28 Toxic Plants for Dogs in your Home and Garden

It's important to understand that toxic plants can be problematic for dogs. Dogs are surprisingly sensitive to different types of plants, and often become ill from exposure. If you live with a dog, the question you should be asking is: "What plants contain chemicals that are toxic for my dog?"  We’ve all heard about the dangers of “toxic” plants, but what are the potential hazards of these plants in your home? And why should you avoid keeping these plants in your home?  There are a remarkable number of plants that are toxic to your dogs, both indoor and outdoor types. Although some are more dangerous than others, it helps to be alert and maintain your house and yard pet-friendly by keeping hazardous plants out of reach of your furry friends.

In this article, we'll look at some common hazardous plants in your home and garden and their effects on dogs, some of which are more harmful than others. Here is a list of plants that you should avoid keeping in your home or garden.

List of Toxic Plants

1. Aloe vera: Aloe vera includes poisonous properties such as saponins and anthraquinone glycosides, which are purgatives and can cause vomiting and diarrhoea when consumed. When consumed by dogs, aloe vera, which has many beneficial medical properties for humans, can be highly hazardous. Aloe is a succulent species native to Western Asia that is cultivated for medical and agricultural purposes all over the world. Aloe vera is a low-maintenance plant that propagates readily, making it a popular houseplant. Although Aloe vera is safe for humans, it is toxic to dogs and can induce symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, and gastrointestinal problems.

2. Tomato plant: Keep your pets away from your vegetable garden if you're planting tomatoes. The ripened fruit is safe, but the plant's green parts contain solanine, which is harmful to dogs and cats. However, severe poisoning can only happen, if it is consumed in large amounts.

3. Chives: This edible plant, like tomatoes, is toxic to cats and dogs. Chives are a member of the Allium family (onion, garlic, and leeks), which is harmful to cats and dogs because onion and garlic poisoning causes red blood cell destruction. Planting pungent herbs like rosemary and sage, which have a distinct odour, will keep pets out of the garden. 

4. Garlic and onion:  Toxic components in garlic and onions (allium species) comprise n-propyl disulfide. The allium family of plants, which includes garlic and onions, is toxic to dogs. Ingesting significant amounts of any plant in the allium family can cause hemolysis, a severe reaction in the bloodstream in which huge numbers of red blood cells are destroyed. Severe weakness, fast breathing, and red-colored urine are the final effects. Forced vomiting by a veterinarian is critical in this situation, and many dogs will need blood transfusions to replace damaged blood cells in order to survive.

5. Cactus: The majority of cactus species are grown as attractive houseplants. Because of their thorns and spikes, most plants in this family are toxic and pose a risk to domestic pets. Cactus species contain a variety of harmful chemicals. Spikes also are a danger to your dogs. While most cacti plants aren't dangerous to your dog, the chemical composition of cacti sap can cause stomach problems in your pup. Vomiting, diarrhoea, appetite loss, stomach pain, increased salivation, and nausea are all symptoms of cactus intake in dogs.

6. Corn Plant: Corn Plant is also known as "dragon tree" and "ribbon plant" (Dracaena fragrans). According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, corn plants contain saponins, which can make cats and dogs very sick if swallowed. Corn plant poisoning in pets can cause vomiting, depression, malnutrition, and hypersalivation, according to the ASPCA. You may detect blood in your dog or cat's vomit if it chewed on a corn plant. Animals with dilated pupils, particularly cats, may be intoxicated by maize plants. If you suspect your pet has eaten the leaves of a corn plant or any other hazardous item, contact a veterinarian.

7. Caladium Plant: Caladiums are houseplants that have heart-shaped leaves that resemble wings. Some people refer to this plant as having angel wings or the heart of Jesus. Your dog may be poisoned by this plant. The caladium plant, which contains an insoluble calcium oxalate acid, causes caladium poisoning. Crystals of calcium oxalate seep into the tissues of your dog's skin and mouth, causing harm to the mouth. Caladium poisoning is characterized by pawing at the face and mouth, vomiting, foaming, and drooling. Swelling of the lips, tongue, and upper airway can cause breathing problems and swallowing difficulties. If you do not get medical attention right once, your dog may perish. The liquid or oils inside the leaves and stem can potentially cause a toxic reaction in your dog's skin and eyes, as well as cause puncture wounds from the thorns.

