Household Plants Toxic to Dogs

Many popular houseplants are toxic to dogs — some causing mild gastrointestinal upset, others causing organ failure or death. Knowing which plants pose the greatest risk allows you to make informed decisions about what to keep in your home and garden. Here's a comprehensive guide to household plants toxic to dogs.

How Dogs Are Exposed to Plant Toxins

Dogs are exposed to plant toxins primarily through ingestion — chewing on leaves, stems, flowers, or roots. Puppies and young dogs are most at risk because of their exploratory chewing behavior. Some plants also cause skin irritation on contact.

Extremely Toxic Plants — Remove Immediately

Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)

Toxicity: Extremely high — potentially fatal

All parts of the sago palm are toxic, but the seeds (nuts) are most dangerous. As little as one or two seeds can cause fatal liver failure. Sago palms are popular ornamental plants in warm climates and are also sold as houseplants.

Signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, jaundice, seizures, liver failure within 2–3 days.

Oleander (Nerium oleander)

Toxicity: Extremely high — potentially fatal

All parts of the oleander plant are toxic. Contains cardiac glycosides that cause heart arrhythmias. Even small amounts can be fatal.

Signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, heart arrhythmias, weakness, collapse.

Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)

Toxicity: Extremely high — potentially fatal

Contains colchicine, which causes severe gastrointestinal damage, multi-organ failure, and bone marrow suppression.

Highly Toxic Plants

Azalea and Rhododendron

Toxicity: High

Contains grayanotoxins that affect the heart and nervous system. Even small amounts cause serious illness.

Signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, heart arrhythmias, coma.

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Toxicity: High

Contains cardiac glycosides. Causes heart arrhythmias and can be fatal.

Yew (Taxus species)

Toxicity: High — potentially fatal

Almost all parts of the yew are toxic. Causes sudden cardiac arrest with little warning.

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)

Toxicity: High

Contains cardiac glycosides. Causes heart arrhythmias, vomiting, and seizures.

Moderately Toxic Plants

Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)

Toxicity: Moderate

Contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause intense burning and swelling of the mouth and throat. Rarely fatal but extremely painful.

Signs: Drooling, pawing at mouth, difficulty swallowing, vomiting.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Toxicity: Moderate

Contains calcium oxalate crystals. Causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting.

Philodendron

Toxicity: Moderate

Contains calcium oxalate crystals. Similar effects to pothos.

Aloe Vera

Toxicity: Moderate

The gel is generally safe, but the latex layer beneath the skin contains saponins that cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Tulip and Daffodil Bulbs

Toxicity: Moderate to high

The bulbs are the most toxic part. Causes vomiting, diarrhea, and cardiac issues in large amounts.

Mildly Toxic Plants

• Peace lily: Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting.
• Snake plant (Sansevieria): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
• ZZ plant: Oral irritation, vomiting.
• English ivy: Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.

Pet-Safe Plant Alternatives

Replace toxic plants with pet-safe alternatives:

• Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
• Boston fern
• Areca palm
• Calathea
• Peperomia
• Haworthia (succulent)
• African violet

Emergency Contacts

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 (24/7)
• Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 (24/7)

Final Thoughts

The most dangerous houseplants for dogs are sago palm, oleander, autumn crocus, yew, and azalea. Remove these from your home and garden entirely. For moderately toxic plants like pothos and philodendron, place them in rooms your dog cannot access or on high shelves. When in doubt, check the ASPCA's complete toxic plant database before bringing any new plant into your home.