Plants that are toxic to dogs

March 12, 2023 | 2-MIN READ

Plants that are toxic to dogs

As a dog owner, it's important to be aware of the potential dangers that can harm your furry friend, and one of them is toxic plants. While many plants are perfectly safe for dogs, there are some that can cause serious health issues or even be fatal if ingested. Here are 10 plants that are toxic for dogs that you should be aware of.

  1. Lily: While lilies are beautiful, they are extremely dangerous for dogs, especially the peace lily, calla lily, and lily of the valley. Ingesting any part of the plant, including the pollen, can cause kidney failure in dogs.


  2. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera may be great for human skin, but it's toxic to dogs. Ingesting aloe vera can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and other digestive problems.


  3. Daffodils: Daffodils are a common spring flower, but all parts of the plant are toxic to dogs. Ingesting daffodils can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and even cardiac arrhythmias.


  4. Aglaonema: The Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema), which is a popular houseplant, is toxic to dogs because it contains calcium oxalate crystals. When ingested, these crystals can cause irritation and swelling in the mouth, tongue, and throat, which can result in difficulty swallowing or breathing.


  5. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy): The pothos (Epipremnum aureum), which is a popular houseplant, is toxic to dogs because it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. When ingested, these crystals can cause irritation and swelling in the mouth, tongue, and throat, which can result in difficulty swallowing or breathing.


  6. Tomato plant: The leaves and stems of the tomato plant contain solanine, which is a toxic substance that can cause gastrointestinal upset and even neurological problems in dogs if ingested in large quantities. The ripe tomato fruit, on the other hand, is not toxic to dogs and is safe for them to eat in moderation.


  7. Tulips: Tulips are a popular spring flower, but they are also toxic to dogs. Ingesting tulips can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and even cardiac problems.


  8. Snake Plant: The snake plant, also known as Sansevieria, is toxic to dogs because it contains saponins. Saponins are natural chemicals that can cause gastrointestinal distress and even neurological symptoms in dogs if ingested in large quantities.


  9. Jade Plant: The jade plant, also known as Crassula ovata, is toxic to dogs because it contains a type of toxin called bufadienolides. These toxins can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, and in severe cases, an abnormal heart rhythm or even cardiac arrest.


  10. Chrysanthemum: Chrysanthemums are a popular fall flower, but they are toxic to dogs. Ingesting chrysanthemums can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and even seizures.

If you suspect that your dog has ingested any of these toxic plants, it's important to contact your veterinarian immediately. Some symptoms of plant toxicity may not appear for several hours or even days after ingestion, so it's important to be vigilant and watch your dog for any signs of illness.

To keep your dog safe, it's best to keep these plants out of your home and garden. It's important to keep these toxic plants out of your dog's reach, especially if you have a curious puppy or a dog that likes to chew on plants.  You can also use natural deterrents, such as vinegar or citrus sprays, to keep your dog away from plants that may be harmful.