Plants Toxic to Dogs: 19 Dangerous Plants To Avoid
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What Is Plant Toxicity in Dogs?
Plant toxicity in dogs occurs when a dog ingests a plant that contains substances harmful to their body.
While most plants are safe, some can cause mild symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, while others may lead to serious complications affecting the:
- Heart
- Liver
- Kidneys
- Nervous system (brain and nerves)
Dogs are naturally curious and often explore their environment by chewing, which increases their risk of exposure. Most dogs will chew on a plant at some point in their lives.
Because some plant exposures can quickly become life-threatening, it’s important to know which plants are toxic and when to seek emergency care.
Key Takeaways
- Plants toxic to dogs can cause anything from digestive upset to life-threatening organ damage.
- Exposure to even small amounts of certain plants can be dangerous.
- Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, and seizures.
- The best prevention is to remove toxic plants from your home and yard and supervise your dog outdoors.
What Plants Are Toxic to Dogs?
Many plants can be toxic to dogs, ranging from mild irritants to life-threatening hazards.
While it’s not possible to list every dangerous plant, the following are some of the most concerning, along with their common symptoms.
Flowers and Bulbs
- Daffodils and jonquils: Vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, altered breathing
- Calla lily: Intense oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
- Foxglove: Vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythms, weakness, collapse, seizures, coma
- Chrysanthemums and daisies: Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lack of coordination, skin irritation
- Lily of the valley: Vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythms, weakness, collapse, seizures, coma
- Autumn crocus: Vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and kidney damage, bone marrow suppression, difficulty breathing
- Tulips and hyacinths: Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, gastrointestinal bleeding, abnormal heart rhythms, breathing problems, tremors
- Amaryllis: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, drooling, tremors
Shrubs
- Oleander: Severe vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythms, weakness, collapse, seizures, coma
- Azalea and rhododendron: Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, heart problems, depression
- Yew: Vomiting, heart abnormalities, difficulty breathing, seizures, sudden death
Trees
- Sago palm (also a houseplant): Vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding, abnormal bleeding/bruising, liver damage, coma
- Buckeye (horse chestnut): Vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, depression or hyperexcitability, dilated pupils, seizures, coma
- Chinaberry tree: Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, depression, weakness, seizures
Houseplants
- Dieffenbachia (dumb cane): Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
- English ivy: Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling
- Mother-in-law’s tongue (snake plant): Vomiting, diarrhea
- Jerusalem cherry: Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, difficulty breathing, seizures
- Kalanchoe: Vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythms
How Much of a Plant Is Toxic to a Dog?
The level of toxicity depends on the type of plant, but in some cases, just a small exposure can lead to severe illness. For example, dogs can experience life-threatening effects after ingesting even one sago palm seed.
Because toxicity varies widely, it’s important not to assume that a small amount is safe.
If you think your dog has eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline® (855-764-7661) immediately for guidance.
Symptoms of Plant Toxicity in Dogs
Symptoms of plant toxicity in dogs most commonly affect the digestive system but can involve multiple organ systems depending on the plant.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Trouble swallowing
- Skin irritation
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Collapse
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Lack of coordination
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Breathing problems
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Abnormal bleeding and bruising
- Coma
What Should I Do if My Dog Ate a Poisonous Plant?
If your dog has eaten a poisonous plant, contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline® (855-764-7661) immediately.
Quick action is important, as some plant toxins can cause serious or life-threatening effects.
Your veterinarian or poison expert may recommend:
- Bringing your dog to a veterinary hospital right away
- Monitoring your dog at home with supportive care, depending on the plant and amount ingested
Treatment recommendations will vary based on your dog’s specific situation.
Important Safety Note
Do not try to induce vomiting at home unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian.
Improperly inducing vomiting—or doing so in the wrong situation—can make your dog’s condition worse or cause additional complications.
Treatment of Plant Toxicity in Dogs
Treatment for plant toxicity in dogs depends on the type of plant ingested and the severity of your dog’s symptoms.
Veterinary care may include a combination of treatments aimed at removing toxins and supporting the body.
Decontamination
- Inducing vomiting (performed safely under veterinary guidance)
- Gastric lavage (stomach pumping) in more severe cases
- Activated charcoal or similar medications to bind toxins and prevent further absorption
Supportive Care
- Intravenous fluid therapy to maintain hydration and support organ function
- Nutritional support if your dog is not eating
Symptom Management
- Pain relief medications
- Medications to control specific symptoms, such as seizures or abnormal heart rhythms
Prognosis of Plant Toxicity in Dogs
The prognosis for plant toxicity in dogs is generally good with prompt veterinary treatment.
Most dogs recover fully when they receive care quickly. However, outcomes depend on:
- The type of plant ingested
- The amount consumed
- How quickly treatment is started
In severe cases—such as ingestion of highly toxic or fast-acting plants—dogs may become critically ill before treatment can take effect.
Prevention of Plant Toxicity in Dogs
Preventing exposure to toxic plants is the most effective way to protect your dog.
Key prevention strategies include:
- Removing toxic plants from your home and yard
- Choosing pet-safe plants instead
- Avoiding areas where dangerous plants are known to grow
- Keeping your dog on a leash in unfamiliar environments
- Using a basket muzzle if your dog tends to eat plants
Taking these precautions can significantly reduce the risk of accidental poisoning.
Plants Toxic to Dogs FAQ
What plants are most toxic to dogs?
Some of the most dangerous plants for dogs include sago palm, oleander, foxglove, and lily of the valley.
These plants can cause severe symptoms such as organ failure, abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, or even death if ingested.
What should I do if my dog eats a toxic plant?
Contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline® (855-764-7661) immediately.
Do not wait for symptoms to appear, and do not induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinarian.
How quickly do symptoms of plant poisoning appear in dogs?
Symptoms can appear within minutes to hours, depending on the plant and amount ingested.
Some toxins act rapidly, while others may cause delayed effects, making early intervention critical.
Can a small amount of a toxic plant harm my dog?
Yes, even small amounts can be dangerous.
Some plants, such as sago palm, can cause severe or life-threatening toxicity from very small exposures.
