As a dog owner, you’re probably aware that pets can be curious creatures, often nibbling on things they shouldn’t. While houseplants add beauty and life to your home, some of them can pose serious dangers to your dog’s health. Knowing which house plants are poisonous to dogs is crucial for keeping your furry friend safe.
In this guide, we’ll explore the common household plants toxic to dogs, the dangerous house plants for dogs, and how to identify the signs of poisoning. We’ll also provide some safe alternatives, so you can still enjoy a lush indoor garden while ensuring your dog’s well-being.
Why Are Some Houseplants Toxic to Dogs?
Many house plants that are toxic to dogs contain chemicals or compounds that can cause harm when ingested. The severity of poisoning depends on the type of plant, the amount ingested, and the size of the dog. Even small amounts of certain plants can cause serious health problems, such as gastrointestinal distress, liver damage, or even death.
How Dogs Are Affected by Toxic Houseplants
When dogs chew on or ingest toxic plants, they may experience a range of symptoms, including:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- In severe cases: Organ failure, seizures, or death
It’s important to act quickly if you suspect your dog has eaten something harmful, as some of these symptoms can escalate quickly.
Common Houseplants Toxic to Dogs
Here’s a list of house plants that are harmful to dogs, and why you should keep them out of reach.
1. Lilies (Lilium spp. and Hemerocallis spp.)
- Toxicity: Highly toxic to dogs.
- Symptoms: Vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, kidney failure, and death.
- Why It’s Dangerous: Lilies contain toxins that can severely damage a dog’s kidneys. Even ingesting a small amount of pollen can be lethal to dogs.
2. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
- Toxicity: Extremely toxic to dogs.
- Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, seizures, liver failure, and death.
- Why It’s Dangerous: Sago palms contain cycasin, which causes liver damage and can be fatal even in small amounts. The seeds are particularly dangerous, making this one of the most poisonous houseplants for dogs.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Toxicity: Moderately toxic to dogs.
- Symptoms: Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.
- Why It’s Dangerous: Pothos contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation and digestive issues. While not as deadly as other plants, it can still cause significant discomfort.
4. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
- Toxicity: Moderately toxic to dogs.
- Symptoms: Oral irritation, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting.
- Why It’s Dangerous: The Dieffenbachia plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate your dog’s mouth and throat, causing painful swelling and difficulty swallowing.
5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
- Toxicity: Mildly toxic to dogs.
- Symptoms: Vomiting, drooling, pawing at the mouth, discomfort.
- Why It’s Dangerous: Peace lilies contain calcium oxalate, which can cause irritation in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Though not fatal, ingesting this plant can still cause significant distress.
6. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
- Toxicity: Mildly toxic to dogs.
- Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite.
- Why It’s Dangerous: The Jade plant contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset. While it’s not usually fatal, it can still make your dog sick.
7. Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant)
- Toxicity: Moderately toxic to dogs.
- Symptoms: Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.
- Why It’s Dangerous: Monstera plants release calcium oxalate crystals that cause severe oral irritation, swelling, and discomfort if ingested by dogs.
8. Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)
- Toxicity: Highly toxic to dogs.
- Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, abnormal heart rate, and in severe cases, death.
- Why It’s Dangerous: Azaleas contain grayanotoxins, which can cause dangerous effects on your dog’s heart and gastrointestinal system. Ingesting just a small amount of this plant can lead to poisoning.
9. Oleander (Nerium oleander)
- Toxicity: Extremely toxic to dogs.
- Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, heart arrhythmias, seizures, and death.
- Why It’s Dangerous: Oleander is highly toxic to both dogs and humans, causing severe cardiac arrhythmias and organ failure. Even a small amount of ingestion can lead to death.
House Plants to Avoid with Dogs
If you love indoor plants, it’s important to know which house plants are unsafe for dogs. Here’s a quick list of plants you should keep away from dogs:
- Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) – Causes vomiting, drooling, and abdominal pain.
- Caladium (Elephant Ear) – Causes gastrointestinal upset and oral irritation.
- Ficus (Rubber Plants, Weeping Fig) – Ingesting leaves causes vomiting and diarrhea.
- Philodendron – Contains calcium oxalate, causing oral irritation and nausea.
- Poinsettia – Though less toxic than other plants, it can cause vomiting and mild irritation.
- Wandering Jew Plant (Tradescantia) – Causes mild gastrointestinal upset.
Safe Houseplants for Dogs
You don’t have to forgo houseplants altogether. There are plenty of non-toxic houseplants for dogs that will add greenery to your home without putting your pet at risk. Some great options include:
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) – A resilient and safe plant for dogs.
- Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) – Non-toxic and easy to care for.
- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) – A dog-friendly indoor plant.
- Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) – A safe, air-purifying plant for dogs.
- Calathea – Non-toxic to dogs and safe to keep in the home.
- Succulent varieties like Echeveria – Non-toxic and great for small spaces.
If you’re specifically looking for plants dogs can safely eat, consider cat grass (wheatgrass), which is a nutritious, non-toxic option that many dogs enjoy nibbling on.
Symptoms of Poisoning from Toxic Plants
If your dog has ingested a toxic plant, it’s crucial to recognize the signs of poisoning early. Symptoms to look out for include:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy or weakness
- Seizures or tremors (in severe cases)
If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet immediately. Prompt action can save your dog’s life if they’ve ingested a poisonous house plant.
How to Protect Your Dog from Toxic Houseplants
Here are some steps you can take to prevent your dog from eating plants and to protect them from dangerous house plants for dogs:
- Place Plants Out of Reach: Keep plants on high shelves or in hanging baskets where your dog can’t reach them.
- Use Pet Deterrents: Natural deterrents like citrus peels or bitter sprays can help keep your dog from chewing on your plants.
- Choose Dog-Friendly Plants: Opt for safe houseplants for dogs, such as spider plants or bamboo palms, to minimize risk.
- Create Dog-Free Zones: Designate specific areas of your home where your dog isn’t allowed to roam, especially if you have toxic house plants.
Conclusion: Keeping Your Dog Safe from Toxic Houseplants
Knowing which house plants are toxic to dogs is essential for any responsible dog owner. Many common houseplants poisonous to dogs can cause serious health issues, from digestive upset to organ failure. By selecting safe, non-toxic plants, and ensuring that harmful plants are kept out of your dog’s reach, you can enjoy the beauty of indoor plants without the worry.
When in doubt, always consult a trusted pet poison control center or your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has ingested a harmful plant. By staying informed, you can create a beautiful, safe environment for both you and your furry friend.
