is yarrow poisonous to dogs

16 Plants That Are Poisonous to Dogs

Your dog doesn't know to stay away from them, which is why they shouldn't be anywhere in your home or on your property.

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Plants and your pup

Plants are having a real moment right now, and for good reason. They add beauty to your home, help you feel more in tune with nature, and they even boast health benefits. Unfortunately, some of the most popular and best indoor plants are toxic to dogs, who don't know which ones are safe to munch on or play with and which absolutely aren't. This is important to know, especially if you're buying plants online.

With veterinary help, we're calling out the most common indoor and outdoor poisonous plants for dogs so you can avoid or get rid of them and replace them with some pup-friendly options. Have a cat, too? You'll also want to know the plants that are poisonous to cats.

If you suspect that your pup has munched on a poisonous plant for dogs, consult your vet immediately, or call the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at 1-888-426-4435 for guidance.

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Carlina Teteris/Getty Images

Aloe vera

Toxic components: saponins, anthraquinones

Because it's so easy to maintain and boasts medicinal qualities, aloe vera is a common household plant that people keep both indoors and outdoors. Unfortunately, the gooey gel beloved for its soothing benefits also contains two components that make this plant toxic to dogs when consumed. Typically, signs of ingestion include lethargy and upset stomach, including vomiting and diarrhea. If you bring this plant into your home, we recommend keeping it high up—like on a sink ledge—so it's inaccessible.

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golden pothos indoor plant vine in a hanging pot near doorway Brendan Maher/Getty Images

Golden pothos (epipremnum aureum)

Toxic component: insoluble calcium oxalates

The winding, ivy-like golden pothos is another poisonous plant for dogs that contains insoluble calcium oxalates—glass-like crystals that can cause severe irritation when eaten. One of the key symptoms is oral itching and irritation, which can sometimes lead to intense burning and pain in and around your pet's mouth. It can also lead to excessive drooling, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing.

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Milkweed Flower in Full Gail Shotlander/Getty Images

Milkweed (asclepias)

Toxic components: cardiotoxins, neurotoxins

Though it's a wonderful beacon for some of our favorite insects—including monarch butterflies and tussock moths—milkweed is one of those plants toxic to dogs. Some species contain cardiotoxins that affect a pet's heart, while others contain neurotoxins that can affect organ function and mental state. As such, this plant should always be kept outdoors and/or out of reach from your dog.

When consumed, it can cause severe reactions, including depression, weakness, and diarrhea, followed by more intense reactions such as seizures, breathing difficulty, organ failure, and death.

sago palm belchonock/Getty Images

Sago palm (cycas revoluta)

Toxic component: cycasin

The sago palm is leafy, beautiful, and very easy to grow, which makes it a popular choice as an indoor plant. However, this plant's toxic to dogs, so you should definitely keep it out of your house. "If consumed by your dog, the sago palm causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, as well as stumbling, tremors, seizures, and temperature-regulation issues," warns Christie Long, DVM, head of veterinary medicine at Modern Animal in West Hollywood, California. "Ultimately, it causes liver failure, and death can occur with ingestion of an amount as small as a single seed."

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Azaleas blooming on the windowsill OlgaVolodina/Getty Images

Azaleas (rhododendron)

Toxic component: grayantoxin

Azaleas are colorful and interesting to look at, so it's easy to see why your dog might be attracted to them. Unfortunately, all parts of the azalea plant are poisonous to dogs, including the flower, leaves, seeds, and even honey that's made from the nectar.

"When azaleas are consumed by your dog, it can result in hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, vision problems, slow heart rate (bradycardia), heart arrhythmia and/or low blood pressure (hypotension), cardiovascular collapse, and possible death," warns Shelly Zacharias, DVM, a veterinarian and the vice president of medical affairs at Gallant.

RELATED: 10 Shockingly Common Dog Dangers in Your Own Backyard

Modern Living Room TommL/Getty Images

Tulips (tulipa)

Toxic components: tulipalin A and B

Tulips are one of the most popular plants come springtime, but they can cause big problems for curious canines. The flower and stem parts of the plant are toxic, but the bulbs are especially dangerous when consumed. Clinical signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, and even depression, notes the APCA.

Garlic and onion (allium species)

Toxic component: n-propyl disulfide

Though it's easy to assume that all vegetables and herbs found in the garden are perfectly OK for your pup, that's not always true. The allium species—which includes garlic and onions—are poisonous plants for dogs.

"Any plant in the allium family, if ingested in large enough quantities, can cause a severe reaction in the bloodstream called hemolysis, in which red blood cells are destroyed in large numbers," says Dr. Long. "The results are severe weakness, rapid breathing, and red-colored urine."

She adds that forced vomiting by a veterinarian is key here, and many dogs will require blood transfusions to replace the blood cells that are damaged in order to survive. Check out these tips for keeping your dog out of your garden.

Dieffenbachia houseplant near window. vaitekune/Getty Images

Dumb cane (diffenbachia)

Toxic components: insoluble calcium oxalates, proteolytic enzyme

This stout, leafy tropical indoor low light houseplant may be pretty, but it should be kept out of reach of canines. "This plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are similar to microscopic pieces of glass resembling needles," explains Dr. Zacharias. "Chewing or ingesting it causes toxicity. Common symptoms are vomiting, swelling of the mouth and/or throat, severe oral pain, pawing at mouth or eyes, severe skin irritation, agitation, coughing, gagging, and hypersalivation."

Simply coming into contact with the plant can cause symptoms, as well. If your dog's eyes and skin are exposed, flush immediately or give them a bath.

