Plants toxic to dogs
Plants toxic to dogs. A Guide to Toxic and Non-Toxic Houseplants for dogs.
If you believe your dog has eaten a toxic plant please contact your local vet immediately. Please do not contact SparkyGo if you’re having an emergency. This resource is meant for information only.
House plants are a fantastic way to liven up your home, add some extra oxygen, and provide therapeutic effects. However, if you’re a dog owner, be aware that some of these indoor plants, no matter how beautiful and benign they look, may not be safe for your pup.
Educating yourself on house plants poisonous to dogs can help keep your doggy out of harm’s way while still maintaining a green and vibrant living space.
What house plants are poisonous to dogs?
Aloe Plants: Aloes, including the most popular Aloe Vera, are known for their healing properties. The gel found inside the leaves applied topically is useful for treating sunburns and other skin conditions. Unfortunately, your dog is not aware of that and is more than happy to chew the leaf whole and other plant parts ingesting harmful components. These plants can cause diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, tremors, and lethargy.
Philodendron: Philodendrons come in many varieties and are very popular house plants due to their low maintenance and a range of colors, shapes, and growing habits. However, if you own a dog, it may be for the best to steer clear of them. Philodendron contains some components that are very toxic for dogs and can lead to oral irritation, trouble swallowing, vomiting, drooling, and foaming. The most severe cases of poisoning can provoke renal failure and coma.
Jade: These easy to care for, and long-lasting plants are toxic to both humans and dogs. The most common symptoms of jade poisoning include slower heart rate, vomiting, lack of coordination, and depression.
Snake Plant: Also known as Sanseveria, this beautiful plant thrives in the low-light, making it a favorite in homes and offices. Still, when ingested by your dog can cause some serious gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.
Pothos: Small, adaptable, and easy to maintain, Pothos (aka Devil’s Ivy) is a staple of home decoration, but it contains raphides, needle-shaped crystals that can have several harmful effects on dogs, including mouth swelling, burning, and irritation of the lips and tongue, drooling, and vomiting, and swallowing difficulties.
These are just some of the more popular house plants poisonous to dogs. There are also numerous others that you should be aware of, including:
- Asparagus Fern
- Cyclamen
- Dieffenbachia
- Dracaena
- English Ivy
- Euphorbia
- Lilies
- Oleander
- ZZ Plant
- And many others
What house plants are safe for dogs?
Of course, caring for your pet’s well-being doesn’t necessarily mean that you should rob yourself of a lovely and colorful-looking living room or working space. It only means that you should do proper research and populate your home with plants that will not endanger your dog’s health. In just a few clicks, you can get all of the information you need. We suggest using the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants for dogs every time you consider getting a new plant or receive one as a gift. Of course, just because a plant is non-toxic doesn’t mean that you should let your dog chew on them whenever it feels like it.
There are plenty of safe and dog-friendly plants for dogs to choose from that can brighten up your house without having to stress every time your dog comes near them. Here are some suggestions:
- African Violet
- Areca Palm
- Baby Rubber Plant
- Boston Fern
- Donkey’s Tail
- Fittonia
- Polka Dot Plant
- Prayer Plant
- Spider Plant
- Staghorn Fern
- Zebra Cactus
You might also be interested in outdoor dangers to dogs.
For further information on toxic plants check out the ASPCA’s guide.
