Toxic and non-toxic plants for dogs

Top 10 toxic home plants for dogs

Plants are a great way to liven up your indoor space. But not all plants are safe for your pup. When adding greenery to your home, avoid these common houseplants that are toxic for dogs:

1. Sago Palm: Sago palms are extremely toxic to dogs. Even with treatment, the mortality rate is unfortunately about 50%. All parts of the sago palm plant are poisonous to dogs, but the seeds (as few as 1-2 seeds can be fatal) or nuts are the most toxic. The main toxic agent in sago palm is cycasin which causes liver necrosis. These dogs suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms, followed by central nervous system signs, and finally liver failure about 2 to 3 days after ingestion. However, toxicity can be prevented if vomiting is induced shortly after ingestion.
       
2. Cyclamen: Also called Persian violet and sowbread, cyclamen is a houseplant commonly sold in supermarkets. All parts of the plant are poisonous to dogs but the tubers or roots may be more potent. Cyclamen contains chemicals called saponins and if ingested, commonly causes drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs. If ingested in large quantities, this plant can cause heart problems, seizures, and even death.
     
3. Kalanchoe: Kalanchoe may seem like an appealing choice because of its bright plentiful flowers but it is toxic to dogs. Kalanchoe contains bufadienolides which are toxic to the heart. Ingestion most commonly results in gastrointestinal upset (e.g. vomiting and diarrhea). Although rare, in large amounts, kalanchoe ingestion may cause abnormal heart rate and rhythm leading to weakness and collapse.
      
4. Amaryllis: The leaves, stems, and bulbs of the Amaryllis plant contain phenanthridine alkaloids which cause vomiting, low blood pressure, and respiratory depression (i.e. slow and shallow breathing). Raphide oxalate crystals, which are more concentrated in the bulbs, cause hypersalivation and gastrointestinal signs.
     
5. Aloe Vera: Although aloe vera has beneficial medicinal properties for humans, it is toxic to dogs. Aloe vera contains anthraquinone glycosides which stimulate bowel movements. This ultimately leads to increased mucus production and water in the large intestine, manifesting as vomiting and diarrhea. Dogs may also experience depression, decreased appetite, changes in urine color, and rarely, tremors.

    

6. Jade Plant: The jade plant, or Crassula, usually causes mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed by dogs. Less common symptoms include lethargy and a wobbly gait. Signs are usually mild and typically resolve without veterinary care but you should still notify and consult your veterinarian regardless.
     
7. Asparagus Fern: Asparagus fern is known for its feathery appearance and is frequently used in floral arrangements. But dogs can experience gastrointestinal upset (e.g. vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain) if they ingest this plant, especially the berries. Exposure may also cause skin irritation.
      
8. English Ivy: English ivy, or Hedera helix, is poisonous to dogs with the leaves being more toxic than the berries. This plant contains triterpenoid saponins which typically cause excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

    

9. Dieffenbachia: Dieffenbachia, also commonly referred to as dumb cane, is toxic to dogs. This plant contains calcium oxalate crystals. If a dog chews or bites this plant, these crystals are released and penetrate the tissue, causing irritation and inflammation of the mouth and digestive tract. Common symptoms include drooling, pawing at the mouth, oral pain, decreased appetite, and vomiting. Very rarely, it may cause swelling of the upper airway which can impair breathing.

    

10. Philodendron: Like Dieffenbachia, Philodendron contains calcium oxalate crystals. Therefore, ingestion of Philodendron is associated with the same symptoms described above. 

Please note that this is by no means a complete list of the houseplants that are toxic to dogs. For a comprehensive list of plants that are toxic to dogs, visit ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control website. 

Poisonous garden plants for dogs

Gardening can be a lovely hobby, and a green backyard is great for dogs. But as dog owners, we must ensure that the foliage around our house is safe for our pets. Many species of outdoor plants are toxic to dogs, but these are a few examples to be aware of:

1. Autumn Crocus: Autumn Crocus, also known as naked lady or meadow saffron, is highly toxic to dogs. All parts of the plant are poisonous due to a toxin called colchicine. Poisoning affects the gastrointestinal tract causing drooling, vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, and bloody diarrhea. Ingestion of this plant can lead to liver and kidney damage, respiratory failure, and central nervous system signs (e.g. seizures) which can be fatal.
     
2. Azalea: The Azalea is a species of Rhododendron and all parts of this plant are poisonous to dogs. This plant contains grayanotoxins which target skeletal and heart muscle. Azalea is extremely potent and a dog only needs to ingest 0.2% of its body weight to experience toxic effects. Symptoms include gastrointestinal (e.g. vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite), cardiovascular (e.g. abnormal heart rate and rhythm, low blood pressure), and central nervous system signs (e.g. transient blindness, seizures, coma).
     
3. Oleander: Oleander is a well-known evergreen shrub. All parts of the plant are severely poisonous to multiple species, including dogs and humans. Oleander contains cardiac glycoside toxins which affect the heart. In addition to cardiovascular signs, poisoning can cause electrolyte abnormalities, gastrointestinal signs, or central nervous system abnormalities.
     
