THE ULTIMATE LIST OF POISONOUS PLANTS FOR DOGS
WHAT ARE POISONOUS PLANTS FOR DOGS?
Toxic compounds produced by poisonous plants can injure your dog if he ingests them or even just touches the plant. Some poisonous plants can be fatal to dogs, but the vast majority will likely just make them sick to their stomachs.
Most dogs aren’t very picky about what they eat and would happily wolf down any morsel that caught their nose. Poisonous plants usually have an unpleasant aroma or taste, so your dog will likely avoid them. However, your dog may be tempted to steal your salad if he or she is hungry.
In addition, not all canines have the ability to recognize when they have had enough of an unhealthy food item. It’s your responsibility as a dog owner to keep a watch on your pet at all times to prevent him or her from ingesting anything harmful, such as garbage or a poisonous plant.
If you think your dog has eaten something dangerous, you should contact your veterinarian with a sample or photo of the plant.
COMMON POISONOUS PLANTS FOR DOGS
A lot of the common houseplants and yard plants are actually quite dangerous to canine health. Here is a quick rundown of some of the most pup-popular with us humans but potentially toxic to your dog’s health houseplants and garden plants.
COMMON POISONOUS PLANTS FOR DOGS IN YOUR HOME AND GARDEN
DAFFODILS & NARCISSUS
The same goes for narcissus and daffodils—both can be fatal to canines. The plant as a whole is hazardous to dogs, but the bulb poses the most risk. Toxic effects of daffodils in dogs can manifest as excessive salivation, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, irregular heartbeat, tremors, and even seizures. Dogs can develop dermatitis from coming into contact with daffodil bulbs, and breathing in the dust from the bulbs can cause respiratory irritation.
TULIPS
The tulip plant as a whole is toxic to canines, but the bulbs are particularly dangerous. Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and depression are among symptoms of tulip poisoning. Chemicals in tulips can also cause dermatitis, so your dog may experience skin irritation and possibly even a sore mouth if he eats them.
HYACINTHS
Hyacinths are poisonous to dogs in all their forms, and ingesting even a small amount can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, bloody diarrhea, drooling, tremors, lethargy, and depression.
BLUEBELLS
Did you know that half of all bluebells grow in Britain? Did you realize that dogs can be poisoned by these stunning blue blossoms? Like many spring flowers, the bulbs are the most dangerous part. Consumption causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, extreme fatigue, and disorientation. If they eat excessively, it may even have an effect on their heart.
ALOE VERA
While aloe vera has some beneficial properties for humans, the leaves are toxic to dogs and can cause stomach problems. Ingestion of aloe vera can lead to a variety of unpleasant side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and lack of appetite.
JADE TREE
Dogs who ingest any portion of a jade tree (also known as a rubber plant) are at risk of experiencing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, ataxia, and a rapid heart rate.
LILIES
Common types of lilies include peace lilies, calla lilies, and other arum lilies, glory lilies, leopard lilies, and stargazer lilies are all deadly to dogs. Poisoning from lilies seldom results in death.
Even while day lilies (Hemerocallis) aren’t toxic, they can nevertheless cause mild illness, unlike the true lilies (Lilium). Acute lily poisoning can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, loss of appetite, lethargy, red eyes and gums, abdominal pain, irregular heart rate, and seizures.
Calcium oxalate crystals, found in some lily species, can cause rashes and oral discomfort if ingested.
IVY
Common types of ivy found in homes and gardens, such as English, German, and Needlepoint ivy, are all toxic to dogs. The “devil’s ivy” (pothos) houseplant is just as poisonous.
When exposed to ivy, the mouth and throat become inflamed and irritated, which can cause serious problems with breathing and swallowing. Additionally, you may experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, and weakness. The rashes and blistering that can result from contact with any ivy species is common knowledge.
MONSTERA
All monsteras should be avoided since they are toxic to dogs. Monstera deliciosa, sometimes known as the swiss cheese plant, is the most widespread and widely known species of monstera. Despite this year’s viral success, dogs should avoid this beautiful vegetation since it is toxic.
Dogs with sensitive stomachs should avoid monsteras, as the plant can cause serious stomach upset and even death if ingested. Drooling and vomiting are further signs of monstera poisoning.
