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  5. Poisonous plants for dogs to avoid - a complete guide

Poisonous plants for dogs to avoid - a complete guide

TrustedHousesitters blog author - Liam Beauchamp
Liam Beauchamp
08 August 20225 min read
Black Collie in Dandelion
PetsHealth & wellbeingDogs

Updated 08/09/2023

Exploring, sniffing and digging — what dog doesn't love spending time in the garden? And with many of us sharing their passion for the outdoors, often planting and pruning as soon as the sun shines, we’ve put together a list of plants that are poisonous to dogs so that you can achieve a dog-proof garden, so that your pooch can roam, and you can great creative with your pet photography, danger-free.

From plants dogs should not eat to flowers they must avoid sniffing, here’s a go-to guide to refer to when getting your green fingers out.

Poisonous plants for dogs to avoid

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1. Is aconitum toxic to dogs?

Also known as wolfsbane or Monkshood, every part of this plant contains a deadly toxin that could be fatal to our furry friends as it affects the heart. In fact, it was historically used to kill both wolves and “mad dogs”.

2. Is asparagus fern poisonous to dogs?

Yes, asparagus fern is mildly toxic to dogs. If your dog eats the berries of this toxic plant, they could suffer from vomiting, diarrhea and tummy pain. If your dog is persistently around this plant, it could also cause severe skin irritation.

3. Is Amaryllis belladonna toxic to dogs?

Amaryllis belladonna bulbs are widely known to cause dogs distressing and dangerous symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and tremors.

4. Is cyclamen poisonous to dogs?

Although pretty, this flowery plant is highly toxic to dogs. If eaten, the side effects can include excessive salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea. If ingested in large amounts, it can lead to heart problems, seizures and even death.

5. Are daffodils poisonous to dogs?

Although a popular bloom to brighten up both the home and the garden, daffodils are dangerous when eaten by dogs. While all parts of the plant can cause problems, daffodil bulbs are particularly poisonous to dogs and can cause symptoms such as severe vomiting, diarrhea, heart and breathing problems.

6. Are lilies poisonous to dogs?

With their pungent smell, piercing colors and blooming petals, it’s no surprise that lilies are one of the most popular plants for hallways, coffee tables and gardens around the world. But unfortunately, some varieties such as Calla Lily, Peace Lily, Rain Lily and Lily of the Valley are poisonous to dogs, causing sickness, drooling and difficulty swallowing.

7. Are delphinium poisonous to dogs?

More commonly known as larkspur, these flowering plants are highly poisonous and pose a great threat to both dogs and humans. While they can cause neuromuscular effects and vomiting in our pawed pals, a small amount of the plant can kill a human.

8. Are foxgloves poisonous to dogs?

They may be a honey bee's best friend, but foxgloves are highly toxic for both people and dogs. If eaten, foxgloves can cause your dog to suffer severe nausea and vomiting, as well as seizures and abnormal heart rhythms. They can be fatal.

9. Is hemlock poisonous to dogs?

Even the smallest amount of this poisonous herb can cause them to look extremely overexcited, but in fact these are mimicked as symptoms such as agitation, tremors, drooling, seizures and paralysis. These plants have also been found to cause sudden death to creatures of all shapes and sizes — be careful of hemlock.

10. Are hyacinths poisonous to dogs?

If they chew or digest the bulbs of these springtime beauties, dogs are likely to suffer irritation in both their mouth and esophagus. Common issues include drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, while breathing difficulties can also occur when large quantities of bulbs have been consumed.

11. Are hydrangeas poisonous to dogs?

Yes, if your dog digests this popular plant, they could encounter an upset stomach. In severe cases, other effects may be seen like depression, high heart rates and temperature but these are rare, due to the large amounts of plant that would need to be eaten.

12. Is ivy poisonous to dogs?

Fortunately, it is relatively well known that ivy is poisonous to canines. Causing harm both inside and out, including dermatitis and damage to your dog’s gastrointestinal tract, ivy should be avoided and never consumed.

13. Is laburnum poisonous to dogs?

All parts of these glorious golden plants are poisonous to dogs (although the seeds are the most poisonous), and can cause nasty symptoms including nausea and vomiting if ingested. In some cases, it can be fatal.

