When it comes to pet ownership, there is a lot of responsibility involved. One of the most important aspects of caring for your pet is being aware of what plants can potentially be hazardous to their health.
While not all plants are poisonous to dogs, many common house and garden plants can be highly toxic if ingested or even touched in some cases. Some of the most dangerous offenders are Marijuana, Sago Palm, Lilies, English Ivy, and Oleander.
It is important to be knowledgeable about these plants and take proper precautions – such as not having them in your home or garden – if you have a pet dog that may come into contact with them. Here is a list of 20 common plants that are potentially poisonous to dogs. Knowing which plants can be hazardous will help you keep your pup safe and happy.
1. Marijuana
The marijuana plant contains numerous compounds known as cannabinoids, one of which is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This compound causes intoxication when it is inhaled or ingested. Unfortunately, dogs are very sensitive to THC and even a small amount can be toxic to them.
Signs of poisoning include depression, lethargy, confusion, agitation, and disorientation amongst others. Dogs can also experience seizures as a result of consuming the marijuana plant. Immediate veterinary attention is required in such cases before the dog goes into shock and the symptoms become life-threatening. For this reason, owners should be vigilant at all times and take necessary precautions to ensure their pet’s safety.
2. Sago Palm
The Sago’s palm is an ornamental shrub that is wildly popular among gardeners. While its unique texture, hardiness, and attractive shape are some of its most desired characteristics, there is another important factor to keep in mind: it is extremely poisonous to dogs.
Ingesting just a single seed can seriously harm or even kill a dog, rendering this plant one of the most toxic species to canines out there. Responsible pet owners should take extreme care that their furry friends do not come into contact with the Sago’s palm, as the consequences could be fatal.
3. Lilies
Lilies are beautiful flowers that many people have as a decorative addition to their homes or garden. However, what some people may not realize is that lilies are actually poisonous to dogs. Consuming any part of the plant can cause severe kidney damage and even lead to death if left untreated.
t is important to keep these flowers away from your furry friends and extremely supervised when in bloom. Owners must remain extra vigilant if a lily is around so that their pup does not ingest it by accident. Always remember to keep safety first – especially when it comes to our beloved four-legged friends!
4. English Ivy
English Ivy is a beautiful, climbing vine that is popular for easy low-maintenance landscaping in gardens and yards around the world. However, it’s important to know that it can be dangerous for some pets – specifically dogs.
English Ivy contains chemicals called saponins, which are toxic to animals if ingested and can result in unpleasant reactions like diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In more extreme cases, saponins can cause neurological damage including trouble with movement and vision due to nerve damage.
Therefore, it’s best to keep your pet away from any areas where English Ivy might be growing. Although there are many benefits of having English Ivy as part of your landscape design, make sure it’s safely out of reach of any four-legged friends you have frolicking around your garden.
5. Oleander
Oleander plants, although beautiful and fragrant, should be avoided in gardens that welcome canine visitors – these plants are highly toxic and can cause serious illness to dogs if ingested.
All parts of the plant contain a dangerous ingredient known as cardenolide glycosides or oleandrin which can cause breathing problems, irregular heartbeats, excitement, depression, vomiting, abdominal pain, and even death if not treated promptly.
Even when handled with gloves and pruned carefully, pet owners need to be extra careful as ingesting any small quantities of sap from this plant can be fatal for dogs. Therefore it is best to avoid keeping these plants around your furry friends altogether.
6. Poinsettia
The poinsettia, with its bright and festive leaves, is an iconic holiday flower. While beautiful to look at and a symbol of the Christmas spirit, it is important to remember that poinsettia is actually poisonous if ingested by dogs or cats.
Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, or drooling. If your pet has eaten the plant, it is recommended that you take them to the nearest emergency veterinarian clinic right away; the sooner they are treated, the less chance of any serious harm or complications.
Although many people believe that all parts of the plant are toxic to animals, only the leafy green parts (including flowers) typically contain enough sap that could be harmful if ingested.
7. Foxglove
Foxglove is a common backyard plant known for its bright purple, pink, or white bell-shaped flowers that attract many pollinators. Unfortunately, the entire plant is poisonous to dogs and can present serious risks if ingested.
