There are many houseplants that are toxic to dogs and some of which can even be fatal. Any number of common indoor plants can cause stomach upset, allergic skin reactions or breathing problems. If you have a dog in your home it is best to keep potentially harmful houseplants out of reach as accidental ingestion could occur causing serious health issues for your pet. Also, toxic houseplants, if ingested may cause toxicosis resulting in gastrointestinal upset and ultimately death.
In general, dogs have a much higher tolerance for eating plants when compared to cats which are more likely to nibble on houseplants causing damage and illness in the process. Many dogs could survive an accidental ingestion of non-toxic amounts of certain houseplants but you must determine what is toxic and what is not based upon the plant species as each one is different.
If you are not sure what toxic houseplants could be in your home, make sure to check the information on each type of plant as toxic and non toxic varieties exist. Most toxic houseplants can cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting but if toxicosis is severe it could lead to more serious complications including liver damage or even death!
Fortunately, many toxic houseplants are fairly easy to identify because toxic houseplants usually share common features. For example toxic plants will most likely have milky sap or have patterns of white colored spots called petals which denote toxic properties.
As a rule of thumb, it is best to try and keep all toxic houseplants out of reach of your dog or to put them into a toxic houseplant safety zone along with any non toxic houseplants you might have.
If you would like to get rid of toxic plants in your home, check out our article on toxic houseplants and how to eradicate toxic houseplants from your home completely. Alternatively, it could be beneficial to just move toxic houseplants to another area of your home if you have a toxic plant removal problem. Either way, it would be wise to handle toxic plants with care and not touch them when they are wet as toxic houseplants may cause burning effects in the form of blisters or dermatitis from direct contact with toxic plant substances.
Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum) is a toxic houseplant that is common in homes during the winter months as it gives off a wonderful fragrance while in bloom.
– Peace Lily ( Spathiphyllum ) : This plant should be kept out of reach from your dog because the leaves and flowers contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause serious mouth, tongue, and throat irritation within minutes after ingestion. The symptoms associated with this houseplant toxicity include excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth and trouble breathing. If you suspect your dog may have ingested a Peace Lily pet immediately rush them to an emergency veterinarian for treatment.
– Ficus: This plant contains insoluble fibrous proteins that are known to cause allergic reactions in dogs and even humans who are sensitive to these types of plants. If your dog has eaten a Ficus houseplant and is showing signs of skin irritation including redness, hair loss, swelling or rashes take them to the Vet.
– Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane): This plant is known as one of the most toxic indoor plants but your dog may not show any symptoms for up to 24 hours after ingestion. The most common symptoms associated with this houseplant toxicity include excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth and trouble breathing. If your dog has ingested Dieffenbachia seek immediate treatment from a veterinarian right away.
– Kalanchoe: This plant produces toxic sap that can irritate your dog’s skin resulting in redness, itchiness, and discomfort. If your dog ingests this plant it can also cause stomach upset, diarrhea, or vomiting. If you suspect your dog may have ingested Kalanchoe pet immediately rush them to an emergency veterinarian for treatment.
– Aloe Vera: This is a very well known houseplant but many do not know that dogs prefer the juice of this plant when compared to other houseplants. In addition, the pups seem to like chewing on it even though they cannot break through the skin of the Aloe Vera plant. Although dogs will not ingest enough juice from an Aloe Vera plant to cause serious illness or death if your dog does eat this poison can result in stomach upset and diarrhea.
– Anthurium: This plant is known to contain calcium oxalate crystals in the leaves, stems and roots that can cause mouth irritation, vomiting and stomach upset in dogs. Most dogs will not eat this plant even if it is placed near them because of its bitter taste so your dog most likely does not pose a risk for ingesting a poisonous amount of Anthurium.
– Poinsettia: This plant is very toxic to dogs and ingestion of any part can result in mild to severe stomach upset within 12 hours. The symptoms include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and even death if your dog ingests a large amount of this houseplant. If you suspect your dog has eaten poinsettia pet immediately rush them to an emergency veterinarian for treatment.
