Toxic & Non-Toxic Plants for Dogs

Everyone loves plants, right? Well, not every plant we love is safe for our dogs.

Plants can affect dogs in different ways, and the severity can depend on the type of plant, how much was eaten, and even which part of the plant was consumed. Some plants may cause mild stomach upset, while others can cause much more serious and life threatening problems.

For example, tomato plants can be toxic to dogs, while ripe tomatoes themselves are considered non-toxic. The leaves and stems contain compounds that can cause illness if enough is consumed. 

This is why it is important to know what plants you have inside your home, around your yard, and in areas where your dog has access. Knowing what you have growing can help you react quickly if your dog decides to take a bite.

Something I learned over the years is just like how humans most common allergy is peanut butter, chocolate is dogs. Peanut allergies varry with severity just like chocolate for dogs. Just becuase your dog decided to jump on the counter and eat a chocolate bar and their okay, it doesn’t mean they are not “allergic”, it just means their tollerance is a little higher than others.

Common Plants That Can Be Toxic to Dogs

Here are some common plants that dog owners should be aware of:

• Aloe Vera

• Lilies

• Tulips

• Holly

• Hydrangea

• Poinsettia

• Daffodils

• Azaleas

• Iris

• Jade Plant

• Marijuana Plant

• Mistletoe

• Nicotiana

• Sago Palm

• Tomato Plant

• Eucalyptus

• Pothos

• Snake Plant

• Bird of Paradise

And don’t forget about plants and foods commonly grown in gardens: garlic and grapes can also be dangerous for dogs.

Common Symptoms of Plant Toxicity

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Drooling or excessive salivation

• Swelling of lips and/or tounge

• Weakness

• Lethargy

• Difficulty breathing (more severe cases)

• Changes in appetite

• Changes in behavior

Know What You Have Growing

You don’t have to remove every plant from your home or yard just because you have a dog. The important thing is knowing what you have and understanding the potential risks.

Keep potentially toxic plants somewhere your dog cannot reach them, and don’t assume that a plant is safe simply because your dog has eaten it before without a reaction.

This list is not a complete list of toxic plants. Plant toxicity can also vary depending on the species and the part of the plant consumed. The ASPCA maintains a searchable database of toxic and non-toxic plants that is a great resource for checking a specific plant. 

For the full ASPCA list:
ASPCA Toxic & Non-Toxic Plants Database⁠

If you think your dog has eaten a potentially toxic plant, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Contact your veterinarian or a pet poison-control service for guidance.