Feeding Practice & Safety
Plants Toxic to Dogs: Indoors and in the Garden
Many popular house and garden plants are toxic to dogs. We cover the most common dangerous ones, the symptoms, and what to do if you suspect poisoning.
When to see a vet IMMEDIATELY
- •Blood in stool or vomit
- •Lethargy, not drinking, or not eating for 24+ hours
- •Repeated vomiting, especially if water won't stay down
- •Swollen or painful abdomen, whimpering
- •Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days, or worsening symptoms
This article is informational and does not replace veterinary examination.
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Plants Toxic to Dogs: Indoors and in the Garden
It's not only foods that can be toxic. Many popular ornamental plants we keep indoors or in the garden can cause serious poisoning if a dog chews them.
Indoors: the most common dangerous houseplants
| Plant | What it causes |
|---|---|
| Oleander | Severe heart and digestive symptoms, life-threatening |
| Philodendron, Monstera | Mouth irritation, drooling, difficulty swallowing |
| Dieffenbachia | Strong mouth irritation, swelling |
| Ficus | Skin and mouth irritation, vomiting |
| Amaryllis | Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy |
| Aloe vera | Diarrhea, lethargy |
| Poinsettia | Mild mouth irritation, vomiting |
In the garden: dangerous garden plants
| Plant | What it causes |
|---|---|
| Yew | Extremely toxic, cardiac arrest, fatal |
| Laburnum (golden chain) | Vomiting, seizures, paralysis |
| Foxglove (digitalis) | Heart rhythm disturbances, life-threatening |
| Autumn crocus | Severe organ damage |
| Bulb flowers (tulip, daffodil, hyacinth) | Vomiting, diarrhea, heart symptoms |
| Azalea, rhododendron | Vomiting, weakness, heart symptoms |
| Hydrangea | Vomiting, diarrhea |
Special: grapes and acorns in the garden
- Grapes, wild grape fruit: can cause kidney failure
- Acorns: digestive upset, kidney strain in larger amounts
- Mushrooms (wild-growing): some species are deadly, don't risk it
General symptoms of poisoning
- Vomiting, diarrhea (possibly bloody)
- Heavy drooling
- Lethargy, weakness
- Tremors, seizures
- Loss of appetite
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Pale or unusually colored gums
What to do if you suspect poisoning?
- Don't induce vomiting at home without veterinary instruction (for some substances it makes things worse)
- Call the vet / emergency line immediately
- Bring a sample of the plant (leaf, flower) for identification
- Note: what, how much, and when it was eaten
Quick identification is key to the right treatment.
Prevention
- Keep dangerous houseplants out of reach, or don't keep them at all
- In the garden, fence off dangerous areas or remove the plant
- Puppies and young dogs chew everything — extra vigilance
This is informational content. Suspected plant poisoning is urgent, see your vet immediately.
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References
- 1.ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List. ASPCA, 2024. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 2.American Veterinary Medical Association — Household hazards: foods and substances that are toxic to pets. AVMA, 2024. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/household-hazards (accessed: 2026-09-10)
This is general information and does not replace a veterinary diagnosis.
This guide was compiled based on the expert input of Reka Fazekas-Birizdo canine nutritionist.
Certified Canine Nutritionist
