30 Common Plants Toxic to Dogs and How To Keep Your Pup Safe

Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee

For many people, a lush garden or a shelf full of houseplants is all part of a happy home, but those with dogs should take care. Some plants that are perfectly harmless to people can be poisonous to your furry friend. Use this handy guide to weed out the potentially toxic plants in your life to avoid a health risk—or even death—to your pooch.

Common Plants Toxic to Dogs

Dogs experience life both indoors and out, and they're naturally curious creatures. With up to 100 million scent receptors or more, you can count on them using their super-powered sniffers to take in the world around them.¹

Some plants—even everyday ones you might find in your home or garden—are more dangerous to dogs than many pet owners realize. If you want to protect your pup, it's a good idea to learn to recognize and avoid these common plants, flowers and herbs.

Common indoor and outdoor plants

Here are some common indoor and outdoor plants that are toxic to dogs—and symptoms pups may experience if they ingest these plants:²

• Alocasia (aka elephant's ear): Oral irritation; pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips; excessive drooling; vomiting; difficulty swallowing
• Aloe: Vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea
• Amaryllis: Vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia, tremors
• Azalea (aka rhododendron): Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure
• Begonia: Vomiting, salivation
• Daffodil: Vomiting, salvation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, cardiac arrhythmias
• Daisy: Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, dermatitis
• English ivy: Vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, diarrhea
• Eucalyptus: Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, weakness
• Holly: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
• Hosta: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
• Hyacinth: Intense vomiting; diarrhea, occasionally with blood; depression; tremors
• Hydrangea: Vomiting, depression, diarrhea
• Iris: Salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, diarrhea
• Jade plant: Vomiting, depression, incoordination
• Morning glory: Vomiting, hallucinations
• Nightshade: Hypersalivation, inappetence, severe gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, drowsiness, CNS depression, confusion, behavioral change, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate
• Oleander: Drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, colic, depression, death
• Sago palm: Vomiting, melena, icterus, increased thirst, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, bruising, coagulopathy, liver damage, liver failure, death
• Tulip: Vomiting, depression, diarrhea, hypersalivation

Common garden plants, vegetables and herbs

Here are some common garden plants, vegetables and herbs that are toxic to dogs—and symptoms pups may experience if they ingest these substances:²

• Chamomile: Contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, allergic reactions
• Chives: Vomiting, breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia, Heinz body anemia), blood in urine, weakness, high heart rate, panting
• Garlic: Vomiting, breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia, Heinz body anemia), blood in urine, weakness, high heart rate, panting
• Leek: Vomiting, breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia, Heinz body anemia), blood in urine, weakness, high heart rate, panting
• Lemongrass: Upset stomach

• Onion: Vomiting, breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia, Heinz body anemia), blood in urine, weakness, high heart rate, panting
• Oregano: Mild vomiting and diarrhea
• Rhubarb: Kidney failure, tremors, salivation
• Tarragon: Mild vomiting and diarrhea
• Tomato plant: Hypersalivation, inappetence, severe gastrointestinal upset, depression, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate

Symptoms of Plant Poisoning in Dogs

Here's a list of common symptoms to watch out for if you suspect your pup (or cat) has been exposed to a plant toxic to dogs:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Drooling or foaming at the mouth
• High heart rate
• Panting
• Lethargy
• Blood in urine
• Weakness
• Tremors

Sometimes, dogs come in contact with environmental allergens like pollen, weeds or grasses that can cause skin irritation, redness, hair loss and other symptoms. Visit your vet to get a diagnosis and learn how to avoid and treat the problem.

What To Do if Your Dog Ingests a Toxic Plant

If you suspect that your dog has ingested a toxic or poisonous plant, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Identify the plant. If you're unsure, take a photo or even a sample to show the vet.
• Step 2: Call your veterinarian or a pet poison control hotline immediately.
• Step 3: Follow professional advice closely and don't improvise. For example, unless you're instructed to, don't induce vomiting.
• Step 4: Monitor your dog's symptoms closely. If the symptoms don't decrease, if they get worse or if a professional advises you to, take your dog in for professional care.

Treatment options for plant poisoning

If you need to take your dog to the vet because he's eaten a toxic plant, there are a few treatments your vet might try. Common treatments include:

• Decontamination. As the name suggests, decontamination is the process of getting the contaminant—in this case, the poisonous plant—out of your dog's system. This is usually done by inducing vomiting. Some decontaminants, like apomorphine, might be administered intravenously. Another strategy is to use activated charcoal, which is given to your dog orally or through the nose. It prevents your pup's body from absorbing the poisons by binding them in the intestines or stomach.³
• Intravenous fluids. A vet might fit your dog with a saline IV to flush out the toxins and prevent dehydration.
• Medications. Depending on your dog's symptoms, the vet might administer supportive medications. For example, if your pup is experiencing tremors or seizures, she might need seizure medication. If she's vomiting, she may need nausea medication.
• Hospitalization. In severe cases, your dog might have to be hospitalized for observation or further treatment.
• Surgery. In extreme cases of ingestion, surgery might be required to remove poisonous matter.

Prevention Tips

Accidents happen—but with a little planning, you can reduce the risk for your dog.

The first step is to educate yourself about which plants are toxic so you can remove them from your home. Plant a pet-friendly garden. If you have toxic plants or flowers on your property, fence the area. You might also consider using a natural repellent like cayenne pepper as a deterrent. On walks, always supervise your pup to make sure he doesn't get too close to dangerous plants. And if the worst does happen, make sure you act fast.

Pets Best Is Here To Help

Many plants, including common houseplants and garden varieties, can be dangerous—or even deadly—to your dog. As a pet owner, it's important to learn which plants to avoid. With some education and preparation, you can minimize the risk. However, if your dog does ingest something toxic, act quickly.

If you think your dog has consumed a poisonous plant, contact your veterinarian immediately. Pets Best policyholders can use our 24/7 Pet Helpline to speak with a veterinary expert anytime—just one of many reasons to consider a Pets Best pet insurance policy for your dog.

Sources/ Citations

1. "Why Does My Dog Sniff Everything?" Stephanie Gibeault (4/2024), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/why-does-my-dog-sniff-everything/

2. "Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List - Dogs," (n.d.), ASPCA, https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/dogs-plant-list