Toxic Plants List

We talked about dangerous plants in our ultimate puppy checklist in general. Here you'll find a list of several plants that can be toxic to dogs if ingested. If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian immediately for help!

1. Sago Palm: All parts of the sago palm, including the seeds and leaves, contain toxins called cycasin and cycad. Ingestion can lead to severe liver failure and even death in dogs.

2. Lilies: Certain types of lilies, including Easter lilies, tiger lilies, and Asiatic lilies, are highly toxic to cats and can also be harmful to dogs. Ingestion can cause kidney failure, vomiting, and lethargy.

3. Azaleas and Rhododendrons: These flowering shrubs contain toxins called grayanotoxins, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and cardiovascular issues if ingested by dogs.

Fortunately daisies are just fine.

4. Daffodils: All parts of the daffodil plant, especially the bulbs, contain toxins called alkaloids. Ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even cardiac arrhythmias in dogs.

5. Autumn Crocus: This plant contains toxins called colchicine and colchicoside, which can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, organ damage, and bone marrow suppression in dogs.

6. Tulips: Tulips contain toxins called glycosides, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling if ingested by dogs. The bulbs are particularly toxic.

7. Oleander: This popular landscaping shrub contains toxins called cardiac glycosides, which can cause severe cardiac arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors if ingested by dogs.

8. Castor Bean Plant: The seeds of the castor bean plant contain ricin, a highly toxic protein. Ingestion can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death in dogs.

9. Yew: All parts of the yew plant, including the berries and foliage, contain toxins called taxine alkaloids. Ingestion can lead to sudden death due to cardiac arrest in dogs.

10. English Ivy: English ivy contains toxins called triterpenoid saponins, which can cause gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested by dogs.

It is truly essential to keep these toxic plants out of reach of your dog. But also make sure to stay vigilant when exploring outdoor areas you are not familiar with to prevent accidental ingestion.

Bonus points

As usual I've found two more plants to put on this list. You'll find number 11 probably not just as a plant in your home.

11. Aloe Vera: While aloe vera can have some topical benefits for humans, the gel and sap of the aloe vera plant contain compounds called anthraquinones, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and changes in urine color in dogs. Ingestion of aloe vera can also lead to tremors, lethargy, and changes in heart rate. It's important to keep aloe vera plants out of reach of dogs and to avoid using aloe vera products on your dog's skin or fur without consulting a veterinarian.

12. Dieffenbachia: Also known as dumb cane or leopard lily, Dieffenbachia is a common houseplant that contains calcium oxalate crystals. Ingestion of Dieffenbachia can cause irritation and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat in dogs, leading to drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vocalization. In severe cases, ingestion of Dieffenbachia can cause respiratory distress and asphyxiation.