Moss Rose

Mother of Millions

Mother-in-Law

Mother-In-Law Plant

Mother-in-Law’s Tongue

Mum

Naked Lady

Nandina

Narcissus

Nasturtium

Needlepoint Ivy

Nephthytis

Nicotiana

Nightshade

Octopus Tree

Oilcloth Flower

Oleander

Onion

Orange

Oregano

Oregon Holly

Ornamental Pepper

Pacific Yew

Painter’s Palette

Palm Lily

Panda Plant

Paper White

Paraguayan Jasmine

Parsley

Peace Begonia

Peace Lily

Peach

Peacock Flower

Pencil Cactus

Peony

Perennial Pea

Periwinkle

Philodendron Pertusum

Pie Plant

Pieris

Pig Lily

Pigtail Plant

Pink Pearl Pinks

Plantain Lily

Plum

Plumosa Fern

Poinciana

Poinsettia

Poison Daisy

Poison Hemlock

Poison Parsnip

Portulaca Prayer Bean

Pride-of-India

Primrose

Privet

Purslane

Queensland Nut

Racemose asparagus

Ragwort

Ranger’s Button

Red Emerald

Red Princess

Red-Marginated Dracaena

Rex Begonia

Rhododendron

Ridderstjerne

Rock Moss

Roman Chamomile

Rosebay

Running Myrtle

Sabi Star

Sacred Bamboo

Saddle Leaf

Sago Palm

Satin Pothos

Scented Geranium

Schefflera

Seaside Daisy

Seven Bark

Shamrock Plant

Shatavari Showy Daisy

Silver Dollar

Silver Jade Plant

Skunk Cabbage

Snake Lilly

Snake Plant

Solomon’s Lily

Sorrel

Sowbread

Spanish Thyme

Spindle Tree

Split Leaf Philodendron

Spotted Dumb Cane

Sprengeri Fern

Spring Parsley

St. John’s Wort

Staggerbush

Starch Root

Starleaf

Stinking Chamomile

Straight-Margined Dracaena

Striped Dracaena

Superb Lily

Sweet Cherry Sweet Pea

Sweetheart Ivy

Swiss Cheese Plant

Tahitian Bridal Veil

Tail Flower

Taro

Taro Vine

Tarragon

Texas Umbrella Tree

Ti-Plant

Tobacco

Tomato Plant

Tree Philodendron

Tree Tobacco

Tropic Snow

True Aloe

Trumpet Lily

Tulip Umbrella Leaf

Variable Dieffenbachia

Variegated Inch Plant

Variegated Laurel

Variegated Philodendron

Vinca

Virgin’s Bower

Wahoo

Wake Robin

Water Flag

Water Hemlock

Wax-Leaf

Weeping Fig

Western Yew

White Heads

Wild Arum

Wild Calla

Wild Carnation

Wild Coffee

Winter Cherry

Winterberry

WisteriaYarrow

Yellow Oleander

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

Yew

Yew Pine

Yucca

How to Protect Your Pup and Act if Your Dog Has Plant Poisoning?

The best way to prevent any type of plant toxicity in your dog is to keep it away from plants and flowers all together. However, this is rarely possible, especially if you have a backyard or garden or love indoor and outdoor plants.

You can, of course, choose plants that are safe for canines. Some of the popular non-toxic plants for dogs include spider plants, alyssum, camellia, orchids, bamboo, banana, star magnolia, basil, begonia, marigold, and many more flowers, shrubs, trees, veggies, and fruits.

But if you have a particular love for a flower or plant known to be poisonous to dogs, you can place it somewhere out of the dog’s reach or create a fence or other barrier if it is outside.

If, however many precautions you have taken, your dog happens to eat a toxic plant, make sure to call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Hotline immediately.

You will be asked about your dog’s weight, age, and health, the type of plant it ate, the parts and amount it ingested, and how long ago the incident occurred.

The toxicologist or veterinarian will inform you of the actions you should take depending on the severity of the poisoning and the situation.

In some cases, you will be asked to monitor the dog for symptoms and to follow the advice provided by the vet.

In others, you will need to rush your pet off to the clinic ASAP so that immediate action is taken to curb the toxicity and resolve the symptoms.

You should take a plant sample with you, especially if you are not sure of its type and species. This will help the doctors determine the proper treatment.

The first thing that will happen in the ER is examining the dog. Vomiting may be induced, and activated charcoal is given to stop the toxins from being absorbed by the organism. Your dog may require IV infusions, as well as other medications depending on the severity and type of poisoning and the symptoms.

Do not try to do either at home without the exact instructions and the approval of your vet or expert from the poison control hotline.

Remember, the faster you act – the bigger the chances for your pup to a complete and faster recovery from plant poisoning!

Further Reading:

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