ZANZIBAR GEM
Dogs should avoid eating these because they are poisonous and can induce vomiting and diarrhea if ingested. Dogs can be poisoned by any part of this plant (and to humans too.)
DRACAENA
Dracaenas are common houseplants due to their durability and structural appeal. Money trees, dragon trees, fortunate bamboo, snake plants, and maize plants are just few of the many varieties typically purchased for indoor decoration. All species of dracaena are toxic to dogs, causing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea (which may contain blood), drooling, loss of appetite, and sadness.
ARE THERE OTHER POISONOUS PLANTS FOR DOGS?
There are dozens of plant species that are toxic to dogs and could be growing in your yard or along your walking route. There is a wide spectrum of toxicity among these plants; in extreme cases, your dog may die from eating too much of one of them.
Keep in mind that your dog’s size and the amount ingested will determine its level of toxicity. As a result of their size and the fact that a much smaller dose is required to cause illness, small dogs are at a much higher risk of experiencing severe symptoms and even death.
We’ve compiled a list (not meant to be exhaustive) of plants that can be dangerous to your dog if he or she comes into contact with them while exploring the house, yard, or neighborhood.
POISONOUS PLANTS FOR DOGS LIST
ACOKANTHERA
Botanical name
Acokanthera
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, abdominal pain, irregular heartbeat. Potentially fatal.
ALLAMANDA
Botanical name
Allamanda
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain. Potentially fatal.
ALLIUMS
Botanical name
Allium
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Symptoms include throwing up, diarrhea, dehydration, drooling, pale gums, bad breath, lethargy, anemia, ataxia, changes in heart rate and breathing, and collapse. (Chives, shallots, onions, and garlic are also members of the allium family.)
AMARYLLIS
Botanical name
Amaryllis
Poisonous parts
All, but the bulb is most toxic.
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, depression, lethargy, tremors, coma. Potentially fatal.
ANEMONE (WINDFLOWER)
Botanical name
Anemonastrum
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Blistering, tremors, seizures. See “Buttercups” (They are from the same family of plants).
ANTHURIUM
Botanical name
Anthurium
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Retching and drooling. Experiencing pain and swelling in the mouth and/or contact dermatitis after eating due to calcium oxalate crystals.
APPLES
Botanical name
Malus domestica
Poisonous parts
Leaves, stems, seeds
Symptoms & details
Parts of the plant contain cyanide. Symptoms may include drooling, difficulty breathing, seizures, tremors, paralysis. Potentially fatal.
APRICOT
Botanical name
Prunus armeniaca
Poisonous parts
Stone, stem, leaves
Symptoms & details
See “Prunus”.
ARROWGRASS (WILD CORIANDER)
Botanical name
Triglochin
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Anxiety, difficulty breathing. Potentially fatal.
ARROWHEAD VINE
Botanical name
Syngonium podophyllum
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, drooling. Contains calcium oxalate crystals which can cause contact dermatitis, and oral irritation and swelling if eaten.
ASPARAGUS FERN (EMERALD FERN)
Botanical name
Asparagus setaceus
Poisonous parts
Leaves
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite. See “eagle fern”.
AUTUMN CROCUS (MEADOW SAFFRON)
Botanical name
Colchicum autumnale
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, drooling, gastrointestinal bleeding, bloody stool, kidney and liver damage, respiratory failure, seizures, death. Potentially fatal.
AVOCADOS
Botanical name
Persea americana
Poisonous parts
All (Particularly the skin and plant)
Symptoms & details
May be safe to eat the fruit in small amounts, but it contains persin which is toxic, but dogs are rarely affected. Symptoms include vomiting, drooling, difficulty breathing.
AZALEA
Botanical name
Rhododendron
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
See “Rhododendron”.
BABY’S BREATH
Botanical name
Gypsophila
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, depression, weight loss.
BEECH TREES
Botanical name
Fagus
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, lethargy.
A few beechnuts might be “safe”, but eating several will cause sickness. Unripe beechnuts are more toxic.
BELLADONNA (DEADLY NIGHTSHADE)
Botanical name
Atropa belladonna
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
See: “Nightshade”.
BEGONIAS
Botanical name
Begonia
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Oral irritation, vomiting, drooling.
