Is This Plant Poisonous to Dogs? A Complete Guide to Toxic Plants

As a dog owner, you've probably caught your furry friend nibbling on a houseplant or sniffing something suspicious in the garden. While many plants are perfectly harmless, some common household and garden plants can be extremely dangerous — even fatal — to dogs. Knowing which plants to watch out for could save your pet's life.

The Most Dangerous Plants for Dogs

These plants pose the greatest risk and require immediate veterinary attention if your dog ingests any part of them:

🚨 Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)

The sago palm is one of the most toxic plants for dogs. Every part is poisonous, but the seeds (nuts) are the most dangerous. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, liver failure, and death. Even a small amount can be fatal. These are popular landscaping plants in warm climates and common indoor plants elsewhere.

🚨 Oleander (Nerium oleander)

All parts of the oleander plant contain cardiac glycosides that affect the heart. Symptoms include drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and potentially fatal heart abnormalities. Even drinking water from a vase containing oleander can be dangerous.

🚨 Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)

Not to be confused with the spring crocus (which causes mild stomach upset), the autumn crocus contains colchicine. Ingestion can cause severe vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and kidney damage, and respiratory failure. Symptoms may be delayed by several days.

🚨 Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)

This fragrant garden favorite contains cardiac glycosides similar to oleander. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased heart rate, severe cardiac arrhythmias, and seizures. All parts are toxic, including the water in the vase.

Common Household Plants Toxic to Dogs

These popular houseplants can cause illness in dogs, though they're generally less dangerous than the plants above:

• Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane): Causes oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.
• Philodendron: Similar symptoms to dieffenbachia — oral irritation, swelling, and drooling. Very common in homes.
• Pothos (Devil's Ivy): Causes oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. One of the most popular trailing houseplants.
• ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): Contains calcium oxalate crystals causing mouth and stomach irritation if chewed.
• Aloe Vera: While great for humans, the saponins and anthraquinones in aloe can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in dogs.
• Jade Plant (Crassula ovata): Can cause vomiting, depression, and incoordination. The exact toxic compound is unknown.

Outdoor and Garden Plants to Watch For

• Azalea/Rhododendron: Even a few leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and potentially cardiovascular collapse.
• Tulip and Daffodil bulbs: The bulbs are the most toxic part. Causes drooling, nausea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, cardiac issues.
• Foxglove (Digitalis): Contains cardiac glycosides. All parts are toxic and can cause fatal heart problems.
• Yew (Taxus): Nearly all parts are toxic except the fleshy berry covering. Can cause sudden death from cardiac failure.
• Chrysanthemum: Contains pyrethrins causing vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and incoordination.

How to Identify Toxic Plants Quickly

The fastest way to check if a plant is safe for your dog is to snap a photo and identify it instantly. Our AI plant identifier tells you the species and includes toxicity warnings for both dogs and cats with every identification.

Symptoms of Plant Poisoning in Dogs

If your dog has been chewing on plants, watch for these warning signs:

• Excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Loss of appetite or difficulty swallowing
• Lethargy or weakness
• Tremors or seizures
• Irregular heartbeat or difficulty breathing
• Swollen mouth, tongue, or lips

What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Toxic Plant

1. Stay calm — panicking won't help your dog.
2. Identify the plant — take a photo or collect a sample. Use Snap Plant to quickly ID it.
3. Call for help — contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
4. Don't induce vomiting unless specifically told to by a veterinarian.
5. Note the time and estimated amount ingested.
6. Bring a plant sample to the vet with you.

Dog-Safe Plant Alternatives

Want plants that are safe around your dog? Try these popular options:

• Spider Plant — easy to grow, non-toxic, and great for air purification
• Boston Fern — lush and safe for pets
• African Violet — colorful and completely non-toxic
• Calathea — beautiful patterned leaves, pet-safe
• Peperomia — compact and dog-friendly
• Parlor Palm — adds a tropical vibe without the risk

For more pet-safe options, check out our guide to indoor plants safe for cats — most cat-safe plants are also safe for dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most toxic plants for dogs?

Sago Palm, Oleander, Autumn Crocus, and Lily of the Valley are among the most dangerous. Sago Palm in particular can cause liver failure and death even in small amounts.

What should I do if my dog eats a toxic plant?

Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. Identify the plant, don't induce vomiting unless told to, and bring a plant sample to the vet.

How can I tell if a plant in my yard is safe for dogs?

Use a plant identification tool to instantly identify any plant and check its toxicity. You can also check the ASPCA's toxic plant database online.

Keeping your dog safe starts with knowing what's growing around them. When in doubt, snap a photo and identify the plant — it takes seconds and could prevent a trip to the emergency vet.

Related reading: Poisonous Plants for Children · Indoor Plants Safe for Cats · Houseplant Care Guide for Beginners