Dogs are curious by nature, and love to explore their surroundings. This means that they can easily get into trouble if they eat something they shouldn’t. There are many plants that are poisonous to dogs, so it’s important to be aware of them if you have a pet pooch. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at 15 plants that are toxic to dogs. Keep this information in mind, and always keep an eye on your pup when he or she is outside!
#1. Autumn Crocus
Autumn Crocus or Meadow Saffron, also known as Naked Lady, is a type of lily that is highly toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems if ingested. The plant contains lycorine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and tremors. In severe cases, exposure to Meadow Saffron can lead to liver and kidney failure, as well as heart and respiratory problems. The symptoms of toxicity in dogs may appear within a few hours of ingestion and can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
#2. Azalea
Azalea and Rhododendron plants contain compounds that are toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems if ingested. These plants contain grayantoxins, which can cause gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, diarrhea, and even death in severe cases. Additionally, exposure to these plants can lead to life-threatening heart and respiratory problems. The symptoms of toxicity in dogs may appear within hours of ingestion and can include excessive drooling, severe vomiting, abdominal pain, and a drop in heart rate and blood pressure. In severe cases, exposure to these plants can cause seizures, coma, and death. If you suspect your dog has ingested any part of an Azalea or Rhododendron plant, it’s important to see a veterinarian immediately. Treatment may include decontamination, intravenous fluids, and medications to control symptoms, as well as close monitoring of heart and respiratory function.
#3. Cyclamen
Persian violet, also known as Sowbread, is a type of plant that is toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems if ingested. The plant contains cardioactive glycosides, which can cause heart problems and affect the nervous system of dogs. Ingestion of Persian violet can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and a drop in heart rate and blood pressure. In severe cases, exposure to this plant and it’s vibrant flowers can cause seizures, coma, and death. The symptoms of toxicity in dogs may appear within a few hours of ingestion and can progress rapidly.
#4. Kalanchoe
Also known as Chandelier plant, Mother of Millions, and Devil’s Backbone are all types of plants that are toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems if ingested. These plants contain toxic compounds that can affect the gastrointestinal system, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, exposure to these plants can also lead to tremors, seizures, and even death. The symptoms of toxicity in dogs may appear within a few hours of ingestion and can progress rapidly.
# 5. Oleander
Oleander is a type of plant that is highly toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems if ingested. This lanky shrub contains cardioactive glycosides, which can affect the heart and nervous system of dogs. Ingestion of oleander can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and a drop in heart rate and blood pressure. In severe cases, exposure to this plant can cause seizures, coma, and death. The symptoms of toxicity in dogs may appear within a few hours of ingestion and can progress rapidly. If you suspect your dog has ingested any part of an oleander plant, it’s important to seek veterinary care immediately. Treatment may include decontamination, intravenous fluids, and medications to control symptoms, as well as close monitoring of heart and respiratory function.
# 6. Daffodils
Daffodils are a type of flowering bulb plant that is toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems if ingested. The plant contains lycorine and other toxic alkaloids that can affect the gastrointestinal system and the heart. Ingestion of daffodils can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and tremors. In severe cases, exposure to daffodils can cause respiratory failure, low blood pressure, and even death. The symptoms of toxicity in dogs may appear within a few hours of ingestion and can progress rapidly.
# 7. Sago Palm
Sago Palm is a common ornamental plant that is often used for landscaping purposes. However, it is important for dog owners to be aware that Sego Palm is highly toxic to dogs and can cause severe health problems if ingested. The toxic component in Sego Palm is cycasin, which can cause liver damage and other serious symptoms in dogs. Symptoms of Sego Palm toxicity in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, jaundice, and seizures. In severe cases, it can also lead to liver failure, bleeding disorders, and death. If you suspect that your dog has ingested Sego Palm, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. Treatment will depend on the severity of the toxicity, but may include induction of vomiting, administration of activated charcoal to prevent absorption, and supportive care such as intravenous fluid therapy and liver-protective medications. All parts of this palm are toxic but the seeds/nuts have the highest toxicity. Once a dog ingests this plant and the symptoms get severe-survival rate is less than 50%.