14. Is lily of the valley poisonous to dogs?

They may look pretty and smell sweet, but these plants are highly poisonous to dogs and cause serious harm. When ingested, the plants can cause vomiting, diarrhea and even seizures.

15. Is lupine poisonous to dogs?

Although a large amount of this flowering plant would need to be ingested and incidents of lupine poisoning in dogs seems to be rare, it has potential to be toxic to dogs and so should still be avoided.

16. Are morning glories poisonous to dogs?

The seeds of some species of this beautiful vine are toxic to dogs, with large quantities causing distressing symptoms such as vomiting and even hallucinations.

17. Is oleander poisonous to dogs?

This highly toxic tree must be avoided, with every part posing a threat to both dogs and humans. Even taking a drink of water with an oleander leaf floating in it can potentially poison your pawed pal. Symptoms include drooling, tummy pain, weakness and collapse.

18. Are rhododendrons poisonous to dogs?

From the stem to the bloom, every part of these bushes is toxic to your dog, with only a small amount needed to cause serious issues (including azalea plants). While the symptoms vary depending on the size of the dog and the amount eaten, ingestion can be fatal.

19. Is rhubarb poisonous to dogs?

While pooches should avoid all parts of the rhubarb plant, rhubarb leaves in particular can cause serious excessive salivation, lethargy, and even kidney failure. And just in case you're thinking about welcoming a tortoise into your life, it's worth knowing that rhubarb is also harmful to tortoises (check out our ultimate guide for more information on tortoise care).

20. Are sweet pea plants poisonous to dogs?

It may be difficult to detect whether or not your dog is suffering the consequences of eating sweet peas, as the poisoning may take a few days to show up. The severity of the symptoms depends on the amount eaten but are often neurological or musculoskeletal in nature, such as weakness, tremors and seizures.

21. Are tulips poisonous to dogs?

If your dog decides to dig up and devour the tulip bulbs you have planted in the garden, they may suffer from a range of symptoms. These include irritation in the mouth and more severe issues such as vomiting and difficulty breathing.

22. Are umbrella plants poisonous to dogs?

When chewed or chomped on, this popular houseplant can cause your dog’s mouth and skin to swell and become seriously irritated. Additionally, your pooch may suffer from drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and agitation.

23. Is wisteria poisonous to dogs?

With two toxic properties present, both the seeds and pods of wisteria can cause several worrying symptoms for dogs - and consuming them can be fatal. As well as vomiting and dehydration, ingesting the plant can cause depression, confusion, and collapse.

24. Are yew trees poisonous to dogs?

The entirety of these evergreen trees are highly toxic to your dog, but it is the cones and berries they find particularly tasty and so pose the biggest threat. If many of these cones are consumed, they can be lethal. If your dog has eaten yew, seek veterinary attention urgently.

25. Are poinsettias poisonous to dogs?

Yes, poinsettias are mildly toxic to our furry friends. The sap contains chemicals that can result in vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and skin and eye irritation if ingested in high amounts.

26. Is aloe vera poisonous to dogs?

Aloe vera is toxic to dogs, containing properties that will cause nasty symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea.

27. Are geraniums poisonous to dogs?

Geranium plants are mildly toxic to dogs, causing rashes, irritation and vomiting if ingested. Geranium oil is especially toxic to dogs due to its high concentration, so make an appointment with your vet immediately if you suspect your pooch has taken any.

28. Are peace lilies poisonous to dogs?

Much like traditional lilies, peace lilies are toxic to dogs. If chewed or ingested, they can trigger an inflammatory reaction and lead to a whole host of nasty symptoms, including oral irritation/burning vomiting, diarrhea, and more.

29. Are philodendrons poisonous to dogs?

Despite being popular house plants that are easy to look after, philodendrons are poisonous to dogs, so it's worth keeping them out of your pup's reach, or not at all. All parts of the plant contain insoluble crystals that are seriously uncomfortable to ingest, and can cause nasty symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and difficulty breathing.

Poisonous house plants

Thinking about bringing a beautiful aloe vera to your home? Or maybe a yukka to spice up that corner in your living room? While house plants are a wonderful way to bring the outdoors into your home, some of the most common and popular house plants can be toxic to your dog.

