Plants Poisonous to Dogs
With spring here many of us are spending more time outside, and our dogs are outside with us. If you have just gotten a new dog or puppy, or maybe moved into a new home, take a look around for thing that could be dangerous.
Some things you might want to look at are the plant life in your yard, especially if you have a puppy or young dog that loves to bite and chew.
Below is an article written by Jenna Stegowski, RVT
Many types of plants and flowers can be poisonous to your dog. Effects range from mild to severe depending on the type of plant and the quantity consumed. Some plants will only cause slight stomach upset, while others can cause seizures, coma or even death. Learn about the plants in your yard and neighborhood that are dangerous and be sure your dog does not have access to them. Ideally, toxic plants on your own property should be removed. Houseplants are a bit easier to control – simply do not keep toxic plants inside your home and you have removed the risk. If you are planning to get new plants or flowers, research them ahead of time to learn whether or not they are toxic.
Find out what plants and flowers may be poisonous to dogs with the following list of common toxic plants and flowers. Please note that this is not a complete list. If you have a particular plant in mind for your home or yard, you should thoroughly research it first. If you suspect your pet has come into contact with a potential toxin, please contact your vet or animal poison control immediately.
Plants Poisonous to Dogs
COMMON NAME | SCIENTIFIC NAME | SYMPTOMS WHEN INGESTED |
Aloe | Aloe vera | vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, depression, tremors, change in urine color |
Amaryllis | Amaryllis sp. | vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, depression, abdominal pain, excessive salivation, tremors |
Apple and Crabapple | Malus sylvestrus | seeds, stems and leaves can result in red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting and shock |
Autumn Crocus/Meadow Saffron | Colchicum autumnale | oral irritation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, organ damage, bone marrow suppression |
Azalea/Rhododendron | Rhododendron spp. | vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, weakness, coma, death |
Calla Lily/Trumpet Lily/Arum Lily | Zantedeschia aethiopica | oral irritation and pain, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing |
Castor Bean/Castor Oil Plant | Ricinus communis | oral irritation and burning, increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure, convulsions; Note: beans are highly toxic |
Chrysanthemum/Mum/Daisy | Chrysanthemum spp. | vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, loss of coordination, dermatitis |
Cyclamen | Cyclamen spp. | excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, heart arrhythmias, seizures, death |
Daffodil/Narcissus | Narcissus spp. | vomiting, salvation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, heart arrhythmias |
Dumbcane | Dieffenbachia | oral irritation and burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing |
Elephant Ears | Caladium hortulanum and Colocasia esculenta | oral irritation and burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing |
English Ivy | Hedera helix | vomiting, abdominal pain, excessive salivation, diarrhea |
Foxglove | Digitalis purpurea | heart arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, death |
Hosta | Hosta plataginea | vomiting, diarrhea, depression |
Hyacinth | Hyacinthus orientalis | vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors |
Hydrangea | Hydrangea arborescens | vomiting, diarrhea, depression |
Iris | Iris species | excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy |
Lily of the Valley | Convallaria majalis | vomiting, irregular heart beat, low blood pressure, disorientation, coma, seizures |
Marijuana/Hashish | Cannabis sativa | depression, vomiting, loss of coordination, excessive salivation, dilated pupils, low blood pressure, low body temperature, seizure, coma |
Mistletoe/American Mistletoe | Phoradendron flavescens | gastrointestinal complications, cardiovascular collapse, difficulty breathing, slow heart rate, behavior changes, vomiting, diarrhea |
Oleander | Nerium oleander | vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, shallow/difficult breathing, muscle tremors, collapse, cardiac failure |
Peace Lily | Spathiphyllum | oral irritation and burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing |
Philodendron | Philodendron spp | oral irritation and burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing |
Pothos/Devil’s Ivy | Epipremnum aureum | oral irritation and burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing |
Sago Palm | Cycas revoluta, zamia species | vomiting, black (tarry) stools, jaundice, increased thirst, bruising, blood clotting problems, liver damage, death |
Schefflera | Schefflera | oral irritation and burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing |
Tobacco | Nicotiana glauca | hyperexcitability then depression, vomiting, loss of coordination, paralysis |
Tulip | Tulipa species | vomiting, depression, diarrhea, excessive salivation |
Yew/Japanese Yew | Taxus sp. | sudden death from acute cardiac failure (early signs include muscular tremors, difficulty breathing, seizures |
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION
In case of toxin exposure, keep a list of important phone numbers in a visible, easily accessible location. Be sure pet sitters and other people who might be in your home are aware of the location of the list. The following phone numbers should be included:
- Your primary veterinarian
- One or more nearby 24-hour veterinary emergency clinics
- ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 ($50 fee)
- Animal Poison Hotline: 888-232-8870 ($35 fee)
- Pet Poison Hotline: 800-213-6680 ($35 fee)
- An emergency contact number for you and your dog’s co-owner (if applicable).