– Rhubarb leaves: This plant is only toxic when eaten in large amounts and the stems can be at risk of being eaten by your dog. The main issue with rhubarb ingestion is that it contains high levels of oxalate which causes a condition known as oxalosis in humans and animals. The symptoms associated with this poinsoning include abdominal pain, inability to urinate properly, or loss of appetite. If you suspect your dog has eaten Rhubarb pet immediately rush them to an emergency veterinarian for treatment.
– Sago Palm: This plant is toxic from all the way around but it does not contain high levels of thorns for dogs to ingest. However, if your dog does consume Sago Palm it can cause stomach upset as well as congestion of the respiratory system.
– Alocasia: This plant is known for containing insoluble proteins that cause allergic reactions in humans and dogs which results in severe itching, hives and difficulty breathing. If your dog has eaten a Alocasia houseplant and is showing signs of skin rashes please seek immediate veterinary care.
– Philodendron: This plant contains insoluble fibers that can irritate your dog’s stomach if ingested. The main issue with philodendron ingestion is that it may cause gastric irritation which in turn causes gastric bloat and absorbs water quickly causing your dog immense pain. If you suspect your dog has eaten philodendron pet immediately rush them to an emergency veterinarian for treatment.
– Syngonium: This plant contains insoluble fibers that can irritate your dog’s stomach if ingested. The main issue with syngonium ingestion is that it may cause gastric irritation which in turn causes gastric bloat and absorbs water quickly causing your dog immense pain. If you suspect your dog has eaten syngonium pet immediately rush them to an emergency veterinarian for treatment.
– Sword Plant: This houseplant is also known as Nephthytis and contains sap that can irritate a dog’s mouth, stomach and intestines. The main issue with sword plant ingestion is that it may cause gastric irritation which in turn causes gastric bloat and absorbs water quickly causing your dog immense pain. If you suspect your dog has eaten sword pet immediately rush them to an emergency veterinarian for treatment.
– Zantedeschia: This houseplant is known for containing insoluble fibers that can irritate your dog’s stomach if ingested. The main issue with zantedeschia ingestion is that it may cause gastric irritation which in turn causes gastric bloat and absorbs water quickly causing your dog immense pain. If you suspect your dog has eaten zantedeschia pet immediately rush them to an emergency veterinarian for treatment.
– Philodendron Sag: This philodendron is known for containing insoluble fibers that can irritate your dog’s stomach if ingested. The main issue with philodendron sag ingestion is that it may cause gastric irritation which in turn causes gastric bloat and absorbs water quickly causing your dog immense pain. If you suspect your dog has eaten philodendron sag pet immediately rush them to an emergency veterinarian for treatment.
– Dieffenbachia: This plant is known for containing insoluble proteins that cause allergic reactions in humans and dogs which results in severe itching, hives and difficulty breathing. If your dog has eaten a Dieffenbachia houseplant and is showing signs of skin rashes please seek immediate veterinary care.
– Caladium: This plant is known for containing insoluble proteins that cause allergic reactions in humans and dogs which results in severe itching, hives and difficulty breathing. If your dog has eaten a caladium houseplant and is showing signs of skin rashes please seek immediate veterinary care.
– Peperomia: This plant is known for containing insoluble proteins that cause allergic reactions in humans and dogs which results in severe itching, hives and difficulty breathing. If your dog has eaten a peperomia houseplant and is showing signs of skin rashes please seek immediate veterinary care.
-Dieffenbachia: This plant is known for containing insoluble proteins that cause allergic reactions in humans and dogs which results in severe itching, hives and difficulty breathing. If your dog has eaten a Dieffenbachia houseplant and is showing signs of skin rashes please seek immediate veterinary care.
If you have a dog in your home, be sure to take the time to research which houseplants are toxic. This list should give you an idea of what plants pose a threat. It’s important not only for your pet but also for children and anyone else who might come into contact with these potentially dangerous plants. And remember that if someone nearby is allergic or sensitive to any particular plant, it can affect them even though they don’t touch it directly. Be wary of both indoor and outdoor plants when caring for dogs!
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