Toxic plants for dogs

A number of plants are poisonous to dogs. Consumption of these plants can cause a range of symptoms from vomiting to serious illness and even death in some cases.

Generally, dogs will stay away from plants that will harm them but sometimes curiosity and boredom get the better of them and they might nibble on your plants.

If you suspect that your dog has ingested a toxic plant, take it to a vet immediately. If you can, bring a piece of the suspected plant with you to the vet.

A list of the more common household plants that are toxic to dogs:

  • autumn crocus
  • azaleas
  • black locust
  • bleeding heart
  • buttercups
  • castor bean
  • cherries (wild and cultivated)
  • daffodil
  • daphne
  • Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)
  • elderberry
  • elephant ear
  • foxgolve
  • golden chain
  • Hyacinth
  • jack in the pulpit
  • jasmine
  • jimson weed (thorn apple)
  • Lantana camara (red sage)
  • larkspur
  • laurels
  • lily of the valley
  • mayapple
  • mistletoe
  • monkshood
  • moonseed
  • Narcissus
  • nightshade
  • oak tree
  • oleander
  • poison hemlock
  • Rhododendrons
  • rhubarb
  • rosary pea
  • star of bethlehem
  • water hemlock
  • Wisteria
  • yew.

If a plant you have in your garden is not listed here it does not mean that it is not toxic to dogs.

For a more comprehensive list of both toxic and non-toxic plants for dogs, visit the ASPCA website where you should be able to find the plant in question among those listed. The Vets' Library also has information on toxins for dogs.

Reference

This list of toxic plants for dogs was gathered from the Cornell University — Department of Animal Science website.

Page last updated: 24 Jun 2020