This is not an exhaustive list, but these are some of the house plants that you should avoid because they can poison your dog: 

Toxic plants for dogs every season of the year

We’ve already given you a list of some of the most common and popular plants which are toxic to dogs. But, to help you when you’re out and about, we’ve also put together a few lists with seasonal plants. That way, you can keep an eye out when you’re on your dog walks no matter the time of year.

Poisonous plants in spring

Plants to avoid during the months of spring: 

Summer plants that are poisonous for your dog

Your dog should avoid the following poisonous summer plants: 

Poisonous plants in autumn

Make sure you recognize the following autumn plants that are poisonous for your dog:

Toxic plants in winter

Some classic winter plants that are poisonous for your dog: 

Other toxic vegetation for dogs

Although these are not plants, you should be aware of all these other vegetation hazards you and your dog may encounter in your outdoors walks and adventures: 

Protecting your dog from plants

Has your pup been playing around one of the fatal flowers on our list of poisonous plants for dogs? If you are ever concerned that your dog, or a dog in your care, has been exposed to these plants, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.

How to know if my dog has eaten a poisonous plant? 

Low energy

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Blood in poo
  • Drinking and peeing more
  • Pale gums
  • Twitching
  • Tremors/seizures
  • Struggling to breathe
  • Collapse
  • Drooling
  • Eating less or not eating at all. 

It’s also good to keep an eye on rashes, red skin, ulcers or swelling on the lips, tongue or gums because some plants are an irritant to the skin or mouth.

What should I do if my dog ate a toxic plant?

If your four-legged friend has, by any chance, eaten a poisonous plant, this is what you should do: 

  1. Move your dog away from the plant. If you know the name of the plant, write it down. Or take a picture of it. The more information you have, the better you can help the veterinarian treating your dog. 
  2. Is your dog breathing and behaving normally? Then call your vet and they will be able to tell you whether you can treat your dog at home or you need to bring them in to be seen by a professional. 
  3. Is your dog not behaving normally? Call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency vet clinic immediately and seek urgent help. Give them as much information as you can and try to stay calm. 

As a general rule, if your dog has eaten a poisonous plant, the sooner you get help the better chance they have at recovering. We can’t tell you what type of treatment they will need because that will be specific to the toxic plant that poisoned your pooch. 

We know you’re already a very careful dog parent but it never hurts to be extra careful when letting your dog outside. It helps to know which plants are toxic and non-toxic to dogs before you bring a new plant into your home or garden.

What to tell your vet if your dog has eaten a poisonous plant

If you need to call your vet or take your pet to their practice because they’ve eaten a toxic plant, be ready with the following information: 

  • What poisonous plant you think your dog has been exposed to and eaten
  • How much of it have they eaten
  • When did it happen and for how long
  • Any effects this has had on your pooch

Meet our veterinary expert, Lizzie

This article has been checked by veterinarian Lizzie Youens BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS. Lizzie graduated from the University of Bristol in 2011, and has been working in first opinion companion animal practice. She has worked in a variety of clinics across the UK, from large hospitals to small branch practices. She enjoys doing a mixture of medicine, surgery and emergency work. Lizzie currently works in a small rural practice where she enjoys working in a close-knit community. 

FAQs

All parts of the foxglove plant are considered toxic, including the foxglove leaves and even the water that it sits in. Call your vet as a matter of emergency if your dog has consumed any part of a foxglove - they can be fatal.

Yes, delphiniums are poisonous to dogs. Eating the plants of seeds can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, nervousness, depression and even death.

Yes, lilies are poisonous to dogs. Consuming lilies can lead to digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Yes, hyacinths are considered toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling if ingested. All parts of the plant contain toxins but they are mostly concentrated in the bulbs - which are the most dangerous part for your pup.

Some of the most toxic plants for pets are: 

Yes, ingesting delphiniums can cause digestive problems like vomiting, diarrhoea, nervousness or depression. It can be fatal to dogs.

It depends. Some berries, like rowan berries or nightshade, are toxic to dogs and should be avoided. In general, any kind of fresh and over-ripe fruit can upset a dog’s stomach. Best avoid them.

Yes, rhubarb is toxic to dogs and cats. Its leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhea and irritation of the mouth - this means more salivation or drooling.

Did you know that our members can also clear up any concerns they have about an animal while on a sit by calling our dedicated Vet Advice Line for free? From queries around keeping a pet fit, happy, and healthy to more serious medical questions, the veterinary experts are here to help, day or night.

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