8. Chrysanthemum: This plant produces pyrethrins, a natural pesticide that repels pests and which are used in insecticides and dog flea and tick treatments. If consumed, all components of the chrysanthemum plant are harmful to pets.   Vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive salivation, coughing, appetite loss, irritability, and lack of coordination are some of the symptoms. This plant is poisonous to cats as well.

9. Snake Plant: Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), known for its spearlike variegated leaves and erect look, is a nearly indestructible houseplant that provides dramatic appeal to any environment. This African tropical, also known as mother-in-tongue, law's good luck plant, or viper's bowstring hemp, has the hazardous ingredient, saponin. Saponin has foaming qualities comparable to soap and is poisonous if consumed by dogs. Drooling, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea are some of the mild to moderate symptoms.

10. Jade Plant: Jade plant (Crassula ovata) is a succulent grown for its thick leaves and robust tree-like look that offers an exotic appeal and is a popular houseplant. The jade plant, sometimes known as the rubber plant, is extremely hazardous to dogs, causing stomach upset, irregular heartbeats, and sadness, among other symptoms. The thick, egg-shaped leaves are succulent and appear to be appealing to dogs. Toxins in the jade plant are unknown, yet they can harm any area of the body. If any portion of the plant is swallowed, it is harmful to dogs and cats, however, the hazardous feature is unclear. 

11. Rubber Tree: Compounds present in the sap of the rubber tree and weeping fig tree (Ficus Benjamina), such as psoralen, or ficusin, can destroy DNA in cells. The term "rubber tree" refers to a variety of plants, some of which are harmless to dogs and others of which are severely hazardous. Fortunately, none of the rubber tree plant species are toxic, however, several forms should be avoided. Dogs are poisoned by some rubber tree plants. Some pets experience nausea, depression, and slower heart rates after consuming the Japanese rubber plant (Crassula arborescens), also known as the jade plant, jade tree, or Chinese rubber plant. The Indian rubber tree (Ficus Benjamina), often known as the weeping fig tree, causes vomiting when eaten and severe skin irritation when it comes in contact.

12. Sago Palm: The toxic component of the sago palm is cycasin. The sago palm is a popular indoor plant because it is green, attractive, and easy to care for. This plant, however, is harmful to dogs, so you should keep it out of your home. All Cycad plants, including the sago palm, are exceedingly poisonous. These plants include cycasin, a poisonous chemical that causes cancer in mammals, as well as a neurotoxic glycoside (or nerve-poisoning plant sugar) and a carcinogen. Though some dogs like chewing on cycad plants, the leaves, trunk, roots, and seeds of the sago palm plant are exceedingly hazardous. Its growing leaves and reddish seeds are particularly deadly; in fact, even a single seed might be lethal to your pet. The sago palm causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal pain in dogs, as well as stumbling, tremors, seizures, and trouble with temperature regulation.

13. Golden Pothos/Money Plant: Another dangerous plant for dogs is the winding, ivy-like golden pothos, which contains insoluble calcium oxalates, which are glass-like crystals that can cause severe irritation when ingested. Insoluble calcium oxalates are a poisonous component of golden pothos. Oral itching and irritation are two of the most common symptoms, and they can sometimes escalate to severe burning and pain in and around your pet's mouth. Excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing are all possible side effects.

14. Peace lily: Toxic properties of Peace Lily include insoluble calcium oxalates. This plant gives your dogs everything except peace. Instead, it will cause nausea, vomiting, drooling, and a loss of appetite. Unfortunately, the peace lily, especially the 'Mauna Loa' species, is deadly to both dogs and cats. If swallowed, this huge variety, which may grow up to two feet tall, produces inflammation around the touched area and causes vomiting in animals. Easter, day, Asiatic, Japanese display, and Tiger lilies are all deadly varieties of lilies.