Consuming foxglove can cause vomiting after several hours, dilated pupils, irregular heart rhythm, difficulty breathing, and sometimes seizures. Signs of foxglove poisoning may be confused with other medical conditions, so it’s important to discuss any ingestion with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Removing the foxglove from your yard (or placing it in a secure area) and introducing canine safety education early on to any children in the house can help keep your furry family members safe.
8. Yew Trees and Shrubs
Yew Trees and Shrubs are some of the most popular ornamental plants both inside and outside the home. Despite their beauty, these shrubs are highly poisonous to dogs if ingested. It is important for pet owners to be aware of the risks provided by this plant’s toxins, which can be deadly for pets even in small amounts.
The toxin located in this plant, taxine, affects a pet’s cardiovascular system as well as its central nervous system. This can lead to severe stomach discomfort, seizures, cardiac failure, difficulty breathing, and potentially death without prompt veterinary intervention.
9. Castor Bean Plant
Castor beans contain an extremely toxic compound called ricin, making the plant poisonous to dogs. If a dog eats castor beans, it can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress with violent vomiting and diarrhea; neurological symptoms like tremors and seizures; cell damage within the liver, kidneys, and even lungs; and in extreme cases, death.
Therefore, it is important to keep your pet away from any castor bean plants in your yard or on walks outdoors. If you suspect that your pet may have ingested any part of the plant or its fruits – no matter how small – consult with a veterinarian right away for proper diagnosis and treatment.
10. Azaleas
Azaleas are an incredibly beautiful, unique flower but unfortunately, they can be quite toxic to our canine companions. If ingested, azaleas can cause serious gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhea, as well as salivation, weakness, and even difficulty breathing for more severe cases.
While unpleasant reactions may happen quickly, sometimes the consequences don’t show until much later, which can be a dangerous situation for your dog. Even handling these plants with gloves while they are restricted to safe places away from your pet is a good idea since contact may lead to skin irritation.
11. Cyclamen
Cyclamen is a beautiful flowering plant, popular for its bright blossoms in the wintertime. Unfortunately, this common houseplant can be highly toxic to dogs. One of the major risks of consuming cyclamen is vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to severe dehydration and loss of electrolytes as well as leading to more serious complications.
If your pet has ingested cyclamen leaves or blossoms it is important to take them to a vet immediately for assessment and treatment. Additionally, many other species within the Primulaceae family, such as glory lily, have similar toxins and should be avoided by pets.
12. Wisteria
Wisteria is a beautiful, climbing flowering vine that can be used to create a stunning garden oasis. Unfortunately, it can be hazardous for our canine companions if they have access to the plant. Ingesting wisteria can cause dogs to experience gastrointestinal upset, which includes nausea and vomiting.
If they consume too large of an amount, it can even lead to death due to respiratory failure and cardiotoxicity. Therefore, it’s best not to bring this type of plant into your home when you have furry family members. It’s good practice to be aware of all potentially risky plants in addition to wisteria in order to protect both your pooch and the environment!
13. Philodendron
Philodendron is a beautiful, often decorative houseplant that may look tempting to your furry friends. Unfortunately, this plant can be harmful to pets, especially dogs. When consumed, it can cause mouth and stomach irritation as well as difficulty with swallowing.
Even more serious risks include depression of the central nervous system, vomiting, and even temporary paralysis. Because of these dangers to pets, it’s best not to keep this plant in the home if you have any four-legged family members who are prone to snacking on plants. Additionally, be sure to immediately seek medical treatment from your veterinarian if you suspect your pup has eaten a philodendron leaf.
14. Tulip/Narcissus Bulbs
Tulips and Narcissus Bulbs may appear harmless and attractive, but this popular garden favorite is highly toxic to dogs. Ingesting the bulb of either plant can result in serious gastrointestinal distress such as diarrhea and vomiting, and even more, severe seizures, disorientation, muscle tremors, increased heart rate, and decreased respiration.
The toxins found in these plants target vital organs like the kidneys or liver, which can lead to organ failure if not caught early enough. To ensure your doggy friend’s safety it is best to keep them away from your garden altogether.
