Beware of These Plants That Are Highly Poisonous for Dogs

There’s nothing more relaxing than coming home after a long day at work and enjoying the greenery and fresh air from your plants. It’s also been proven that surrounding oneself with plants has a positive effect on mental health. However, as much as we appreciate plants and enjoy growing them, dog owners should note that not all plants are pet-friendly. Quite a few plants, in fact, can be particularly harmful to our furry friends.

Azalea

Azalea is a hugely popular plant for its stunning spring blooms, but it hides a beast beneath its beauty. If consumed by your furry friend, it can cause anything from general malaise and loss of appetite to heart failure. Azaleas look very nice and complement any garden, but the risk is too great if your pooch likes to munch on plants.

Hydrangea

The severely toxic yet beautiful Hydrangea has vibrant, plump blossoms. Ingestion can cause unpleasant symptoms in your pup, including disruptive diarrhea, lethargy, vomiting, and bouts of depression. If your dog were to eat a larger amount of this plant’s leaves, it could lead to cyanide poisoning as well. 

Autumn Crocus

The Autumn Crocus, while charming, can be incredibly dangerous to dogs. Every part of the plant is toxic – the flowers, the leaves, and the stem. Ingestion can cause severe stomach upset, liver damage, kidney damage, severe vomiting, and even respiratory failure. This is one of the most dangerous plants for your pup to be around, so avoid it at all costs. 

Geraniums

Geraniums are a timeless classic in the floral world, adorning many a garden with its radiant hues. However, it’s unfortunately not as pet-friendly as it is pretty. If your dog munches on this plant, they could exhibit symptoms like vomiting or skin inflammation, but it can also cause damage to the dog’s eyes if touched.

Tulips

Tulips are associated with springtime and can fit in almost any aesthetic but can actually be silent deathtraps for our furry friends. If your dog ingests this flower, especially the bulb, their health could take a serious hit, with symptoms ranging from drooling, loss of appetite, and diarrhea, to heart problems and breathing difficulties. 

Lily

This flowering plant, though popular for its beauty and fragrance, poses a serious health risk to dogs. Consuming any part of a Lily can lead to symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, dehydration, and kidney failure. All species of lilies are toxic to dogs. 

Gardenias

Gardenias are sweet-smelling, white flowering plants. Dogs who eat from this plant may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even appetite loss. In fact, Gardenias are toxic to cats and horses as well, but they’re not usually fatal if treatment is administered quickly after digestion.

Oleander

Every part of the Oleander plant is toxic to dogs (roots, stems, leaves, sap, nectar, fruit, and seeds), with ingestion leading to issues like gastrointestinal upset, hyper-salivation, and worst case scenario, heart failure. Even a small amount of this plant is enough to cause serious health issues for dogs, but also humans. 

Daffodil

It’s no secret that Daffodils brighten up any garden with their yellow blooms. But, these popular spring flowers carry toxicity that’s harmful to dogs. All parts of the daffodils are poisonous, especially the bulbs. If ingested, they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation, mouth and throat irritation. 

Marigolds

Marigolds can cause mild unease in your four-legged friends. When ingested, dogs may experience discomfort, drooling, and fur or skin irritation if direct contact is made. Distinctively, marigolds contain pyrethrins, which are natural toxins that can also cause allergic reactions. However, in most cases, this plant is not fatal when ingested. 

Ivies

The climbing Ivy, especially English Ivies, are beautiful to look at but a definite no-no where dogs are involved. Ingesting its leaves can lead to severe discomfort for your pet because the leaves contain the highest amounts of toxic chemicals. Symptoms include mouth foaming, tongue swelling, vomiting, excessive drooling, and even diarrhea. 

Poinsettia

These popular holiday plants contain a milky white, latex sap known to cause vomiting, diarrhea, and oral pain. Though rarely life-threatening (as the dog would have to eat very large amounts of the plant), they can be irritating to the pup. The good news is that the white sap is also a deterrent, having a very bad taste which should prevent the dog from eating larger amounts. 

Begonias

The beautiful flowers of Begonias might enhance the beauty of your garden, but it could be somewhat dangerous for your dog. Packed with insoluble oxalates, begonias can cause an intense burning sensation in the mouth and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. However, unless your dog eats copious amounts of this plant, it’ll generally be okay. Visit the vet if symptoms worsen.

Snake Plant

The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-law’s Tongue, also possesses several toxic properties that make it dangerous for dogs. The plant contains saponins which, when ingested, can lead to uncomfortable problems like nausea, vomiting, hypersalivation, pupil dilation, and diarrhea in your pooch. They are not fatal unless consumed in large amounts. 

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is an incredibly healthy plant in its own right but it presents a threat to your furry friends. Consuming its latex can lead to problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and even tremors in dogs. Fatal outcomes are very rare as dogs usually won’t be able to eat larger amounts of this plant. 

Hostas

These lush, leafy greens add a vibrant touch to any garden they live in, but they are a no-go for our four-legged companions. Chowing down on Hostas can trigger irritating symptoms in dogs like vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and excessive drooling due to their saponin content. 

Sago Palm

The Sago Palm might enhance your living room aesthetics with its feathery, arching fronds, yet it’s a real danger to dogs. All parts of this sun-loving plant are toxic to dogs, particularly the seeds, which harbor a potent neurotoxin capable of causing vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and liver failure in severe cases. Symptoms can appear from 15 minutes to several hours after ingestion. 

Lantana

Eating lantana can cause vomiting, diarrhea, labored breathing, and overall weakness in canines due to the toxic pentacyclic triterpenoids found in the plant’s berries and leaves. Ingesting larger amounts can lead to liver failure, gallbladder issues, and bile duct inflammation. A veterinary visit will be necessary if your dog accidentally eats the plant. 

Cyclamen

The vibrant Cyclamen is a lovely indoor ornamental plant, but it carries toxic compounds, with higher concentrations of it residing in its roots. If consumed by your dog, the plant can cause harmful side effects like vomiting, stomach upset, and heart rhythm abnormalities, the latter of which may require a vet visit. 

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