# 8. China Berry Tree
The China Berry Tree, also known as the Melia azedarach or the Persian Lilac, is a popular ornamental tree that is often used for landscaping purposes. However, it is important for dog owners to be aware that the China Berry Tree is toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems if ingested. The toxic substance in the China Berry Tree are called meliatoxins, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy in dogs. In severe cases, it can also cause liver and kidney damage, seizures, and even death.
# 9. Horse Chestnut
The Horsechestnut tree, also known as the Buckeye, is a popular ornamental tree that is often used for landscaping purposes. However, it is important for dog owners to be aware that the Horsechestnut tree is toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems if ingested. The toxic substance in the Horsechestnut tree is called aescin, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy in dogs. In severe cases, it can also cause muscle twitching, seizures, and possible death. If you suspect that your dog has ingested parts of the Horsechestnut tree, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. These trees drop hard brown nuts in the fall which contain the deadly toxin.
# 10. Lily of the Valley
The Lily of the Valley, also known as Convallaria majalis, is a popular ornamental plant that is often used for landscaping purposes and as a cut flower in bouquets. Lilies of the valley contain cardiac glycosides, such as convallatoxin and convallamarin, which are highly toxic to dogs. The bulb is most dangerous and ingestion will cause serious, adverse effects within hours. Over 40 different cardiac glycosides have been identified in this plant!
Lily of the valley ingestion in dogs can lead to a range of symptoms that can be harmful or even fatal if not treated promptly. Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, decreased heart rate, weakness, and in severe cases, seizures or coma.
Lily of the valley ingestion in dogs is a serious concern as it can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, decreased heart rate, and even seizures. If you suspect that your dog has ingested lily of the valley, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary care. Treatment may involve inducing vomiting to remove the plant from the system, administering activated charcoal to prevent further absorption, and providing supportive care such as intravenous fluids and medications to manage symptoms.
#11. Yew
Yew is an evergreen shrub or tree known for its dense foliage and red berries. While it may be visually appealing, it can be highly toxic to dogs if ingested. All parts of the Yew plant, including the leaves, bark, and seeds, contain compounds known as taxine alkaloids, specifically taxine A and taxine B, which are highly toxic to dogs.
Ingesting yew plants can be extremely dangerous for dogs, causing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, tremors, seizures, and potentially even fatal heart arrhythmias.
When treating yew plant poisoning in animals, veterinarians typically focus on supportive care to counteract the effects of the toxic compounds found in yew plants. This may include administering activated charcoal to help absorb the toxins, intravenous fluids to maintain hydration and support organ function, and medications to control symptoms such as vomiting or irregular heartbeats. In severe cases, additional treatments such as oxygen therapy or medications to stabilize the heart may be necessary. It’s crucial for pet owners to seek immediate veterinary attention if they suspect their animal has ingested any part of a yew plant, as prompt treatment can significantly improve the chances of a positive outcome.
#12. English Ivy
English Ivy is a common vine known for its ability to climb and cover walls or fences. While it may add beauty to outdoor spaces, it can be toxic to dogs if ingested. The leaves of the English Ivy plant contain compounds such as polyacetylene compounds and triterpenoid saponins. These toxic substances can cause a range of symptoms in dogs if ingested.
If a dog ingests the leaves of the English Ivy plant, they may experience symptoms such as excessive drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, ingestion can also lead to abdominal pain and gastrointestinal upset.
If you suspect that your dog has ingested any part of the English Ivy plant, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care. The veterinarian can evaluate your dog’s symptoms and provide appropriate treatment to alleviate any discomfort and prevent further complications.