BERGENIA (ELEPHANT EARS)
Botanical name
Bergenia
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Oral irritation, swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing. Risk of asphyxiation makes it potentially fatal.
BIRD OF PARADISE
Botanical name
Strelitzia reginae
Poisonous parts
All, especially fruit and seeds.
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, drowsiness, tremors.
BITTERSWEET
Botanical name
Solanum dulcamara
Poisonous parts
All, especially berries.
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, tremors, seizures, cardiac and respiratory changes. Part of the nightshade family (solanum), and all are toxic to dogs. See “Nightshade”.
BLEEDING HEART
Botanical name
Dicentra spectabilis / Lamprocapnos spectabilis
Poisonous parts
Leaves and roots.
Symptoms & details
Can cause dermatitis. If ingested it can cause weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, tremors, seizures, and difficulty breathing.
BORAGE (STARFLOWER)
Botanical name
Borago officinalis
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing. Potentially lethal. Can cause dermatitis.
BOX PLANT
Botanical name
Bruxus
Poisonous parts
All, especially leaves
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, difficulty breathing, and potentially death. Contact may also cause dermatitis.
BROOM
Botanical name
Genisteae
Poisonous parts
All, the pollen irritates the skin.
Symptoms & details
Symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, bloody diarrhoea, lethargy, disorientation, weakness, loss of appetite, abnormal heartrate. Can cause contact dermatitis.
BRUGMANSIA (ANGEL’S TRUMPETS)
Botanical name
Brugmansia
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, disorientation, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, seizures, tremors. Potentially fatal.
BINDWEED (MORNING GLORY)
Botanical name
Convolvulus
Poisonous parts
Leaves, flowers, especially the seeds.
Symptoms & details
Not all species are poisonous, significant ingestion could cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain. The seeds contain a toxin which can cause ataxia, agitation, and hallucinations.
BUTTERCUP
Botanical name
Ranunculus
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Oral irritation, blistering in mouth, vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, depression, loss of appetite.
CALADIUM (HEART OF JESUS, ANGEL WINGS, ELEPHANT EAR)
Botanical name
Caladium
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Oral irritation, asphyxiation, tremors, seizures. Potentially fatal if asphyxiation occurs due to oral and tongue swelling.
CAMPANULA (BELL FLOWERS)
Botanical name
Campanula
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Mildly toxic. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, depression.
CARDINAL FLOWER
Botanical name
Lobelia cardinalis
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
See “Lobelias”.
CARNATIONS
Botanical name
Dianthus caryophyllus
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite. Can cause mild dermatitis.
CASTOR BEAN
Botanical name
Ricinus communis
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
All parts of the castor plant are lethal to dogs.
CHERRY TREES
Botanical name
Prunus avium, prunus cerasus
Poisonous parts
All (Some species have edible fruit)
Symptoms & details
See “Prunus”
CHINABERRY (BEAD TREE, PRIDE OF INDIA)
Botanical name
Melia azedarach
Poisonous parts
All, especially berries
Symptoms & details
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, bloody stool, loss of appetite, depression, weakness, ataxia, slow heart rate, seizures
CHINESE EVERGREEN
Botanical name
Aglaonema
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Oral irritation and swelling, vomiting, drooling.
CHRYSANTHEMUM (MUMS)
Botanical name
Chrysanthemum
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Coughing drooling, vomiting, tremors, seizures. Can cause dermatitis.
CINERARIA
Botanical name
Cineraria
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, depression, drowsiness, ataxia, head pressing, liver damage.
CLEMATIS
Botanical name
Clematis
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, lack of appetite.
CORN COCKLE
Botanical name
Agrostemma githago
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
See “Carnations”.
COTONEASTER
Botanical name
Cotoneaster
Poisonous parts
Leaves, berries, flowers
Symptoms & details
Usually causes mild to severe gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhoea.
CROCUS (SPRING CROCUS)
Botanical name
Crocus
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Spring crocus are non-toxic but cause gastrointestinal illness. Autumn crocus are poisonous. See “Autumn crocus”.
CYCLAMEN
Botanical name
Cyclamen
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, gastroenteritis, tremors, seizures, paralysis, respiratory failure. Potentially lethal.
