Beware of These 20 Toxic Houseplants for Dogs (They Could Make Your Pup Sick)
Houseplants deserve their flowers (pun intended) for how well they add a vibrant personality to our indoor and outdoor spaces. It’s no surprise that social platforms like TikTok have been buzzing lately with houseplant decor trends and “plantfluencers” praising houseplants that have given their living spaces a glow-up…….and purified their indoor air, among other benefits.
The only downside? These lovely plants don’t come with a toxicity alert.
Before you dive headfirst into the houseplant parenthood bandwagon, there’s one important thing in your life that you must take into consideration — your dog. You see, some houseplants and our canine friends don’t mix. The plant you bring home to beautify your space might be the reason your pup lands in the emergency room faster than you can hit the snooze button, and you certainly wouldn’t want that.
We all know our four-legged friends are often curiously drawn to the smell and taste of the most bizarre things; you can never tell what item they’ll chow down next after making a meal out of your tissue paper. For this reason, having non-toxic houseplants around your home is vital as a dog owner.
If you’ve ever wondered what plants are toxic to dogs, you’ve, luckily, stumbled upon the right article. Please note, though, that the list below isn’t exhaustive of all the houseplants that are poisonous to dogs. If you’re unsure of whether that gorgeous plant already chilling in your home (or on your to-buy list) is potentially toxic to your canine friend, we highly advise that you consult your veterinarian for clarification.
That said, here are 13 popular yet toxic plants for dogs (with pictures) that you should avoid having around your home:
1. Sago Palm
A few houseplants add a touch of tropical island vibes to a home like the Sago Palm. Native to Japan, the Sago Palm is a guaranteed conversation starter thanks to its strikingly glossy, massive palm-like foliage.
While this attractive subtropical plant can undoubtedly be a great addition to your houseplant collection, they’re one of the most toxic plants for dogs. According to the VCA Animal Hospital, a dog may experience the life-threatening symptoms of Sago Palm poisoning as soon as 15 minutes after ingesting any part of this popular houseplant.
Sago Palms contain toxic compounds such as cycasin that cause acute gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, vomiting, and drooling. In severe cases, Sago Palm poisoning can lead to neurological dysfunction, liver damage, and even death.
A few years ago, a Reddit user took to the platform to caution other dog owners after their two dogs were hospitalized in critical condition upon ingesting Sago Palm.
Part of the post read: “2 of my 3 dogs are chewers. They will chew up basically everything. I had a plant in my yard that was here when we bought the house, and I had no idea it was highly toxic to animals.” Continuing, they stated: “We’ve lived here for two years with no issues, but one day, they decided to eat the leaves and started throwing up. The toxins attack [the] liver and neural functions.”
2. Oleander
Considered an easy-to-care-for plant, it’s hard not to notice the Oleander’s cluster of gorgeous, fragrant flowers that bring warmth and flair to any dull space.
However, this pretty and hardy flowering shrub is among the plants that are toxic for dogs. According to the ASPCA, every part of the Oleander plant is poisonous, as they contain compounds known as cardiac glycosides that cause symptoms such as severe gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, change in blood pressure, increased or slow heart rate, dehydration, shock, and neurological damage.
This Reddit user shared their dog’s near-death experience after consuming some parts of the Oleander plant.
“On Sunday, our puppy ate from an Oleander leaf and flower. Only realizing it was poisonous after he ate from it, we took him to the vet as soon as we realized it was serious. This was after 1-2 hours later,” the distraught dog owner stated at the time. They added: “Worse case is avoided now, as he’d be dead Monday morning if we hadn’t gone to the vet.”
3. Are Snake Plants Toxic for Dogs?
Loved for its amazing air purifying skills and long, sleek patterned leaves that stand stiff and proud, the snake plant — or sansevieria, in scientific terms — has long been a go-to plant for most people looking to bring a dose of nature beauty indoors.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Are snake plants toxic to dogs?” the answer is yes, they are. While the snake plant’s spectacular foliage makes a bold statement in any space, they’re poisonous to dogs if chewed. According to the ASPCA, Snake Plants contain a toxin called Saponins that causes a range of mild to life-threatening symptoms, from gastrointestinal upset to drooling, vomiting, oral pain, and hemolysis (rapture of the red blood cells).
