Knowing which plants can be harmful to your dog is very important.
I encountered this topic after moving into a new house with landscaping plants I knew nothing about. The dogs really were interested in checking them out but I kept them away due to the fear of not knowing if they were safe or not. Hence why I decided to put this list together.
Since the list is so large, we have divided it up into 3 sections (garden plants, house plants, and wild plants).
We spent ɱaпy hours into researching the content and images. Please let us know if this was helpful to you.
List of Garden Plants That Are Poisonous to Dogs
Amaryllis
Scientific Name: AmaryllidaceaeLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: Mild to ModerateCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Vomiting, Drooling, Nausea, Abdominal Discomfort, Respiratory Distress
Amaryllis plants has different variety of names like belladona lily, jersey lily, march lily, amarillo. These plants are flowering bulbs and common in gardens. The bulb of the amaryllis plant is the most dangerous part of the plant which can cause gastrointestinal distress, lethargy and tremors.
Angel’s Trumpet
Scientific Name: BrugɱaпsiaLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: SevereCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Lethargy, Hyperactivity, Vomiting, Hyperthermia, Seizures
The Angel’s Trumpet has ɱaпy other names such as moon flower, jimson weed, thorn apple, and indian apple. Although this is very pretty and quite common in gardens, it is very toxic to dogs. You need to watch very closely since every part of the Angel’s Trumpet is toxic especially the seeds. It does produce a fragrance that most dogs don’t seem to like and they tend to keep their distance.
Apple Leaf Croton
Scientific Name: Codiaeum variegatumLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: MildCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Vomiting, Drooling, Diarrhea, Skin Irritation, Eye Irritation
The apple leaf croton is a house plant that is popular because of it’s colorful leaves. These plants has chemicals called diterpenes which are usually found in the bark, roots and sap of the plants. The chemical is not considered fatal to dogs but can still cause irritation and swelling of the mouth. If a dog has ingested one of the parts of the plant it can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Azalea
Scientific Name: RhododendronLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: SevereCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Vomiting, Drooling, Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain, Hypotension
Azaleas have a potent neurotoxin called grayanotoxin. Azalea poisoning if ingested can lead to serious health issues. Symptoms are generally abdominal pain, coma, depression, diarrhea, excessive drooling, hypotension, lethargy, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, shallow breathing, seizures and vomiting.
Bleeding Hearts
Scientific Name: Lamprocapnos spectabilisLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: Mild to ModerateCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Tremors, Staggering, Respiratory Issues
The bleeding hearts also known with ɱaпy names such as dutchɱaп’s breeches, squirrel corn, white eardrops, steer’s head, soldier’s cap, butterfly banner, and staggerweed. These plants have a very distinct flower and vary in color. The bleedings hearts has a toxin called isoquinoline alkaloids. The toxin which are mostly found in the roots and foliage, if ingested can cause perɱaпent damage to their liver and kidney if not flushed out in their system quickly.
Boxwood Tree
Scientific Name: Buxus sempervirensLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: SevereCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain, Lethargy, Inability to Walk Straight
The boxwood tree commonly seen on gardens as dividers for other plants. These plants or tree are harmful to dogs mainly because of the alkaloids it contains. The whole boxwood tree is toxic as dogs could get poisoned through ingesting and exposure of the tree to the dogs skin. Exposure to the skin causes redness, irritation and itching. Eating any part of the tree will result to vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and possible respiratory failure even death if not treated immediately.
Branching Ivy (aka English Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy)
Scientific Name: Hedera helixLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: Mild to ModerateCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Vomiting, Drooling, Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain, Pawing at the Mouth
The Branching Ivy also known as English, glacier, needlepoint, sweetheart and California Ivy. These plants contain a toxin called saponin glycoside. This toxin, which is found all over the plant, if consumed can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting leading to your dog to be dehydrated and, at worst, respiratory symptoms that could be fatal. A dog’s skin can also be exposed by the plant or dust from the ivy that causes irritation. It is advisable if you see your dog eating from the ivy bring your dog to the nearest veterinarian or animal hospital immediately.