DAHLIAS
Botanical name
Dahlia
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Causes typically mild gastrointestinal illness including vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. Can cause blistering and dermatitis.
DAISIES
Botanical name
Bellis perennis
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Mildly toxic, poisonous in large quantities. May cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, drooling, depression, ataxia. See “Chrysanthemums”.
DAPHNES (INCLUDING MEZEREUM)
Botanical name
Daphne
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea (sometimes blood in both), abdominal pain, seizures, coma. Potentially lethal. Can cause dermatitis, blistering, and burns in contact with skin.
DELPHINIUMS (LARKSPUR)
Botanical name
Delphinium
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, anxiety. Potentially fatal.
DOGBANE (INDIAN HEMP, BITTER ROOT)
Botanical name
Apocynum
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, drooling, tremors, seizures, collapse, abnormal heart rate. Potentially fatal.
DIEFFENBACHIA (INCLUDING DUMB CANES)
Botanical name
Dieffenbachia
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Coughing, drooling, swollen mouth/face, vomiting, difficulty breathing.
Contains calcium oxalate crystals which can cause oral irritation and dermatitis.
DRIMIA (SQUILL, SEA ONION)
Botanical name
Drimia
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, tremors, collapse, seizures. Potentially fatal.
EAGLE FERN (BRACKEN)
Botanical name
Pteridium aquilinum
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, abdominal pain, weakness, tremors. Can cause contact dermatitis. Many ferns are toxic to dogs.
ELDERBERRIES
Botanical name
Sambucca
Poisonous parts
All (Some varieties have edible fruit.)
Symptoms & details
The stem, leaves, and unripe fruits contain cyanide. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, difficulty breathing, tremors, seizures, coma. Potentially lethal. Ripe fruit from black, blue, and red elderberries are edible.
EUCALYPTUS
Botanical name
Eucalyptus
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, drowsiness, lethargy, loss of appetite, weakness, depression, confusion, slow reflexes, difficulty breathing, abnormal heart rate, seizures.
DECORATIVE FIGS
Botanical name
Ficus
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Includes species like the fiddle leaf fig, rubber fig, and weeping fig. All ficus are poisonous plants to dogs. Symptoms include vomiting, drooling, abdominal pain, oral and facial irritation, loss of appetite, distress.
FLAX (LINSEED)
Botanical name
Linum usitatissimum
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, weakness, ataxia, rapid heart rate, seizures, paralysis. Potentially lethal if eaten in excess due to the cyanide in the plant.
FORGET-ME-NOTS (SCORPION GRASSES)
Botanical name
Myosotis
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Mildly toxic, may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite if a large amount is eaten.
FOXGLOVES
Botanical name
Digitalis
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, drooling, increased urination, weakness, tremors, collapse, seizures, low or abnormal heart rate. Potentially lethal.
GERANIUMS
Botanical name
Pelargonium
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Oral irritation, vomiting, drooling, loss of appetite, depression. Can cause contact dermatitis.
GLADIOLI
Botanical name
Gladiolus
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
See “Iris”.
GORSE
Botanical name
Ulex
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
See “Broom”.
GRAPEVINES
Botanical name
Vitis
Poisonous parts
All, especially fruits
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite. Grapes can cause kidney and liver damage.
HELENIUMS (SNEEZE WEEDS)
Botanical name
Helenium
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
See “Daisies”.
HELLEBORE
Botanical name
Helleborus
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Part of the buttercup family and includes the Christmas rose. Symptoms include oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, drooling, lethargy, depression, weakness, difficulty breathing, seizures. Potentially lethal.
HEMLOCK
Botanical name
Conium maculatum, Cicuta, Oenanthe crocata
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Abdominal pain, vomiting, drooling, anxiety, difficulty breathing, rolling eyes, rapid heartrate, ataxia, tremors, convulsions, seizures, sudden death. Potentially lethal.
HIBISCUS
Botanical name
Hibiscus
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
See “Mallow”.
HOLLY
Botanical name
Ilex aquifolium
Poisonous parts
Leaves, berries
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain. Sharp leaves can cause internal injury to the digestive tract.
HOLLYHOCKS
Botanical name
Alcea
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
See “Mallow”.