Usually, the severity of these symptoms depends on how much of the Snake Plant your dog ingests.
A dog owner shared with other Reddit users about their Pit Bull’s harrowing experience with Snake Plant poisoning.
Part of the lengthy post read, “I also had a bucket of Sansevieria cuttings and an inch or so of water in the corner. One of my Pitbulls also trotted right in after my daughter and drank from that bucket. I’m not even sure if she ate any of the cuttings; after checking thoroughly later, I didn’t see any pieces.” They went on: “But within minutes she was in full-blown anaphylaxis. Her tongue was swollen to the point it wouldn’t stay in her mouth, and she could barely breathe. I threw her and my daughter straight to the emergency vet in our pyjamas.”
The terrified dog owner also warned others to be careful of having the snake plant in a home with pets. “I just felt compelled to share for anyone that didn’t know that snake plants are very toxic and will kill your pets in a miserable way,” they stated.
Non-toxic Climbing Plants for Dogs
Climbing plants can add a vertical touch of green to your home, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere. For pet owners, it’s essential to choose climbing plants that pose no risk to your furry friends. Thankfully, several climbing plants such as the Boston ivy and certain varieties of jasmine are non-toxic to dogs, offering peace of mind while still enhancing your living space with their lush, trailing beauty.
4. Are Aloe Plants Toxic For Dogs?
When we think of medicinal plants that double as amazing home decor pieces, aloe vera comes to mind. Easily recognized by its succulent, thorn-edged foliage, aloe vera is a popular houseplant in many homes. While this healing plant may be beneficial to you, it’s far from beneficial to our furry friends.
Aloe vera is one of the most toxic houseplants for dogs.
According to the Pet Poison Helpline, aloe vera contains toxic compounds known as anthraquinone glycosides, which, if ingested by dogs, cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and changes in urine colour. Your dog may exhibit severe symptoms if they consume a large amount of the aloe vera plant.
About two years ago, a dog owner on Reddit shared with others about their dog’s experience with aloe vera poisoning. Part of the post read: “My dog about a month ago for a week she was having severe seizures multiple times a day. The vet said it was a toxin. A few days before, she had eaten an aloe vera plant (poisonous for dogs), so we assumed that caused it.” The then-devasted dog owner concluded by saying, “I just don’t want to lose her.”
5. Are Lilies Toxic For Dogs?
Often viewed as a symbol of femininity, Lilies have an exotic vibe that’s hard to ignore. They steal the spotlight anywhere they’re planted and enchant an entire room with their lovely scent, which is why you can never go wrong with lilies as your houseplant — unless you have a dog.
According to the Veterinary Emergency Group, lilies are poisonous to dogs. While there are lily varieties that will only cause mild symptoms when ingested (for instance, Peace Lilies, Flame Lilies, and Lily of the Valley), some varieties are potentially fatal to dogs. These include the Japanese Lily, Casa Blanca Lilies, the Easter Lily, and the Daylilies.
However, for the sake of your dog’s overall health and well-being, it’s best to steer clear of having any variety of lilies in your home, including those associated with mild symptoms. Symptoms of Lily poisoning in dogs range from vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, abnormal heart rate, appetite loss, and, in the worst case, kidney failure.
6. Are Tulips Toxic For Dogs?
Nothing screams “springtime!” more than a potted tulip plant soaking up some sunshine goodness by the window. Tulips make a home feel colorful and happier, but the same can’t be said about the effects of this beautiful flowering houseplant on dogs.
Tulips are one of the most toxic indoor plants for dogs. All parts of the plant contain toxic alkaloid compounds that can endanger your pup’s life. However, the concentration of these toxins is highest in the Tulip’s bulb. According to the ASPCA, tulip poisoning in dogs leads to symptoms such as drooling, lethargy, mouth irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dehydration.