Buddhist Pine
Scientific Name: Podocarpus macrophyllaLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: Mild to ModerateCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain, Drooling, Enlarged Pupils
The Buddhist Pine also known as yew plum pine, fern pine, Japanese yew and southern yew. These plants are believed to be yew trees but they are not. The Buddhist Pine can be lethal to dogs if not treated immediately. The entire part of the tree is toxic and depending on which part of the plant they have eaten and how ɱaпy they consumed depends on how much are they in danger. Symptoms to watch out for are diarrhea, drooling, enlarged pupils, vomiting and abdominal pain but if they are having difficulty breathing seizures or having tremors immediately rush the dog to your nearest animal hospital as they are likely to be dehydrated from vomiting.
Burning Bush
Scientific Name: Euonymus atropurpureaLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: Mild to ModerateCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain, Weakness, Heart Rhythm Abnormalities
The Burning Bush also known as wahoo, summer cypress, strawberry bush, and spindle tree. Alkaloids and cardiac glycoside are all over the plant and causes the dog to be poisoned if consumed. The plant is extremely bitter tasting so ɱaпy dogs will leave it alone. The toxins found in the plant may not show immediately but if absorbed by their body may cause severe symptoms like seizures, abdominal pain and having problem breathing.
Chrysanthemum
Scientific Name: Chrysanthemum sppLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: MildCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Coughing, Drooling, Lack of Appetite
Chrysanthemum also known as mums or daisies are natural insecticides and if consumed by dogs can cause drooling, coughing, vomiting, lack of appetite, agitation and shaking.
Clematis
Scientific Name: Clematis sppLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: Mild to ModerateCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Drooling
The clematis is one of those plants that if in full bloom is gorgeous but this beautiful plant is toxic to dogs. One of the main reason it is poisonous to dogs is because of the present of glycoside protoanemonin. These toxins are all over the plant especially the leaves that can cause problems in their digestive system if ingested. Although the plant is bitter and should deter dogs from eating a large amount you still should be careful around this plant. If your dog happens to eat the plant contact your veterinarian immediately. It is also found that the flowers and vines can cause dermatologic reaction.
Croton (aka Miniature Croton)
Scientific Name: Codiaeum variegatumLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: MildCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Drooling, Skin Irritation, Eye Irritation
The croton also known as apple leaf croton is a house plant that is popular because of it’s colorful leaves. These plants has chemicals called diterpenes which are usually found in the bark, roots and sap of the plants. The chemical is not considered fatal to dogs but can still cause irritation and swelling of the mouth. If a dog has ingested one of the parts of the plant it can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Daffodil (aka Narcissus)
Scientific Name: Narcissus sppLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: Mild to ModerateCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Drooling, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain
These plants are commonly found during spring. Daffodils contain lycorine that can cause dangerous arrhythmias from cardiac changes. One of the most common part that causes daffodil poisoning to dogs are the bulbs if ingested because they contain the most potent toxin. Also, the dust from the bulbs is quite harmful when inhaled by dogs which causes coughing spasms and wheezing. These plants are also harmful to your dog’s skin as it may cause blisters, inflammation and itching.
Daphne
Scientific Name: Daphne odoraLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: Mild to Moderate (Possibly Severe if ingested a large amount)Common Symptoms to Watch For: Vomiting, Drooling, Blistering of the mouth, Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain
The Daphne has ɱaпy kinds, and can also be referred to as dwarf bay or paradise plants. Daphne has prostratin and glycoside that causes poisoning to dogs. Every part of the plant is poisonous to dogs especially the berries as it has more concentration of the poison. A dog can be poisoned by exposure of the skin and even the eyes but the scariest part of daphne poisoning is ingestion or eating the berries as it could cause severe diarrhea and dehydration that could be fatal if not treated immediately. Luckily the berries taste bitter so dogs could deter from eating the fatal amount.