HONEYSUCKLE
Botanical name
Lonicera
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, abnormal heart rate, collapse, coma. Potentially lethal.
HORSE CHESTNUT
Botanical name
Aesculus hippocastanum
Poisonous parts
All, especially conkers
Symptoms & details
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, depression, difficulty breathing, spasms, convulsions, seizures, paralysis. Potentially lethal.
HOSTA
Botanical name
Hosta
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, loss of appetite, abdominal pain.
HYDRANGEAS (HORTENSIA)
Botanical name
Hydrangea
Poisonous parts
Flowers, leaves.
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, depression, lethargy.
IRIS
Botanical name
Iridaceae
Poisonous parts
All (Especially the bulb)
Symptoms & details
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, oral & abdominal pain. Can cause contact dermatitis.
JACK-IN-THE-PULPIT
Botanical name
Arisaema triphyllum
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, swollen mouth, difficult swallowing, difficulty breathing, abnormal heart rate. Can cause contact dermatitis.
JESSAMINES
Botanical name
Cestrum
Poisonous parts
All, especially the berries and sap.
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, seizures. Potentially lethal.
JIMSONWEED (DEVIL’S TRUMPET)
Botanical name
Datura
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Extreme thirst, disorientation, changes to vision, coma. Potentially lethal.
JUNIPER
Botanical name
Juniperus
Poisonous parts
Leaves, stems, berries
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite.
LABURNUM (GOLDEN CHAIN)
Botanical name
Laburnum
Poisonous parts
All, especially seeds.
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, weakness, dehydration, drowsiness, cold or blue tinted skin, abnormal heart rate, low blood pressure, convulsions, seizures. Potentially lethal.
LANTANA
Botanical name
Lantana
Poisonous parts
All, especially berries.
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), loss of appetite, depression, increased urination, swollen abdomen, photosensitivity, paralysis. Potentially lethal.
LAURELS
Botanical name
Laurus or Prunus
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Ingestion can cause abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, lethargy, depression, tremors, seizures, abnormal heart rate, difficulty breathing, changes to vision, coma.
LEYLAND CYPRUS
Botanical name
Cupressus × leylandii
Poisonous parts
Leaves, sap
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, weakness. Sap can cause dermatitis.
LILY OF THE NILE
Botanical name
Agapanthus
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Mildly toxic. See “Amaryllis”.
LILY OF THE VALLEY
Botanical name
Convallaria majalis
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, weakness, depression, lethargy, abnormal heart rate, seizures.
LOBELIA
Botanical name
Lobelia
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, abdominal pain, abnormal heart rate, nasal discharge, sore throat, difficulty breathing, convulsions, cardiac arrest. Potentially lethal.
LOCUST
Botanical name
Gleditsia or Robinia
Poisonous parts
All, especially seeds
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, weakness, difficulty breathing, liver damage, kidney damage, convulsions.
LUPINS (LUPINE)
Botanical name
Lupinus
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Foaming mouth, ataxia, loss of appetite, anxiety, difficulty breathing, convulsions, head pressing, jaundice, respiratory paralysis. Potentially lethal.
MALLOW
Botanical name
Malva
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Includes hibiscus, okra, and cotton. Usually non-toxic, but eating a lot can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.
MARSH MARIGOLD (KINGCUP)
Botanical name
Caltha palustris
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
See “Buttercups”.
MAYAPPLES
Botanical name
Podophyllum
Poisonous parts
Roots, leaves, stems, unripe fruit.
Symptoms & details
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures. Can cause dermatitis.
MEADOW-RUES
Botanical name
Thalictrum
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
See “Buttercups”.
MILKWEED
Botanical name
Asclepias
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, lethargy, loss of appetite, anxiety, ataxia, difficulty breathing, abnormal heart rate, tremors, seizures, respiratory paralysis, coma, kidney or liver failure. Potentially lethal.
MISTLETOE
Botanical name
Viscum album
Poisonous parts
Berries
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain. Can cause dermatitis. Berries can be lethal for puppies.
MUSHROOMS
Botanical name
Agaricus bisporus
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
When it comes to toxicity, different species have different levels. Some can result in mild to severe symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, weakness, ataxia, and anemia. Jaundice, organ damage, seizures, and death are possible outcomes of severe poisonings. Dangerous to a fatal degree. A few species are palatable, but the vast majority are either poisonous or fatal.