4. Daffodils: Daffodils contain lycorine which causes vomiting. The bulbs contain crystals that cause tissue irritation and hypersalivation. Ingestion of any part of this flowering plant can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, abnormal breathing, and arrhythmias.
     
5. Lily of the Valley: Lily of the Valley, or Convallaria majalis, is different from true lily species that cause acute kidney failure in cats. Like oleander, Lily of the Valley contains cardiac glycosides. Poisoning can result in severe symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, decreased heart rate, severe heart rhythm abnormalities, and seizures.

    

6. Tulips and Hyacinths: Tulips and hyacinths belong to the same family, Liliaceae. The bulbs are more toxic than the leaves or flowers. Therefore, severe poisoning is most often observed when a dog digs up bulbs from the ground or finds a bag of them. The most common signs are drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. But if a dog ingests a significant amount of tulips or hyacinths, he can experience an elevated heart rate or difficulty breathing.
     
7. Yew: Yew is a common evergreen plant that is extremely poisonous to all species, including dogs. All parts of the plant, including the red berries, are very toxic. Dogs that ingest yew can experience life-threatening symptoms such as difficulty breathing, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, seizures, and coma.

Top 5 dog-friendly plants

Having a dog doesn’t mean you can’t have plants in your home. You just have to choose the right ones. 

Here’s a list of plants that are safe for your pup:

1. Spider Plant: The spider plant, or Chlorophytum comosum, is one of the most common and well-known houseplants. Spider plants are characterized by long flowing stems that produce small white flowers. This plant is popular because it is quite hardy and easy to care for, making it good for beginner plant owners. In addition to being dog-friendly, spider plants purify the air in your indoor space by absorbing harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide.
      
2. Peperomia: Peperomia plants are a genus of the pepper family. These succulent-like plants are known for their thick fleshy leaves with some species showcasing distinctly colored veins. With over 1,000 Peperomia species to choose from, you’re sure to find a variation that suits your taste.
     
3. Hens and Chickens: Sempervivum tectorum, also referred to as hens and chicks or the common houseleek, is the perfect plant for succulent lovers. This plant is beloved for its captivating rosettes and is low-maintenance when it comes to care.

    

4. Boston Fern: If you’re looking for an ornamental plant that is also non-toxic for your dog, the Boston fern, or Nephrolepis exaltata, is a wonderful choice. This plant is great for adding a dramatic burst of greenery to your home. Hanging baskets are a perfect way to display the beautiful long fronds of the Boston fern. 
      
5. Purple Passion Vine: The purple passion vine is also known as Gynura aurantiaca or the purple velvet plant. This unique pet-friendly plant is sure to make a statement with its vibrant velvety purple leaves and stems without making your dog sick. 

Symptoms of plant poisoning in dogs

Symptoms of plant poisoning in dogs can vary quite a bit depending on the type of plant involved. Additionally, like all poisoning, symptoms will vary depending on the dose or the amount ingested within a certain timeframe. Common symptoms generally reflect irritation and inflammation of the mouth, stomach, and intestines.

Common non-specific signs in dogs with plant poisoning include: 

• Excessive salivation or drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Decreased appetite
• Oral pain

Severe cases of poisoning can result in more serious symptoms that can range from heart problems to neurological signs (e.g. tremors, seizures, wobbly gait) to difficulty breathing.

What to do if my dog eats toxic plants

You get home from work to find one of your houseplants toppled over with the leaves chewed. Or you took your dog for a walk, and he nibbled on a shrub or some flowers. What do you do if you think your dog may have eaten a toxic plant?

1. Contact your veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call your nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital. Time is of the essence because early intervention improves treatment success and prognosis.
      
2. You can also call the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. A veterinary professional will gather information from you and evaluate whether you need to seek veterinary treatment or if you can monitor your dog at home. If they determine your dog needs veterinary care, they will work with your veterinarian to formulate the best treatment plan for your pet. Note that this service requires an $85 fee. Alternatively, you can call ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

    

3. Try to identify the plant in question. Take a photo of the plant. Try to collect a sample of the plant from your dog’s vomit if possible and save it in a plastic bag for your vet.
4. Be prepared to provide your vet or the helpline with as much information about the plant exposure as possible including the type of plant, time of ingestion, your dog’s weight, and any symptoms your dog is demonstrating.
5. NEVER attempt to induce vomiting without consulting your veterinarian. Vomiting can make things worse and may not be indicated depending on the type of plant your dog ingested.

How can I prevent my dog from eating dangerous plants?

With pet poisoning, the best strategy is always prevention. To keep your dog safe, you need to reduce your dog’s chance of exposure to potentially toxic plants. 

Having a dog doesn’t mean you can’t be a plant lover, too. You just need to be aware of the types of plants your dog has access to and choose safe options for your home.