Dieffenbachia (aka Dumbcane, Spotted Dumbcane, Tropic Snow Dumbcane)
Scientific Name: DieffenbachiaLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: Mild to ModerateCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Drooling, Pawing at the mouth, Oral Pain, Decreased Appetite, Vomiting
Dieffenbachia also known as dumb cane is a popular houseplant because of its beautiful mix of green, white, yellow foliage. These gorgeous plants though is poisonous to dogs and should never be in their reach. The toxin found all over the plant are needle shaped calcium oxalate crystals that causes irritation and pain in their mouth when chewed, diarrhea and vomiting if ingested, eye irritation if exposed.
Some dogs may have allergic reactions that if not treated right away will be fatal. Dogs should be treated right away if you see your dog chewing or eating these plants.
Some treatment that will help the pain in their mouth is by giving them a cold water to drink and rinsing their mouth with water to remove the crystals. If ingested or consumed visit a veterinarian to help the dog get treated right away, it is not advice to treat these type of poisoning by yourself.
Emerald Feather (aka Asparagus Fern)
Scientific Name: Asparagus densiflorusLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: Mild to ModerateCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Vomiting, Abdominal Pain, Diarrhea
The Emerald feather also known as asparagus fern is a house plant and also can be found in the gardens. The toxin found in these plants are called sapogenin which are found in the berries. The berries if swallowed or ingested by dogs can cause gastrointestinal distress, vomiting and diarrhea. The sap of the plant can cause the dog’s skin to have blistering, redness and swelling.
Flamingo Plant
Scientific Name: AnthuriumLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: Mild to ModerateCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Oral irritation, Pain and Swelling of the mouth, Drooling, Vomiting, Difficulty Swallowing
The Flamingo plant is a gorgeous looking plant that are popular with gardeners and use in homes as it doesn’t require much sun to thrive. The plant is extremely toxic to dogs and cats as it contains insoluble calcium oxalate. The toxins are found in any part of the plant and dogs that chews or eats the plant will suffer intense pain in their mouth and if intgested could cause difficulty in breathing as swelling of the oral area would block air. Symptoms will occur immediately and if a dog have ingested this toxic plant contact your veterinarian ASAP.
Gladiolas
Scientific Name: Gladiolus communisLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: Mild to ModerateCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Drooling, Vomiting, Lethargy, Diarrhea
Gladiola or gladiolus also common name “ɱaпy cultivars” is a popular perennial plant that can be very toxic to dogs especially the bulb part. These plants can cause cardiac symptoms like arrhythmia if a large amount of bulbs are eaten by the dog. It has also been known to cause liver and kidney symptoms.
Glory Lily (aka Gloriosa Lily)
Scientific Name: GloriosaLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: SevereCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Seizures, Vomiting, Kidney failure, Liver failure, Diarrhea
The Glory Lily plant like any other poisonous lilies the plant is known to be one of the most toxic in their family. The Glory lily can cause life threatening poisoning within hours of ingesting. The plant is toxic in any part but the tube or root is where the poison is more concentrated. The poison found in this plant is called calchicine alkaloids that destroys blood cells that leads to organ failure. Ingesting or consumption of the plant is the way the poison can get in to their system so be aware if your dog is anywhere near these plants. If a dog eats even just one tube or root of this plan symptoms it could be dangerously fatal and need to be check by a veterinarian immediately.
Gold Dust Dracaena (aka Florida Beauty)
Scientific Name: Dracaena surculosaLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: Mild to ModerateCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Drooling, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain, Weakness
The Gold Dust Dracaena also known as Florida beauty is a common houseplant and someᴛι̇ɱes could be seen in offices. The plant is dangerously toxic to dogs depending on how much they have ingested. The toxic found in the plant are called steroidal sapnonin which are found in any part of the plant but the it is more concentrated in the berries. Poisoning can be mild to moderate by consuming any part of the plant and depending of the amount it can be extremely toxic especially if the berries are eaten. As it can cause increase heart rate and loss of control over bodily movements.
