Which Plants Are Toxic to Your Dog?
Written by Milou |
It’s wonderful to be outside with your dog. But did you know that various plants are toxic, and that you should prevent your dog from chewing on all sorts of plants outside? Which plants are poisonous to dogs? And what should you do if your dog eats a toxic plant? Which plants can you safely keep in your home? You’ll read all about it in this blog article!
What symptoms can my dog get after eating toxic plants?
Unfortunately, there are many plants that are toxic to dogs. The symptoms your dog may develop can vary widely, from gastrointestinal issues (vomiting and diarrhea) to skin irritation. Sometimes other symptoms occur, such as hyperactivity, tremors, dilated pupils, paralysis symptoms, heart rhythm disturbances, and shortness of breath. The severity of symptoms often depends on the amount of plant your dog has eaten. The toxicity of the plant also plays a major role.
In this blog, we’ll try to distinguish between extremely toxic plants, toxic garden plants, and toxic houseplants.
Plants That Are Extremely Toxic to Dogs
There are several plants that can be labeled as extremely toxic. If your dog eats any of these, severe symptoms can occur, such as paralysis, heart rhythm disturbances, and even death.
Below is an overview of these extremely toxic plants:
Extremely toxic plants for dogs
Adonis Rose
Columbine
Delphinium
Broom
Henbane
Bittersweet
Mock Orange
Fish Poison Tree
Cocoa Mulch
Dieffenbachia
Jimsonweed
Spotted Arum
Hemlock
Gloriosa
Golden Rain
Autumn Crocus
Honeysuckle
Pokeweed
Christmas Rose
Poinsettia
Lily of the Valley
Cherry Laurel
Mistletoe
Monkshood
Nightshade
Oleander
Rosary Pea
Daphne
Rhododendron
Larkspur
Sago Palm
Yew
Thuja
Foxglove
Water Hemlock
Deadly Nightshade
Castor Bean
Tree of Heaven
Sevenbark
Toxic Garden Plants for Dogs
Besides the extremely toxic ones, there are also other plants you’re better off not having in your garden. These plants mainly cause skin issues and gastrointestinal complaints. Sometimes liver and/or kidney problems or respiratory issues can also occur, as well as nerve-related problems or general malaise.
Toxic garden plants for dogs
Potato Plant
Goji Berry
Buttercup
Boxwood
Swiss Cheese Plant
Guelder Rose
Hydrangea
Hyacinth
Ragwort
Crocus
Lily
Daffodil
Horsetail
Petunia
Allium Species (e.g., garlic, onion)
Giant Hogweed
Solomon’s Seal
Snakeroot
Tomato Plant (plant only)
Tulip
Lupin
Flax
Fig Tree
White Bryony
Spurge Family
Black Nightshade
Toxic Houseplants for Dogs
Here is an overview of houseplants that are toxic to dogs. Keep these out of reach of your dog — or better yet, choose a plant that’s guaranteed to be safe! Your dog doesn’t need to eat the entire plant to become ill. Just biting into it can be enough.
Toxic houseplants for dogs
Aloe Vera
Amaryllis
Azalea
Aspidistra
Calla
Clivia
Cyclamen
Dieffenbachia
Dracaena
Ficus
Monstera
Philodendron
Sansevieria
Schefflera
Solanum Pseudocapsicum
Which Houseplants Are Safe for Dogs?
It’s helpful to know in advance which plants you should avoid in your home. Since the list of toxic plants is not exhaustive, it’s easier to provide a list of plants that are definitely safe.
Safe houseplants for dogs
Aspidistra eliator
Banana Plant
Bromeliad
Calathea
Calendula
Spider Plant
Staghorn Fern
Ponytail Palm
Orchid
Palm (exception: Cycas Palm)
Fern (e.g., Boston Fern)
Zebra Cactus
So, if you’re looking for a new plant for your home, it’s best to choose one from this list.
Important!
The lists of toxic plants described above are not exhaustive! Always seek advice before choosing a plant for your home or garden. Has your dog eaten a plant and you’re unsure if it’s toxic? Always contact your veterinarian right away!
Also check out our article: Which Plants Are Toxic to Your Cat.
Have any questions after reading this article? Contact us at [email protected].
