10 Plants Toxic to Dogs

It's always stressful to hear your dog chewing on a plant if you're not sure about it's safety. Dogs are curious, and they're likely to play with new houseplants, explore their smells, and maybe even take a bite of them.

The following list includes the 10 most common houseplants that are toxic to dogs. We created this guide as a quick shorthand for you to reference when you bring new houseplants into your home. 

There are many more toxic plants for dogs, but the following are among the most common for pet owners to have in their homes. 

1. Oleander is toxic to dogs

Oleander is a popular ornamental shrub known for its beautiful flowers, but it is extremely toxic to dogs if ingested. All parts of the plant—leaves, flowers, and stems—contain toxic cardiac glycosides that can cause severe heart arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. Symptoms can occur within a few hours of ingestion, so it’s critical to get veterinary attention immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten any part of this plant. Due to its widespread use in gardens and homes, it's important to keep dogs away from this toxic plant.

2. Sago palm is toxic to dogs

Sago palms, often seen in homes and gardens, are highly toxic to dogs, especially their seeds (also known as nuts). Ingestion of even a small amount can lead to liver failure, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death. The plant contains a toxin called cycasin, which affects the liver and can cause irreversible damage if not treated promptly. If your dog has access to this plant, it’s crucial to prevent them from chewing on the leaves or seeds.

3. Azalea is toxic to dogs

Azaleas, often used in landscaping, are a beautiful but dangerous plant for dogs. Ingesting even a small amount of the leaves or flowers can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and abdominal pain. Azaleas contain grayanotoxins, which can cause cardiovascular problems and, in severe cases, lead to coma or death. It's important to keep dogs away from azaleas, especially in areas where they may roam freely.

4. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) is toxic to dogs

Dieffenbachia, commonly known as Dumb Cane, is a popular indoor plant with large, attractive leaves. It contains calcium oxalate crystals that, when chewed, can cause significant oral irritation, swelling, and difficulty swallowing in dogs. Ingesting parts of this plant can also result in vomiting, drooling, and gastrointestinal distress. To keep your dog safe, it’s important to place this plant out of their reach or consider a pet-safe alternative.

5. Lilies are toxic to dogs

Many types of lilies, such as Easter lilies, tiger lilies, and day lilies, are highly toxic to dogs, although not all lily species are equally harmful. Ingesting even a small amount of the plant, especially the leaves or flowers, can cause severe kidney damage, lethargy, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Some lilies can be fatal to dogs if not treated quickly. As a precaution, avoid having lilies in homes with pets and be mindful of their presence in gardens.

6. Philodendron is toxic to dogs

Philodendron is a popular houseplant with attractive foliage that can be harmful to dogs. This plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which cause oral irritation, intense burning, swelling, and difficulty swallowing when chewed. Ingesting larger quantities can result in gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting and diarrhea. To protect your dog, place philodendrons out of reach or opt for non-toxic plant varieties.

7. Pothos (Devil's Ivy) is toxic to dogs

Pothos, or Devil’s Ivy, is a common houseplant often grown for its easy care and trailing vines. However, it contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause severe mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting if ingested by dogs. This plant is highly toxic when chewed or swallowed, and it can also cause difficulty breathing in more severe cases. Keeping pothos plants in areas that your dog cannot access is crucial for their safety.

8. Autumn Crocus is toxic to dogs

Autumn crocus is a striking plant that blooms in the fall, but it is highly toxic to dogs, especially the bulb. The plant contains colchicine, a potent toxin that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, liver and kidney damage, and even organ failure if ingested. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy, and the effects can be fatal if not treated quickly. It's best to avoid planting autumn crocus in areas where dogs may dig or ingest the bulbs.

9. English Ivy is toxic to dogs

English ivy, commonly grown as a ground cover or houseplant, can be toxic to dogs if ingested. The plant contains compounds called saponins, which can cause nausea, vomiting, drooling, and abdominal pain. Ingesting large amounts of ivy can also lead to more severe symptoms, including difficulty breathing and excessive lethargy. To keep your dog safe, avoid allowing them to chew on ivy and place it in areas where they cannot reach.

10. Chrysanthemums are toxic to dogs

Chrysanthemums, also known as mums, are popular in gardens and as cut flowers, but they can be toxic to dogs. These plants contain pyrethrins, chemicals that can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation if ingested or if contact is made. In more severe cases, chrysanthemums can lead to tremors or other neurological symptoms. If your dog shows signs of poisoning after coming into contact with chrysanthemums, seek veterinary care immediately.

Conclusion

If your dog consumes an unfamiliar plant, you may not have to be concerned. Small amounts of most plants won't cause serious side effects in dogs. 

If your dog consumes a significant amount of any unfamiliar plant, you should call the vet. There are hundreds of plants that could be toxic to dogs, so it's always important to be vigilant when bringing new plants into your home. tox