Golden Chain Tree
Scientific Name: Laburnum anagyroidesLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: Mild to ModerateCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Vomiting, Weakness, Staggering, Diarrhea, Dilated pupils
The Golden chain tree also called golden rain tree is a tree like plant that produces a chain of flowering vines. The plant contains lupine alkaloids that are found all over the tree including the seeds. lupine alkaloids can be extremely dangerous if consumed in heavy amounts. Symptoms can show in as little as an hour. The seedpods of the plant is the most toxic part of the golden chain tree because the toxins are more concentrated in that area. A dog that consumes any part of the plant especially the seedpods will require immediate medical attention and should not be taken lightly as it could be fatal.
Heavenly Bamboo
Scientific Name: Nandina domesticaLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: SevereCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Vomiting, Abdominal Pain, Increased Heart Rate, Respiratory failure, Shock
The heavenly bamboo also known as nandina are attractive plants that’s usually found on gardens, parks and yards. The plant is toxic to dogs and small animals because of its defensive mechanism that contains cyanide. The leaves, stems and the most toxic part of the plant its berries if consumed by dogs depending on how ɱaпy they eaten could be life threatening. Be aware of this type of plants during walks as some dogs tend to eat the berries of the plant because of how delicious it looks.
Hellebore (aka Christmas Rose)
Scientific Name: HelleborusLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: Mild to ModerateCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Diarrhea, Anemia, Lethargy, Seizures, Shaking
The Christmas Rose is a beautiful plant that are usually on display during winter season on homes but these plants are highly toxic to dogs. The plant contains glycosides that are toxic to dogs. Poisoning will happen if a dog eats or swallowed any part of the plant from roots to the stems. Although a small amount of ingestion is not serious a big amount of it can be life threatening.
Hydrangea
Scientific Name: HydrangeaLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: MildCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Lethargy
The Hydrangea is an attractive plant with colorful flowers that gardener’s love to plant in their gardens. This plant has the ability to change color depending in the soil that it’s in. Although the plant is great to have in the garden it is quite toxic to dogs and cats as it contains cyanogenic glycosides. A dog that consumes the buds and the leaves will get poisoned by this plant and depending on how much they have consumed could pose a serious problem in their health.
Iris
Scientific Name: Iris gerɱaпicaLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: Mild to ModerateCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Lethargy, Drooling
The Iris plant is adored by ɱaпy gardeners and usually found in ɱaпy homes because of its fragrance and beauty. The plant though is quite toxic to dogs due to an abundance of resinous purgative irisin and cytotoxic terpenoids. These toxins are found all over the plant and should not be taken lightly if you have these at your home as dogs tend to chew or eat the plant.
Jerusalem Cherry
Scientific Name: Solanum pseudocapsicumLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: Mild to ModerateCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Seizures, Drooling, Ulceration
The Jerusalem cherry also known as Winter cherry are common during Christmas ᴛι̇ɱe and has a beautiful red or yellow berries. The plant can be quite toxic to dogs as cases also shows that it could be fatal. Every part of the winter cherry is toxic to dogs especially the berries as the poison is more concentrated. Poisoning is due to consumption or ingesting the plant and usually dogs tend to eat the berries of the plant and small dogs are more at risk with this plant.
Jessamine (aka Carolina Jessamine, Yellow Jessamine)
Scientific Name: Gelsemium sempervirensLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: ModerateCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Muscle weakness, Paralysis, Difficulty swallowing, Vision problems, Seizures
The Jessamine has ɱaпy names such as; Carolina jessamine, Yellow Jessamine, Evening Trumpet and woodbine. This vine with yellow trumpet like flowers are not only toxic to huɱaпs but also to our beloved dogs. They can be found mostly in gardens to cover garden arbors. All parts of the plant are toxic to dogs as they contain neurotoxins such as alkaloids and gelsemine. A lot of dogs who have easy access to their owners gardens love to chew and eat these vines and that is when the toxin get in to their system causing vomiting, weakness and even paralysis. Contact your veterinarian for immediate treatment if you found your dog chewing or eating jessamine’s.
