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Poisonous Plants for Dogs

Poisonous Plants for Dogs

Updated on November 03, 2021
Reviewer Profile Photo
Reviewed by Dr. Elyse Macartney
DVM
dog outside

Concerned you may have plants poisonous to dogs in your home? While any plant can cause stomach problems if your pet eats a lot of it, some cause more serious issues than others. You can use this list as a starting point and talk to your veterinarian about any specific plants in your home. If your dog is exhibiting symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea or tremors, or you suspect they may have eaten a plant, seek dog veterinary services as soon as possible.

Rhododendron

rhododendron

Plants in the rhododendron family, which includes azaleas, contain grayanotoxins, which cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, paralysis, heart abnormalities and even heart failure. Reactions can range from mild to severe, but your pup doesn’t need to each much of this poisonous plant to feel the effects. All parts of the plant are toxic, making this one of the worst plants for dogs

Oleander

oldeander plant

The leaves and flowers of this pretty plant contain cardiac glycosides, which affect the heart and are extremely toxic to dogs. You may notice drooling, vomiting or diarrhea first; symptoms can progress to irregular or lowered heartbeat, weakness and collapse, seizures, coma and even death. You’ll want to make sure your yard and home are clear of this fatal offender.

Daffodil

daffodil flower

Daffodils may look bright and sunny, but your pup won’t feel that way if they get ahold of this plant. Also called jonquils or referred to by their scientific name, Narcissus, the bulbs of this plant contain lycorine and other alkaloids that cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. Toxicity can progress to affect the muscles and heart, causing tremors, seizures, low blood pressure and irregular heart rate.

Lily of the valley

lily of the valley plant

Don’t let its pretty, delicate flowers fool you—lily of the valley is another plant toxic to dogs that causes heart problems. All parts of the plant contain cardenolides, which cause vomiting, weakness, seizures, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure and eventual collapse, coma and death. Lily of the valley grows in forests throughout North America, so adventurous pet parents and their pups should keep an eye out on hikes.

Autumn crocus

autumn crocus

All parts of the autumn crocus, also called meadow saffron or naked ladies, contain colchicine and other alkaloids that damage the liver and kidneys, causing bloody vomiting and diarrhea, shock, organ damage and death. Autumn crocus grows in forests and meadows throughout North America, and it’s a popular choice for gardens, too, so be aware and contact your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has ingested it.

Sago palm

sago palm tree

In the warmer parts of North America, where they are often found in backyards and parks, sago palms are one of the most dangerous plants for dogs. They contain a neurotoxin called cycasin, which causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea, jaundice, internal bleeding and blood clotting deficiency. It doesn’t take much of this lethal plant to eventually cause liver damage, failure and death.

Tulip

tulip plant

Tulips aren’t just bad for dogs—they contain tulipalin A and B, which are actually toxic to all mammals. These substances are concentrated in the bulbs, and ingesting even a small amount can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and depression. While they are found in the wild, tulips often sneak into the home in flower arrangements and bouquets, making this one to avoid.

Hyacinth

hyacinth flower

While it’s not known what makes hyacinth so toxic, its scary symptoms land it high on the list of plants toxic to dogs: This popular plant can cause severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, listlessness, depression and tremors. We do know that, like tulips, the toxin is concentrated in the bulbs, but it’s best to keep your dog away from all parts of this plant.

Foxglove

foxglove plant

You’ve probably seen this adaptable plant growing just about everywhere in the United States. But foxglove’s unique, tubular flowers and thick leaves hold a secret—cardiac glycosides that make it extremely poisonous for dogs. You’ll first notice vomiting and diarrhea, but symptoms can quickly progress to heart rate abnormalities, weakness and collapse, seizures and eventual cardiac failure.

Jade

jade plant

Jade is an easy-care succulent that’s commonly kept as a houseplant and is one of the more toxic indoor plants for dogs. It isn’t known what causes its toxicity, and the symptoms can be hard to spot: slow heart rate, incoordination and listlessness, plus occasionally vomiting. Its best to keep this poisonous plant out of your home entirely.

Iris

tulip plant

If your pup likes to dig, watch out for the iris. The rhizomes, or underground stems, are the most toxic part of this plant for dogs. They contain pentacyclic terpenoids, which can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. This plant is best kept out of your garden—or be prepared to need plenty of dog poop bags and cleanup supplies.

Holly

holly plant

Holly may remind you of holiday cheer, but this plant is toxic for dogs year-round. Both the berries and leaves contain a high concentration of saponins, which cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. Rubbing against the plant repeatedly can also cause allergic dermatitis. Indoors, avoid holly during the holidays or use dog crates, gates and housing accessories to keep your pup separated.

Amaryllis

amaryllis

Amaryllis is considered a holiday plant as well: Its big, beautiful flowers are often seen in arrangements around the spring holidays. Also called the belladonna or St. Joseph lily, it contains the same toxin as the daffodil: lycorine, which causes drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, abdominal pain and tremors. Watch out for this toxic indoor plant in your spring bouquets.

Morning glory

hyacinth flower

There are hundreds of types of morning glories, and they’re all poisonous to dogs. They contain indole alkaloids, which cause vomiting and gastrointestinal distress. Large amounts of the seeds can also cause hallucinations. Ingesting morning glory usually doesn’t cause death, but it’s best to seek veterinary help and advice on dog vitamins and supplements that can help keep your pup comfortable until it passes through their system.

Your yard should be as pet friendly as possible, especially if your dog enjoys unsupervised outdoor time. Cuttings brought inside from the outdoors must be pet-safe as well to protect the health of your dogs and cats. Avoid:

  • Aloe: Aloe contains both saponins and anthraquinones, both of which have been known to cause vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea in dogs and cats.

More Plants that are Dangerous to Dogs

  • Apple trees: Apple trees contain cyanogenic glycosides, which are particularly toxic when the leaves are wilting. They can cause dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting and even shock in dogs and cats.
  • Azaleas: Another common outdoor favorite, azaleas, contain grayantoxin, which causes diarrhea, weakness and potentially cardiac failure in dogs and cats.
  • Birds of paradise: Although beautiful, the bird of paradise (or crane flower) contains GI irritants that may cause nausea, vomiting and drowsiness in dogs and cats.
  • Boxwoods: This common outdoor bush contains alkaloids that may cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats.
  • Calla lily: This particular lily causes intense oral irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, as well as excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing in both dogs and cats. (It’s essential to note that the traditional lily, while nontoxic to dogs, is extremely toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure.)
  • Holly: While this plant is grown outdoors, you may also see it inside during the winter months. However, it can be harmful to your pets as the spikey leaves can cause upset in your pet’s GI tract while also introducing potentially toxic substances like saponins, methylxanthines, and cyanogens.
  • Oleanders: Popular in many areas due to their ease of cultivation, this plant has been found to be toxic to many animals. The cardiac glycosides found in oleanders can cause hyperkalemia, where your pet has potassium levels that are too high which can cause negative effects on the gastrointestinal system, blood pressure and neurological system.
  • Wisteria: Another outdoor favorite, wisteria is pretty to look at, but its lectin and wisterin glycoside can cause vomiting, diarrhea and depression in dogs and cats.

Whether you’re planning your garden, received a bouquet, just noticed a strange new flower in your yard or often take your pup on outdoor adventures, knowing the plants that are most poisonous to dogs can help you be prepared. While this list isn’t comprehensive, it does contain some of the worst offenders. Check out the ASPCA’s Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List and talk to your veterinarian for more information. Remember to always be cautious around plants you aren’t familiar with, keep your dog away and research with your veterinarian or trusted sources listed above.

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