Plants are definitely the best way to decorate your home, both indoors and outdoors. Just by adding a rich Dracaena in the corner of a dull, plain room, you can add a lot of warmth to space. There are no reasons one should keep plants out of their home or near surroundings.
Well, if you have a dog, you might have to rethink. It might be wise not to put plants in places that he can reach. And not only because he can knock the pot down and make a mess, but because a lot of plants can be harmful, toxic or even fatal to dogs when ingested.
You don’t want to deal with a poisoned dog just because you weren’t properly informed on what is dangerous to keep in the reach of your pup, right? That’s why it’s crucial to tell toxic and non-toxic plants apart in order to react before the damage has already been done.
Of course, nothing will happen if your dog sniffs some of these plants, the problem appears when leaves, twigs, berries or other parts of a plant are ingested because that’s when the toxins can work against your pup’s organism. That’s why it’s crucial to learn your dog how to obey some basic commands so you can stop him before he even tries to chew on a new plant you just brought home.
Most of these plants are also toxic to humans, and some are even deadly, so now when you have your trips to nature, forests or parks, watch out for these and don’t chew or ingest their fruits or flowers. (This might also be useful if you have a baby that is in that puts-everything-in-mouth phase)
So, let’s discover what are the plant beauties that might be toxic or fatal for your dog!
1. Autumn Crocus
Autumn Crocus is also known under the names of Meadow Saffron or Naked Ladies. This member of Colchicaceae plant family is a toxic autumn-blooming flowering plant. Ingesting the Autumn Crocus can result in vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, or even kidney and liver damage. When the ingested quantity of this plant is higher even heart arrhythmias can occur. The entire plant is considered to be toxic, however, the highest toxicity is found in the bulbs.
2. Azalea
The gorgeous Azalea looks like a plant all flower-enamored people would want to have in their garden. However, after hearing that ingestion of just a couple of leaves of this plant can even be fatal in dogs, people rethink planting it. Poisoning of Azalea can cause oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea as well as a drop in blood pressure, coma, and in most severe cases even death.
3. Daffodil – Narcissus
Narcissus or Daffodils are a wonderful sign that spring is just around the corner. However, when walking your dog in open fields, make sure he stays away from these bright yellow flowers. The entire plant is toxic to dogs, but its bulb contains the most toxicity. When they are ingested, they can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, water vomiting, diarrhea, arrhythmias, convulsions and a drastic drop in blood pressure.
4. Dieffenbachia – “Dumb Cane”
Dieffenbachias are very common houseplants that are popular for their low maintenance characteristic. Chewing this plant’s leaves will cause a burning sensation in the mouth and tongue, and lead to swelling of the entire oral cave. In severe cases, the swelling can eventually result in difficulty breathing and end up in death.
5. Tulip
Tulips are one of the most elegant spring blossom flowers that everybody adores. While they will be great and safe in a vase on your dining table, you might want to keep tulip pots away from your pup’s reach. Ingesting any part of this plant can lead to oral irritation, excessive drooling, and nausea.
6. Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe is also known as the Mother-In-Law plant that has small, dense flowers. This cute plant, won’t be cute anymore if ingested. Poisoning with kalanchoe can cause vomiting, diarrhea or even arrhythmias.
7. Sago Palm
A lot of people choose Sago palm for their homes in order to achieve an exotic look. However, this entire plant from the roots to the leaves is extremely poisonous to dogs. It can lead to bloody vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding disorders, and in severe cases to liver failure and death.
8. Oleander
Oleander is a beautiful flowering shrub that usually grows in warm locations such as Southern United Stated, California and Mediterranean. No matter how much you might like it, keep your dog away from it as it can lead to fatal heart abnormalities, muscle tremors, loss of coordination, vomiting and bloody diarrhea.
9. Cyclamen
Cyclamen is a common household plant that is known for its toxicity to dogs. It contains terpenoids that cause a burning sensation in the mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, as well as heart abnormalities or seizures. In severe cases, it can also lead to death.
10. Amaryllis
These breathtakingly gorgeous flowers that are most popular around Easter, are also poisonous to our canine friends. Amaryllis contain toxins that can lead to vomiting, depression, abdominal pain, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, anorexia or tremors in dogs.
11. Aloe Vera
This might be the most surprising plant to see on this list. Although Aloe Vera is very beneficial for humans, it is quite harmful to dogs. While topical use of the gel found in the leaves shouldn’t cause any damage, when ingested, aloe can lead to abdominal pain and irritation of the digestive system.
12. Hedera Helix – “Ivy”
Ivy is a common household decoration plant because of how beautifully it falls from the upper shelves. However, if your dog ingests its leaves, it can lead to minor and more severe symptoms. It might only cause a rash, but it can also put your dog in paralysis or coma.
13. Crassula Ovata – “Jade”
Crassula Ovata, also known as Jade or Money plant, is popular for its low-maintenance characteristics and the belief that this plant brings financial luck. This rubber plant is, however, quite toxic to dogs and cats, and can lead to vomiting, slow heart rate, and even depression!
