I’ll never forget the first time I saw my dog nonchalantly chomping on one of my houseplants. That drop in my heart told me right then and there that I’d been ignoring a whole category of potentially deadly plants that sit in almost every home and garden. Not just the uncommon or exotic ones either…most common ones are the deadliest. Like so many dog lovers who love plants too, I wanted to learn more about the poisonous plants to dogs in order to proactively protect my furry friend.
Why some plants can be deadly to dogs
Your dog explores the world by mouth; mine certainly does. Anything from leaves, stems, soil…it’s all free for the taking. The problem is, while many plants are perfectly safe, some contain naturally occurring chemical compounds that can interfere with a dog’s digestive tract, heart, etc. Some reactions to plant toxins may be minor…an upset stomach. But, some are much more serious. Most surprising has been how fast the symptoms of poisoning can occur after ingestion. Knowing which plants are poisonous to dogs is less about panicking over something that could happen to you, and more about being ready for it.
Common poisonous plants to dogs
When I first started learning about this topic, I thought only a handful of plants posed any kind of danger. As it turns out, there are a number of fairly common house plants and garden plants that should be avoided.
Sago palm
I was totally unaware of the dangers posed by sago palms. The seeds of these plants are extremely toxic. Eating a seed can result in severe vomiting and liver failure. Many times, they’re grown as garden or patio decor.
Aloe vera
We used aloe vera gel for burns for years. But, when ingested by a dog, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It’s rated as mild/moderate in terms of its toxic potential and is commonly kept inside.
Tulips
It’s primarily the tulip bulb that poses the biggest threat to dogs. If your dog decides to dig up a tulip bulb during the winter months, he can start experiencing excessive salivation and nausea. Tulips are among the most common flowering plants in backyards across America.
Daffodil
Like tulips, daffodil bulbs pose a hazard to dogs. When consumed by a dog, daffodil bulbs can cause vomiting and abdominal distress. We see these flowers pop up in early spring and late fall.
Certain lilies
Not all lilies are created equal. Some can cause stomach upset, others can cause much greater problems. The safest course of action is to treat all lilies as though they’re potentially hazardous to your dog.
Azalea/rhododendron
These plants’ effects are specifically directed toward a dog’s heart and nervous system. Common symptoms of azalea poisoning in dogs include vomiting and lethargy. They grow extensively throughout yards and landscaped areas.
Oleander
Of all the poisonous plants to dogs, oleander is probably the most serious offender. Consuming even a small portion of oleander can severely disrupt your dog’s heart function. This plant is commonly found in warm weather climates and is used extensively in outdoor landscaping.
Dieffenbachia/dumb cane
As soon as your dog eats Dieffenbachia, his mouth will begin to swell rapidly. He may drool excessively due to the irritation in his mouth. Dieffenbachia is perhaps the most common household plant that can poison your dog.
English ivy
For years, we thought English ivy was just a harmless decoration for walls and banisters. While that’s true, eating ivy can cause vomiting and skin irritations in dogs. It thrives both outside and inside our homes.
Foxglove
While foxglove is a beautiful addition to many flowerbeds, it contains toxic compounds that can cause irregular heartbeat in dogs, even if only a small portion is consumed. It is not uncommon in American gardens today.
Autumn crocus
Autumn crocus is among the deadliest plants to dogs and can cause irreparable damage to internal organs. Unfortunately, autumn crocus doesn’t look particularly threatening, but don’t let appearances fool you…this plant is far from harmless. Autumn crocus is often planted in backyard gardens where sunlight prevails.
Symptoms of poisoning in dogs
Each plant toxin will likely exhibit different symptoms in your dog based on individual factors such as size and breed. However, some symptoms may indicate that your dog ate a poisonous plant:
- Vomiting is typically the first symptom noticed when a dog eats something toxic.
- Drooling more than normal
- Fatigue/lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- In extreme cases: tremors and/or abnormal behavior.
My single most important lesson learned from having a poisoned pup was not to wait and see if it goes away…act now!
How I keep my dog safe around plants
To be honest…I didn’t rip everything out and replace it all at once…but I did take steps to protect my pup. I took those plants that were poisonous to dogs that were easily accessible to my puppy and relocated them to high places where she cannot get to them (or gave them away). Also, I made sure to check the name of any new plant prior to bringing it home. Let me tell you, this saved me from making mistakes! With respect to our yard time with my pup…I am always paying attention when we go on walks or spend time together in the yard because my pup loves to investigate everything she finds…now I am always on the lookout for her exploring habits and any possible hazards.
What to do if your pup eats something poisonous
If your pup eats something poisonous…stay calm but do not delay calling your vet immediately! Take care to remove whatever is left in your pup’s mouth as well. Don’t wait until your pup shows signs of illness to call your vet…that’s exactly what I used to think was acceptable…but don’t take that risk! If you can positively identify the offending plant(s) or obtain photos of it/them, share that information with your vet…that will help him/her respond quicker.
Awareness is the best defense against harmful house plants
Knowing what kinds of plants are poisonous to dogs isn’t about creating irrational fears of harm coming your way…it’s about creating awareness of the risks involved. And yes, there are still lots of safe plants you can have at home…and I haven’t given up on greenery completely.