Alocasia plant SEE D JAN/Getty Images

Elephant's ear (alocasia)

Toxic component: insoluble calcium oxalates

Alocasia—also known as elephant's ear—is a striking dark green plant commonly found indoors. Like dumb cane, it contains glass-like insoluble oxalate crystals that can cause severe irritation both internally and externally, notes the Pet Poison Hotline. If consumed, an immediate visit to your vet is recommended to monitor and treat symptoms. If your dog's skin or eyes has become irritated by the plant, a bath and/or flushing the skin and eyes with water is recommended.

Big fiddle leaf fig tree in stylish modern pot near kitchen furniture. Ficus lyrata leaves, stylish plant on wooden floor in kitchen. Floral decor in modern home Bogdan Kurylo/Getty Images

Citrus plants and peels (rutaceae family)

Toxic components: essential oils and psoralens

"Many [citrus] plants that produce edible fruit—including grapefruit, oranges, and lemons—are toxic if the actual plant portion is ingested. For example, the skin of the fruit, the leaves, or stems can often be dangerous," says Dr. Zacharias.

Whether you grow these plants in your yard or bring them into your home from the grocery store, keep your dog away from them. Reactions may not be as severe as with other plants toxic to dogs, but if you suspect consumption, call your vet for guidance. They may request that you bring your dog in, especially if severe symptoms occur.

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Oleander (nerium oleander)

Toxic component: cardiac glycosides

Oleander, known for its white or pink flowers and height that provides privacy between yards, is another poisonous plant for dogs.

"Oleander ingestion causes extreme salivation, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. In severe cases, it causes liver failure and death, and it can ultimately interfere with the heart's ability to beat properly," explains Dr. Long. "Once it is known that the dog ingested these poisonous leaves, rapid transfer to a veterinary hospital where vomiting can be induced is key. Supportive therapy with drugs designed to control gastrointestinal signs, as well as reverse liver and heart issues, is key to survival."

Decorative sansevieria plants on white table serezniy/Getty Images

Snake plants (sansevieria trifasciata)

Toxic component: saponins

Because of its striking appearance and the fact that it's a houseplant that's very hard to kill, snake plants are found in houses all across the world. Unfortunately, they are also poisonous plants for dogs and can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if consumed, says the ASPCA. It's important to contact your veterinarian right away if you think your dog has ingested any portion of a snake plant. Depending on the severity, you may need to simply monitor and treat your dog's symptoms, or you may need to take your dog in for more aggressive treatment.

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Morning glory (ipomoea)

Toxic component: indole alkaloids

This beautiful vine plant that flowers in the morning may be irresistible to humans—and also to dogs—who might be tempted to chomp on them when they open. "The seeds are most toxic, and canine consumption can cause vomiting, nausea, pupil dilation (mydriasis), hallucinations, incoordination, diarrhea, anemia, confusion, and liver failure," notes Dr. Zacharias.

Go to your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary center right away if you suspect consumption. Treatment consists of activated charcoal, IV-fluid administration, and ongoing symptomatic support.

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cultural hemp . novoselov/Getty Images

Marijuana (cannabis sativa)

Toxic component: delta-9-THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)

With the increase in legalized social and medicinal marijuana, it's become more commonplace to have this plant in homes and yards. While OK for humans, it can have adverse reactions when consumed by your dog.

"In small quantities, marijuana causes lethargy, trembling, urinary incontinence, and anxiety. In large quantities—which are often ingested with chocolate in the form of pot edibles—dogs can experience seizures, coma, and death," warns Dr. Long. She adds that if chocolate is ingested along with marijuana, the toxicosis is quite serious, and affected dogs need immediate treatment.

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lily of the valley LarisaL/Getty Images

Lily of the valley (convallaria majalis)

Toxic component: cardenolides

Lily of the valley is a beloved indoor and outdoor flower, but pet parents should not introduce it to their home or garden since this plant's toxic to dogs. Known for its delicate white flowers, it is a highly poisonous plant for dogs and can result in vomiting, irregular heartbeat, reduced blood pressure, confusion, and disorientation. In severe cases, it can even cause seizures or lead to a coma. Consult your veterinarian immediately for further instruction if you suspect your dog has consumed this plant.

Taxus baccata European yew is conifer shrub with poisonous and bitter red ripened berry fruits on branches, light blue sky Iva Vagnerova/Getty Images

Yew (taxus)

Toxic component: taxine

Yew is an evergreen shrub typically found outdoors. "If ingested, it can cause sudden death, trembling, muscle weakness, trouble breathing, collapse, and heart arrhythmia," says Dr. Zacharias. "If you suspect your canine has eaten any part of this plant, immediately go to your veterinarian or emergency veterinary center. Treatment will consist of gastrointestinal decontamination—activated charcoal or possibly gastric lavage or an enema—as well as IV-fluid therapy and supportive therapy for any respiratory or cardiovascular function."

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Dog sitting in an apartment and looking at an aloe vera plant - Purebred Jack Russell Terrier 3 years old K_Thalhofer/Getty Images

General care

If your dog has ingested any of the above plants toxic to dogs, we recommend calling your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline, like the APSCA, for guidance. If your pet is already showing any physical symptoms, then head to the veterinary clinic immediately. Not all cases are life-threatening, but it is always in our pet's best interest to provide them with care and comfort. As an aside, our veterinary experts say it's best not to induce vomiting yourself if your dog ingests a toxic substance. In some cases, the substance has already been digested and absorbed into the body.

Sources:

Animal Poison Control Center (APCC)
ASPCA: Poisonous Plants
Christie Long, DVM, head of veterinary medicine at Modern Animal in West Hollywood, California
Shelly Zacharias, DVM, a veterinarian and the vice president of medical affairs at Gallant.

Originally Published: May 10, 2021

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