In severe cases, symptoms like abnormal heart rate and breathing difficulties may occur.
A few years ago, a worried dog owner sought expert advice on Pet Coach after their Boston Terrier chewed a couple of freshly planted tulip bulbs.
In a statement, the dog owner wrote: “Hi, my dog recently ate some Tulip bulbs that I freshly planted. I don’t know how many he ate, but he has been drooling and having diarrhea. I know they’re poisonous, but do you know if this could be life-threatening? I’m hoping we can just wait out the poison.”
When it comes to handling poisoning of any kind, including Tulip poisoning in dogs, the best course of action is to contact your vet or an animal control poison center immediately (even if your pup’s symptoms seem mild.)
7. Are Philodendrons Toxic for Dogs?
With its amazingly lush tropical foliage and major jungle vibes, the Philodendron is one of the go-to houseplants for first-time plant parents due to its adaptability to the indoor environment.
Unfortunately, every part of the Philodendron contains calcium oxalate crystals that are potentially deadly to our four-legged friends. These crystals usually result in extreme oral irritation and pain, and this discomfort alone may stop your pup from further eating this attractive houseplant.
In instances where a dog ingests a large amount of the Philodendron plant, experts say symptoms such as excessive vomiting, drooling, loss of speech, and difficulty swallowing will likely occur.
8. Are Dieffenbachias (Dumb Cane) Toxic for Dogs?
The Dieffenbachia — commonly known as the Dumb Cane — is a head turner thanks to its showy stature and attractive variegated leaves.
While adding a Dieffenbachia to your space is an awesome way to bring the tropics’ aesthetics indoors, you might want to hold that thought if you have a dog around.
According to the ASPCA, this exquisite houseplant contains calcium oxalate crystals and oxalic acid, which cause a wide range of symptoms, including coughing, stomach distress, severe swelling of the mouth & tongue, drooling, vomiting, and breathing difficulties.
A study published in the PubMed Journal found that acute Dieffenbachia poisoning can lead to death, as was the case of a 9-year-old Poodle who passed away after accidentally ingesting large quantities of this popular houseplant.
9. Are Asparagus Fern Toxic For Dogs? (Emerald Feather)
Admired for its dense, feathery fronds, the Asparagus fern commands a cult-like fan base from lovers of elegant-looking houseplants.
Asparagus Ferns are among the most stunning houseplants to own, but you should avoid them if you have a canine companion. This gorgeous ornamental houseplant contains a dangerous steroid known as saponin that causes abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, and nausea.
A concerned dog owner sought expert advice from JustAnswer.com after their dog ingested Asparagus Ferns. “My dog ate some asparagus fern and has thrown it up but is now passing several bloody stools, won’t eat, and has thrown up phlegm. It’s been almost 24 hours. Other than this, she is experiencing no seizures, etc,” part of the post read.
10. Are Corn Plants Toxic For Dogs? (Dracaena)
Considered one of the best air-purifying plants, the Dracaena — or corn plant, as it’s popularly known — can make a stunning addition to any household.
Unfortunately, this easy-to-care-for houseplant poses more harm than good to our furry friends. If you’ve ever wondered whether corn plant is toxic for dogs, the answer is yes. Research shows that similar to the Asparagus Fern, Dracaena also contains the steroidal saponin.
If, by any chance, your pup eats any part of the Dracaena plant, they’ll exhibit symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhea, with the severity of these symptoms dependent on how much they’ve ingested.
11. Are Azaleas Toxic For Dogs? (Rhododeron)
Often described as the “royalty of the garden” because of their exceptionally colorful blooms, Azaleas are truly magnificent houseplants that will give your space an instant glow-up. What many dog owners don’t know, though, is that to our canine friends, the Azalea is pretty much poison wrapped in beauty.
According to the Pet Poison Helpline, poisoning from this flowering plant can kick in even when your pup ingests a small amount (as small as 0.2% of your dog’s overall body weight).