14. Philodendron
People that love dieffenbachia, usually go nuts for Philodendron. This plant of big leaves is very decorative and is quite low maintenance. But, do not leave your dog (or child) unsupervised around it because ingesting a part of its leaf could end in swelling of the mouth and tongue, digestive issues, spams, and seizures.
15. Epipremnum Aureum – “Devil’s Ivy”
Epipremnum Aureum, more commonly known as Devil’s Ivy or Pothos, is a plant that doesn’t require much care. However, it is very harmful to dogs when ingested. Don’t let your dog chew these leaves because it could lead to swelling of the mouth, or even spams and seizures.
16. Holly Berries
When decorating your home for Christmas, you might want to skip buying holly berries. Or at least, place them somewhere out of your dog’s reach. They aren’t highly dangerous, but are still harmful to both canines and humans and can cause excessive drooling, an upset stomach, appetite loss or even depression.
Good to know: Fig tree may also be harmful to dogs
17. Zamioculcas Zamifolia – “ZZ plant”
Zamioculcas Zamifolia, commonly known as ZZ plant or Emerald Palm, is another low maintenance plant that doesn’t need a lot of water or light. When chewed or ingested this decorative household plant’s leaves can lead to vomiting or diarrhea in dogs.
18. Elephant Ear
Elephant ear or caladium is a very exotic plant whose colorful leaves make every garden look more exotic. However, you should probably take this plant out of your garden if you have a small dog that doesn’t know what means “No!”. Ingesting even a small piece of this plant’s leaf might lead to swelling, lots of drooling, vomiting, tremors, seizures, loss of balance and it can even result in death.
19. Dracaena Fragrans – “Corn plant”
Dracaena Fragrans, commonly known as the Corn plant, is a beautiful plant that is often chosen because of its low-maintenance properties. Chewing or ingesting its leaves is considered to be toxic for dogs as it can cause vomiting, sometimes even bloody vomiting, as well as appetite loss or depression.
20. Asparagus Fern
Here’s a plant that you really want to keep out of your dog’s reach. Although it might not be as toxic as other plants, it might cause skin irritation in dogs that are overly exposed to it. Of course, if ingested, this can lead to vomiting and diarrhea.
Read also : Toxic Foods You Should Keep Out Of Your Dog’s Reach.
21. Lily of the Valley
These little cuties look quite innocent, right? Don’t get fooled by their angelic appearance, because these lilies are highly poisonous. If ingested, lily of the valley can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, drop in heart rate, cardiac arrhythmias, as well as potential seizures or death.
22. Hyacinth
These flowers are not only gorgeous, but they also have a beautiful scent that you can’t get enough of. However, don’t leave your dog alone around these, as ingesting them could lead to vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and tremors.
23. Bird of Paradise
Bird of Paradise is a real rarity among all flowers. This Barbadian flower is also called Pride of Barbados, but despite its breathtaking beauty, it is highly toxic to pets. When ingested it can lead to severe oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty in swallowing and lack of coordination.
24. Rhododendrons
Rhododendron species are found mainly in Asia but can also be found in the Appalachian Mountains of North America. These beautiful bushes’ leaves, stems and flowers are known to be very toxic, especially to our pets. Even a small piece of leaf might cause toxic effects in canines.
25. Digitalis Purpurea – “Foxglove”
This beautiful flower is another one that can be very tricky. Although its blossoms look like cute, purple trumpets, these cartoonish flowers are actually very poisonous to dogs and even humans! Foxgloves contain cardenolides or bufadienolides that affect the heart.
26. Lathyrus Latifolius – “Sweet Pea”
This perennial plant, called also everlasting pea, is an unusual one. It has large clusters of flowers that range from white to purple and pink. Although not much is known about the toxicity of this plant’s leaves, its seeds contain a toxin that might cause damages of the nervous system.
27. Lilies
Believe it or not, but those beautiful lilies you adore are quite a big threat to your dog. Consumption of only a few lily tubers might be fatal in canines, so it is very important to keep these dangerous beauties out of your pup’s reach.
28. Angel’s Trumpet
Angel’s Trumpet is a very elegant plant that people often have in their gardens. But, despite being called that, they contain high levels of dangerous toxins that when ingested can be fatal in both animals and humans.
29. Angel Wings
This plant really looks like it’s out of this world. Therefore, it might not surprise you that ingesting or chewing a piece of its white colored leaves, isn’t really a safe thing for dogs or cats. Consumption of it will lead to an upset stomach, oral irritation, tremors, seizures, and potentially even death.
30. Bittersweet – Celastrus orbiculatus
Celastrus orbiculatus, also known as Oriental Bittersweet, is a perennial, climbing, woody vine that can grow to be 60ft long. Its’ leaves, twigs and berries are very toxic and can lead to nausea and vomiting when ingesting.
31. Boxwood
Those neat boxwoods you or your neighbor take care of so patiently give your home a very elegant touch indeed. However, never let your dog chew on its leaves or twigs as it might end up in an upset stomach, heart failure, excitability, lethargy or dermatitis.