If you must have these beautiful flowers adorn your yard make sure they are out of reach should they be curious enough to investigate. Understanding the risks associated with Tulip/Narcissus Bulbs will go a long way in protecting your pet’s well-being.
15. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are a popular flower, yet what many dog owners may not know is that they can be poisonous to our furry friends if ingested. The plant’s scientific name, Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium, has toxic substances that can cause abdominal pain and gastroenteritis when consumed by dogs.
If eaten in high enough doses, chrysanthemums can lead to vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, and nervous system disorders. Treatment often includes decontamination of the stomach and supporting the dog’s health until potential side effects subside.
To ensure your canine companion remains safe, it’s best to avoid planting this type of flower in places where your dog may gain access or storing them on surfaces accessible to pets.
16. Daffodils
Daffodils, also known as Narcissus or Jonquils, are popular flowers in the springtime. But while they’re a beautiful sight to behold, pet owners should be aware that these lovely blooms are actually poisonous to dogs and cats.
Eating any part of the daffodil plant – from the bulbs stems, and leaves to even just drinking from the water where the plant is growing — can cause your pet to suffer digestive upset, as well as other symptoms such as seizures if enough exposure occurs.
If you suspect your dog may have ingested a daffodil, it’s important to contact your veterinarian right away for treatment. In some cases, it’s possible to save them from potentially life-threatening complications with proper medical attention.
17. Pothos Plant
The Pothos Plant is often found in homes as an attractive indoor decoration, however, it can be dangerous to keep around Fido. This plant is toxic to dogs if ingested, with the most common symptoms being vomiting and mucous membrane irritation.
It’s best to research household plants carefully before bringing them into your home if you want to ensure that they won’t put your pet in any danger. Ingestion of Pothos can lead to drooling, tarry stool, abdominal pain, appetite loss, and depression; take your dog for medical help if you suspect that he has been poisoned by this plant.
It is also important to keep potted plants away from your dog when possible since even contact with its leaves or sap can potentially cause discomfort. Overall, exercise precaution when decorating with Pothos – these beautiful plants may look great in your living room, but the risks are not worth the reward.
18. Tomato Plant
A tomato plant might look like a harmless vegetable but unfortunately, it can be toxic to dogs. The exact compound that is hazardous to our canine friends is solanine – an alkaloid found in the nightshade family of plants, including tomatoes.
Ingesting this toxin can cause salivation, depression, vomiting, and abdominal pain in dogs. It may even lead to increased respiratory rate and heartbeat, as well as kidney failure. Fortunately, if treated appropriately and early enough most dogs will recover with no long-term effects.
To ensure your pup’s health and well-being, make sure to keep tomato plants out of reach for your fur baby and inspect any surrounding garden beds for traces of the potentially poisonous plant before allowing them out to explore and play.
19. Amaryllis
The Amaryllis is an absolutely stunning flower that gives off a beautiful silhouette with its bright petals in the shape of a star. Though it is indeed a beautiful sight to behold, pet owners should stay aware of the fact that this plant is poisonous to dogs and can lead to serious health risks.
Symptoms include gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and depression due to intestinal inflammation. If consumed by dogs Amaryllis can cause bradycardia – a slowing of the heart rate – or even endotoxic shock which could be fatal if left untreated or too extreme.
20. Rhubarb Leaves
Rhubarb leaves are incredibly poisonous to dogs, as they contain oxalic acid. Ingestion of rhubarb leaves can cause severe drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, and a dangerously rapid pulse in canine species.
Even small amounts of the leaves can lead to kidney failure and can be fatal if left untreated. Dogs should not be exposed to any part of the rhubarb plant, whether cooked or raw, as it can still cause harm even if it has been processed for human consumption.
It is very important that pet owners take extra caution when managing potentially harmful foods around their pets, especially when it comes to rhubarb plants.
In Conclusion
It is important for all pet owners to be aware of the potential dangers posed by many common household and garden plants. While some of these plants may appear harmless, they can present serious risks if ingested by pets.
By following proper safety precautions, such as avoiding keeping poisonous plants in the home or restricting access to them while outdoors, pet owners can keep their furry friends safe and healthy.