15. Lily: Depending on the kind, lilies might be hazardous to pets. If swallowed, calla, peach, and Peruvian flowers are less poisonous, eliciting mild symptoms such as drooling or mouth irritation. Others, such as Asiatic, Easter, and tiger lilies, are more dangerous, having toxic properties found in all sections of the plant, but particularly concentrated in the bulbs. Because dogs are known to dig bulbs out of the ground, it is recommended that bulbs be kept out of reach of their curious paws. Pollen or water from a vase, for example, can induce poisoning in cats. Even one bulb can cause severe intestinal distress, with symptoms such as diarrhoea, dehydration, drooling, vomiting, and drowsiness. Pets can develop a bloated abdomen, jaundice, shock, cardiac imbalance, organ failure, and death in extreme circumstances.

16. Dumb Cane: Dieffenbachia, or dumb canes, are beautifully variegated tropical plants that range in size from less than a foot tall to four to five feet tall, depending on the type. It's also known as leopard lily and is one of the most common houseplants. The plant, although appealing, contains oxalate crystals and other dangerous enzymes that induce a burning sensation when pets chew on the leaves or stems. If swallowed, Dieffenbachia is harmful to both cats and dogs. It includes toxic calcium oxalates that are insoluble. Dieffenbachia poisoning causes oral inflammation and swelling, excessive drooling, vomiting, and breathing difficulties.

17. Oleander: The toxic component of oleander (nerium oleander) is cardiac glycosides. Oleander is a poisonous plant for dogs that is noted for its white or pink flowers and height that gives privacy between yards. If swallowed, dogs can show symptoms like  Excessive salivation, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. It can induce liver failure and death in severe cases, and it can eventually affect the heart's capacity to function properly. Once it is determined that the dog has consumed these deadly leaves, it is critical to get the dog to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible so that vomiting can be induced. Supportive therapy with medications that reduce gastrointestinal symptoms.

18. Morning Glory: The poisonous components of morning glory are known as indole alkaloids. When dogs eat the seeds of some varieties of this flowering plant, they can get poisoned. Morning glory seeds contain lysergic alkaloids, which are poisonous to dogs. Ipomoea violacea and Ipomoea carnea are two types of morning glory that are extremely poisonous to dogs. When dogs consume huge amounts of seeds, the many lysergic alkaloids induce suffering. It can cause vomiting, nausea, pupil dilatation (mydriasis), hallucinations, incoordination, diarrhoea, anaemia, disorientation, and liver failure.   If you suspect consumption, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital right away. Activated charcoal, IV fluid injection, and continuing symptomatic support are all part of the treatment.

19. Philodendron: Philodendron is a huge genus of tropical plants that are popular among indoor gardeners due to their beautiful foliage and ease of maintenance. Although philodendron variants are safe to touch, they are harmful to dogs and cats if eaten. Similar to other plants in the Araceae family, these plants possess insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Philodendrons induce severe reactions in dogs, and if a large amount is consumed. Convulsions, renal failure, and coma are all possible side effects of Philodendron poisoning. Oral discomfort, swelling, vomiting, breathing problems, and heavy drooling are all symptoms of philodendron toxicity.

20. English Ivy: English ivy (Hedera helix), a popular groundcover and houseplant, is grown for its capacity to swiftly cover huge areas and is frequently used to soften the aspect of walls. If the leaves or berries are eaten, they are poisonous to cats and dogs. There are several toxic components that can make your pet unwell. Burning in the mouth and throat, drooling, extreme thirst, stomach irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain are all symptoms. The sap can induce dermatitis if it comes into touch with the skin. Toxicity is usually mild, but in rare circumstances, if higher amounts are consumed, symptoms such as loss of coordination, disorientation, convulsions, and coma can occur.

21. Tulips: Tulips are one of the most beloved spring flowers, but they can pose a serious threat to curious dogs. Tulips contain toxic components known as tulipalin A and B. These are naturally occurring glycosides that can be found in all parts of the plant, although the bulb has the largest concentration. The plant's blossom and stem are poisonous, but the bulbs are especially hazardous if eaten. The APCA lists vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, and even depression as clinical indications of consumption. If your pet eats tulip plant material, consult your veterinarian for further instructions. This plant can be lethal if consumed, although supportive treatment increases the chances of survival.