32. Butter Cup
Here’s another cute flower, whose appearance shouldn’t fool you. These soft, gentle flowers that blossom in the spring and throughout the summer are found to be highly toxic to dogs. When the flower’s juice is consumed, the toxins found in it may lead to severe injury of the digestive system as well as dermatitis.
33. Clematis
This hypnotizing flower belongs to the buttercup family despite not looking at all like it. Clematis are mainly from China and Japan and are very popular among gardeners. However, don’t let your dog roam near it as accidental ingestion could easily lead to gastrointestinal irritations or nervous damages.
34. Arum Maculatum – “Cuckoo pint”
Cuckoo pint, also known as lord-and-ladies, is a native plant of Southern Europe and Northern Africa which has particularly toxic red berries. If eaten, these berries can cause skin allergies, nausea or vomiting in dogs.
35. Daphne plant
These plants are popular for their terrific scent and their colorful berries. Although they might not be fatal as some other plants of this list if ingested daphne plants can affect kidneys or gastrointestinal tract or cause dermatitis.
36. Castor Bean
Castor oil plant or castor bean is a flowering plant that contains one of the most poisonous toxins in the world, ricin. You probably wouldn’t plant a castor bean anywhere near your house, but it is good to know that when eaten just one castor bean is enough to kill an adult within minutes. It has the same effect on dogs, too.
37. Avocado plant
While the avocado plant won’t cause any damage, avocado fruit and its pith can be very toxic to dogs which is why you shouldn’t grow avocados where your dog can easily reach the fruits.
38. Jimson weed
This plant belongs to the family of nightshades. It is also known the names of devils’ trumpet, devil’s weed, pricklyburr or thornapple. Although this plant is used in treating asthma symptoms in people, it is very toxic to dogs on the other hand. If eaten, it can cause abnormal thirst, distorted sight, delirium, coma, and even death.
39. Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreen is another household plant that is quite popular for its low maintenance features. Its bright green leaves with leopard-like markings are surely fascinating, but ingesting them won’t be much fun for any of your pets. Consumption of its leaves might lead to oral irritation, pain, and swelling of the mouth and tongue, as well as excessive drooling and vomiting.
40. Mistletoe
Here’s another Christmas plant you don’t want to keep in your pup’s reach. When ingested, mistletoe can injure your dog’s gastrointestinal tract or cause dermatitis. If eaten by a puppy, only a couple of mistletoe berries could lead to sudden death.
41. Conium maculatum – “Poison Hemlock”
The hemlock, as well as its close variant water hemlock, are both members of the plant family called Apiaceae. These plants are often called the most violently toxic of all plants growing in North America. Ingestion of its leaves or flowers could lead to nervous damages and can result in death.
42. Jacobaea Vulgaris – “Ragwort”
Jacobaea vulgaris is a common wildflower native to northern Eurasia that often grows in dry, open places. It is also known under other names such as common ragwort, stinking willie or tansy. These small flowers are so poisonous that they can even cause liver damage in horses. So, don’t let your dog get close to them!
43. Rhododendron aureum
Rhododendron aureum is an evergreen, flowering plant that is often found in high mountain areas. Being a member of Rhododendron species that often contain toxins that can lead to intoxication, nausea, and vomiting, it is highly advisable to avoid this plant while taking your dog for a walk.
44. Wild Cherry Tree
It definitely surprised us to find this tree on this list, but it turns out that twigs and foliage of the wild cherry tree can be quite poisonous. Consumption of its foliage or twigs can lead to gasping, overexcitement, prostration, or even death.
45. Aconitum – “Wolf’s bane”
Aconitum septentrionale is a herb that is also known under names: wolf’s bane, leopard’s bane, mousebane, women’s bane, devil’s helmet, queen of poisons or blue rocket. It belongs to the family of Ranunculaceae that often contains a toxin that can lead to nausea, vomiting or increased heart rate.
46. Yew
Various coniferous trees and shrubs of the Taxus genus are called Yew. These trees can grow in Europe or North America and can be quite common in the mountain areas. You would think that it’s the berries that make yew poisonous, but it’s actually its foliage that is fatally toxic. Swallowing even a couple of them can lead to sudden death.
47. Kochia Scoparia
These eccentric bushes look quite dreamy. Who wouldn’t want to have these around their house? But, despite its outstanding appearance, Kochia scoparia is a toxic plant that can cause skin allergies and gastrointestinal irritations.
48. Atropa belladonna
This graceful flower is known as belladonna or even deadly nightshade. Believe it or not, but this magnificent plant belongs to the tomato, potato and eggplant family. However, unlike its relatives this plant is quite toxic and can lead to nausea and vomiting if eaten.
49. Thuja – Arborvitae
Thuja species are coniferous trees that are native to North America and eastern Asia. They are also known as arborvitaes which stand for the tree of life in Latin. Although not highly toxic, thujas can be harmful to canines if eaten in higher quantities.
50. Gloriosa Superba
This magnificent flower is a perennial herb that grows from a fleshy rhizome. Its bright colors that can range from red to pink and orange are what makes them so breathtakingly beautiful. However, if eaten Glory lily can cause nausea or vomiting in dogs which is why you shouldn’t put it anywhere near your pup’s reach.