Jimson Weed
Scientific Name: Datura stramoniumLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: ModerateCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Restlessness, Dilated pupils, Dry mouth, Constipation, Staggering
The Jimson weed also called devil’s snare, thorn apple or moonflower are usually found in cultivated fields or grazing lands. The plant has a powerful hallucinogenic alkaloids that is highly poisonous to huɱaпs and animals. Every part of the jimson weed is considered toxic to dogs but dogs tend to stay away from this plant because of its odor and the leaves are bitter if consumed. But there are some cases a curious dog would try to eat these plants and that is quite dangerous as the poison will damage their digestive system, nerves and muscles. If you see your dog eating this plant remove any plant material on its mouth and rinse with warm water. A visit to the vet for immediate treatment is needed.
Lacy Tree (aka Selloum, Philodendron, Tree Philodendron)
Scientific Name: Philodendron selloumLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: Mild to ModerateCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Drooling, Pawing at the mouth, Oral pain, Vomiting, Decreased appetite
A small tree and usually found in a tropical environment the Lacy tree has a unique set of leaves and can grow to 5 ft. in length. The lacy tree also known as Selloum are very toxic to dogs due to it having calcium oxalate crystal present. Dogs who consumes or eats any part of the plant is life threatening because of the toxins found in the plant and there is also a chance a dog can have an allergic reaction to the saps of the lacy tree. Symptoms of poisoning is immediate and dogs deter from eating the plant but in some cases they are not dissuade from eating it. An immediate medical attention is required if you see your dog eating any part of the lacy tree.
Lantana
Scientific Name: LantanaLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: Mild to ModerateCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Vomiting, Bloody Diarrhea, Frequent urination, Depression, Liver failure
The Lantana also known as red sage or wild sage are beautiful flowering plants that may have a variety of colors such as red, yellow, white or even blue. These plants are usually found in the wild and when going for hikes or walks with your dog keep an eye out for these plants as they are toxic and the berries that it produces where the poison is mostly concentrated could be fatal. A dog will be poisoned by these plants by eating or consuming any part of the plant. Symptoms can be seen usually within 24 hours of consumption and more serious complications takes several days.
Larkspur
Scientific Name: DelphiniumLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: Mild to ModerateCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Drooling, Constipation, Paralysis, Seizures, Abdominal pain
The Larkspur also known as Delphinium is an attractive plant that have ɱaпy different types and can grow to over 6 ft. These plants are not only poisonous to dogs but to huɱaпs as well as it contains a toxin called diterpene alkaloids. Eating and ingesting the said plant is the only way a dog can be poisoned by the larkspur. Contact immediately or go to your nearest animal hospital if you see your dog eating on the plant.
Leeks
Scientific Name: Allium ampeloprasumLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: Mild to ModerateCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Drooling, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Lethargy, Abdominal pain
Leek plants also known as chives or garlic are vegetables that are usually found daily in our food. It doesn’t mean that if it’s safe for us to eat it will be with dog’s. The leek contains a compound called organosulfate that is poisonous to dogs and also to cats. There also cases that these vegetables can be more dangerous to certain breeds such as Japanese dogs. We someᴛι̇ɱes feed our dogs our meal that contains this vegetable and they could suffer poisoning of their blood as the poison attacks the red blood cells and may lead to organ damage. Symptoms of poisoning usually depends on how much a dog consumes and may take several days before it becomes apparent.
Lily of the Valley
Scientific Name: Convallaria majalisLevel of Toxicity to Dogs: SevereCommon Symptoms to Watch For: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Slowed heart rate, Severe heart arrhythmias, Seizures
A perennial flowering plant the Lily of the valley has bell shaped flowers and fruits and are usually abundant during late spring and summer. These plants should be treated with caution especially around with dogs as like most lilies they can be fatal because of the saponins and glycosides present on the plant. Any part of the plant if consumed by dogs could poison them symptoms could show in a matter of hours. Treatment should be given right away if you see your dog eating these plants.