22. Asparagus fern: Dogs and cats are poisoned by asparagus fern (also known as emerald feather, emerald fern, sprengeri fern, plumosa fern, and lace fern). Sapogenin, a steroid present in a variety of plants, is the poisonous agent in this plant. The Asparagus fern is poisonous because of a naturally occurring steroid called sapogenin, which is concentrated in the bright red berries. This steroid is the basis of the pet's stomach upset as well as the sap's skin reaction. The sap's skin reactions are usually short-lived, but they tend to get worse with repeated encounters. Vomiting, diarrhoea, and/or gastrointestinal pain can occur if a dog or cat eats the berries of this plant.

23. Zonal geraniums: For their brilliantly coloured flowers that bloom in the summer and fall, zonal geraniums are a popular potted or bedding plant. Annual pelargoniums, unlike perennial cranesbill geraniums, are toxic to pets. The hazardous components of geraniol and linalool, which are used in essential oils and natural insect repellents and are sometimes known as common geraniums and can be poisonous to pets if swallowed. Vomiting, loss of appetite, tiredness, sadness, and slowed metabolism are some of the symptoms that your pet might show if they consume this. Dermatitis can develop as a result of skin contact with this plant too. However, the toxicity varies from mild to moderate, depending on how much is consumed.

24. Elephant’s Ear: Elephant's ear (Caladium, Alocasia, Colocasia) refers to a group of garden plants that are grown for their enormous, bold leaves that can grow up to 3 feet long.  These plants are dangerous to cats and dogs, with calcium oxalate crystals being the most hazardous in the bulbs. Drooling, vomiting, and a burning sensation in the mouth and throat are some of the symptoms. When significant amounts of this plant is consumed, your dog may show symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and breathing, convulsions, organ damage, and even death.

25. Hydrangea: Hydrangea: Although this popular garden plant is unlikely to be eaten by dogs, it's best to keep it out of the garden if you're concerned. The leaves and flowers of this shrub contain cyanogenic glycosides. Unfortunately, if the leaves or flower buds are eaten, the hazardous principle called cyanogenic glycoside,  can be detrimental to dogs and cats. Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, and depression are some of the symptoms. Since the plants' bitter flavour makes them unappealing to pets, cyanide poisoning is uncommon. But  Seizures, respiratory problems, a rise in heart rate and body temperature, and death are all possible serious effects.

26. Begonia: Begonia (Begonia spp.) is a popular garden and houseplant with appealing heart-shaped leaves in a range of colours and patterns, as well as gorgeous flowers. The harmful component in this plant is soluble calcium oxalates, which are more concentrated in the underground tubers than the leaves and stems, and are toxic to cats and dogs if swallowed. Vomiting, diarrhoea, mouth pain, dehydration, difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, and excessive salivation are some of the milder side effects.

27. Gladiola: Gladiolus is a plant that is harmful to both dogs and cats. Consumption of any component of a gladiolus plant, particularly the bulbs, causes gladiolus poisoning. The gladiolus' toxic feature is unknown, however, it is similar to other bulb toxicity. Cardiac symptoms such as arrhythmia or heart problems may be caused by harmful effects. Gladiolus leaves or bulbs can potentially cause choking in dogs. When your pet eats any component of this plant, it will endure salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and diarrhoea. The buds have the maximum concentration of its poisonous component and you should look out for it.

28. Daffodil: The flowers, stems, and leaves of the daffodil (narcissus) induce poisoning. Lycorine, an alkaloid found in these flowers, can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, and even cardiac abnormalities. The bulbs, on the other hand, have the highest concentration of lycorine, making them the most deadly. Calcium oxalates, which are small needle-shaped crystals that inflict acute discomfort in the mouth, tongue, lips, and throat, are also found in the bulbs and flowers. They might cause stomach pain and vomiting if consumed. Daffodil poisoning can cause difficulty swallowing, significant cardiac arrhythmias, and respiratory distress in dogs, so contact your veterinarian or an animal hospital or clinic if you suspect your dog has eaten any part of the daffodil or bulbs. Burning, redness, itching, and inflammation are all indicators of skin exposure.

These are some indoor and outdoor plants that you should avoid keeping in your home to ensure your dog’s safety since they contain harmful chemicals. you should know, that there are certain human foods that are toxic to your dog.

Read: 26 Food Items in your Home that is Toxic to your dog

If your pet has swallowed any of these toxic elements or is showing symptoms that are similar, consult your nearest Vet to get them checked.

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