#13. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a succulent plant known for its soothing properties and is commonly used in skin care products. While it may have benefits for humans, it can be toxic to dogs if ingested. The gel of the Aloe vera plant is generally not toxic to dogs, but consuming the whole plant can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. The most harmful components found in aloe vera for dogs are saponins and anthraquinones. Saponins can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, while anthraquinones can have a laxative effect and may lead to more serious complications if consumed in large quantities.
If a dog ingests the Aloe vera plant, they may experience symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and resolve on their own within a few days. However, it’s important to monitor your dog and seek veterinary care if the symptoms worsen or persist.
If you suspect that your dog has ingested Aloe vera or any other plant and is experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, it’s important to contact your veterinarian. The veterinarian can provide guidance on how to manage your dog’s symptoms and ensure their well-being.
#14. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
Dieffenbachia, commonly known as dumb cane, is a popular houseplant that can be toxic to dogs if ingested. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that can be toxic to dogs if ingested. These crystals are needle-like and can cause irritation, burning, and swelling in the mouth, tongue, and throat of dogs when chewed on or consumed. Symptoms of ingestion may include drooling, pawing at the face, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing. It’s crucial for pet parents to keep this plant out of reach from their furry friends and seek veterinary help immediately if ingestion is suspected.
#15. Tulips
Often adored for their vibrant colors, tulips (Tulipa spp.) can pose a threat to our canine companions. Tulip plants can be dangerous for dogs as they contain substances such as tulipalin A and B, which are toxic to pets when ingested. These substances can cause symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing and increased heart rate. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if your dog shows signs of tulip poisoning.
When treating tulip poisoning in dogs, veterinarians typically focus on supportive care to help the dog recover. This may involve inducing vomiting to remove any remaining plant material from the stomach, administering activated charcoal to prevent further absorption of toxins, and providing intravenous fluids to maintain hydration and support kidney function if necessary. In severe cases, additional treatments such as medication to control symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea may be needed.
FAQ – Plants Poisonous to Dogs
What are the most toxic plants to dogs I should absolutely avoid?
The most toxic plants to dogs that you should absolutely avoid include the sago palm, lily of the valley, and horse chestnut. Ingestion of these plants can cause severe symptoms and even be fatal to dogs.
How can I prevent my dog from coming into contact with these toxic plants
It is important to keep these toxic plants out of your dog’s reach by either placing them in areas where your dog cannot access them or opting for pet-friendly alternatives. You can also train your dog to avoid certain areas or use barriers to prevent their access.
What should I do if my dog ingests a toxic plant?
If you suspect that your dog has ingested a toxic plant, it is essential to seek veterinary care immediately. Contact your vet or an animal poison control center for guidance on what steps to take. It is crucial not to induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional, as some plants may pose additional risks when regurgitated.
What are some common indoor plants that are safe for dogs?
Some common indoor plants that are safe for dogs include the snake plant, spider plant, Boston fern, African violet, and Christmas cactus. These plants are non-toxic to dogs and can add beauty to your indoor spaces.
Plants Harmful to Dogs – Final Thoughts
It is crucial for dog owners to be aware of the various plants that can be toxic to their pets. The presence of poisonous plants in our homes and outdoor spaces poses a significant risk to the health and well-being of our dogs. Some common household plants, such as lilies, azaleas, and sago palms, can cause serious problems if ingested by dogs. Symptoms of plant toxicity can range from mild skin irritation and upset stomach to more serious effects like cardiovascular collapse and slow heart rate. Ingesting large amounts or even just a part of the plant can lead to potentially fatal consequences. It is important for pet owners to familiarize themselves with these dangerous plants and take precautions to keep them out of reach of their dogs. If an incident occurs, contacting the Pet Poison Helpline or seeking immediate veterinary care at a veterinary hospital is essential for prompt treatment and the prevention of further complications. By being proactive and knowledgeable about toxic plants, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our dogs. You can read more about safe and unsafe fruits for dogs in this post.
10 Toxic Plants for Dogs Infographic
.jpg)