Research studies show every part of the Azalea contains compounds known as grayanotoxin glycosides that interfere with normal nerve, skeletal, and cardiac functions. Common symptoms of Azalea poisoning in dogs include drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rate, body tremors, difficulty walking, seizures, and transient blindness.
12. Are Jade Plants Toxic For Dogs? (Money Plant)
Easily recognized by its glossy, evergreen foliage and miniature size, the Jade Plant is one of the most low-maintenance houseplants out there.
Unfortunately, the Pet Poison Helpline notes that having this succulent plant in your home puts your dog’s health at risk. The Jade plant is toxic: its thick leaves and stems contain toxins known as bufadienolides, which cause distressing symptoms in dogs, among them gastrointestinal upset, irregular heartbeat, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, lethargy, and depression.
13. Are Elephant Ears Toxic For Dogs?
With its massive heart-shaped leaves that resemble the ears of an elephant, the Elephant Ear’s distinctive look is like no other. This popular houseplant is a wonderful choice for anyone looking to add a bold, dramatic appeal to their living space.
Sadly, Elephant Ears are one of the most toxic outdoor plants for dogs. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, Elephant Ears have calcium oxalates, a type of toxin associated with drastic side effects ranging from excessive drooling to oral pain, loss of appetite, vomiting, gastrointestinal distress, and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing.
A 2023 study published in the PubMed Central Journal found that calcium oxalate toxicity can even lead to kidney failure and urinary tract damage.
14. Are ZZ Plants Toxic for Dogs?
ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) are favored for their striking, waxy leaves and adaptability to low light conditions, making them a popular choice for indoor gardeners. However, dog owners should be cautious—ZZ plants are toxic to dogs. If ingested, they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. It’s best to keep these plants out of reach or consider a safer alternative.
15. Are Air Plants Toxic for Dogs?
Air plants, known for their soil-free maintenance and interesting shapes, are a minimalist’s dream. The good news for pet owners is that air plants are generally safe for dogs. These quirky plants can be displayed in a way that captivates the aesthetic of a room without posing a health risk to your pets, making them an excellent choice for dog-friendly households.
16. Is the Monstera Plant Toxic for Dogs?
Monstera deliciosa, with its dramatic, hole-punched leaves, is a staple in modern decor. However, its beauty hides a danger to pets. Monsteras contain calcium oxalate crystals that, if ingested by dogs, can cause significant oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The allure of its tropical aesthetic must be balanced with caution in homes with dogs.
17. Are Spider Plants Toxic for Dogs?
Spider plants are celebrated for their hardiness and unique growth pattern, making them an ideal choice for novice plant owners. They are also one of the safest plants for pet owners. While not toxic, the spider plant can sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large amounts by dogs, but they generally remain a safe and attractive option for pet-friendly homes.
18. Are Tomato Plants Toxic for Dogs?
While the ripe fruit of tomato plants is often enjoyed without issue, the green parts of the plant, including the leaves and stems, contain solanine, a substance that can be toxic to dogs. Symptoms from ingestion include gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, and weakness. It’s wise to keep dogs away from tomato plants to prevent accidental ingestion.
19. Are Banana Plants Toxic for Dogs?
Banana plants add a lush, tropical feel to your home and are safe for dogs. These plants do not possess any known toxins that harm dogs, making them a worry-free choice for pet owners looking to bring a bit of the tropics into their living spaces.
20. Are Rubber Plants Toxic for Dogs?
Rubber plants (Ficus elastica) are attractive due to their glossy leaves and robust growth. However, they are mildly toxic to dogs. Ingestion can lead to oral irritation, drooling, and gastrointestinal upset. For homes with pets, it’s advisable to place rubber plants out of reach or choose a different plant that is safer for dogs.
21. Is the Primrose or Chrysanthemum Toxic for Dogs?
Skin Irritation from Plants
While many plants are safe in terms of toxicity, some can still cause skin irritation in dogs. Plants like the primrose or chrysanthemum can cause mild dermatitis upon contact with the skin of sensitive pets. It’s important for pet owners to observe their dogs for any signs of discomfort after interacting with houseplants.