NERINES
Botanical name
Nerines
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
See “amaryllis”.
NIGHTSHADE
Botanical name
Solanaceae
Poisonous parts
Roots, stems, leaves, flowers.
Symptoms & details
All species of nightshade are poisonous plants for dogs including tomato and potato plants, Jerusalem cherry and devil’s fig. Causes vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, drowsiness, weakness, tremors, paralysis. Potentially lethal.
OAK
Botanical name
Quercus
Poisonous parts
All, including acorns.
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, (may be blood in both,) abdominal pain, lethargy, kidney damage, liver damage.
OLEANDER
Botanical name
Nerium oleander
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, lethargy, abdominal pain, tremors, collapse, seizures. Potentially lethal.
ONIONS
Botanical name
Allium cepa
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Both onions and the plant are toxic. See “Alliums”.
PASQUE FLOWER
Botanical name
Pulsatilla
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
See “Buttercups”.
PEACHES
Botanical name
Prunus persica
Poisonous parts
Stems, bark, leaves, stones. (Some species have edible fruit.)
Symptoms & details
See “Prunus”.
PEONIES
Botanical name
Paeonis officinalis
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, lethargy, depression.
PERIWINKLES
Botanical name
Vinca
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, weakness, ataxia, agitation, tremors, seizures.
PHILODENDRONS
Botanical name
Philodendron
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Oral irritation & swelling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing. Can cause contact dermatitis.
POINSETTIA
Botanical name
Euphorbia pulcherrima
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
See “Spurges”.
POISON OAKS (TOXICODENDRON)
Botanical name
Toxicodendron
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Includes the varnish tree, lacquer tree, and wax tree. Eating can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, loss of appetite. Can cause dermatitis if in contact with skin.
POKEWEED (POKEROOT)
Botanical name
Phytolacca americana
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, tremors.
POPPIES
Botanical name
Papaver
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Lethargy, depression, weakness, trembling, ataxia, pinpoint pupils, hypoventilation, slow heart rate, coma. Potentially lethal.
POTATOES
Botanical name
Solanum tuberosum
Poisonous parts
Roots, stem, leaves, flowers, unripe tubers.
Symptoms & details
All “Solanum” are toxic to dogs, see “nightshade”. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abnormal heartbeat, ataxia, weakness, tremors, seizures.
PRIMROSE
Botanical name
Primula vulgaris
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain. It may cause contact dermatitis.
PRIVET
Botanical name
Ligustrum
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, increased heart rate, ataxia. Potentially lethal.
PRUNUS (PLUMS)
Botanical name
Prunus
Poisonous parts
Stems, bark, leaves, stones. (Some species have edible fruit.)
Symptoms & details
Species include laurels, cherries, plums, peaches, and apricots. All parts of the plant (except edible fruit flesh) contain cyanide.
Ingestion can cause abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, lethargy, depression, tremors, seizures, abnormal heart rate, difficulty breathing, changes to vision, coma.
RAGWORT (STINKING WILLIE)
Botanical name
Jacobaea vulgaris
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, lethargy, depression, drowsiness, chewing motions, ataxia, head pressing, kidney damage, liver damage. Potentially lethal.
RAPESEED
Botanical name
Brassica napus
Poisonous parts
Flowers, pollen
Symptoms & details
Difficulty breathing, blindness, anemia, blistering, open sores and allergic reactions.
RHODODENDRON
Botanical name
Rhododendron
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, difficulty breathing, coma. Potentially lethal.
RHUBARB
Botanical name
Rheum rhabarbarum
Poisonous parts
Leaves
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, oral irritation, lethargy, weakness, tremors, increased thirst & urination.
ROWAN
Botanical name
Sorbus aucuparia
Poisonous parts
Berries
Symptoms & details
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite.
RUE
Botanical name
Ruta
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea. Contact with the skin can cause blisters.
SACRED BAMBOO (HEAVENLY BAMBOO)
Botanical name
Nandina domestica
Poisonous parts
Berries
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, abnormal heart rate, difficulty breathing, toxic shock, respiratory failure, collapse, seizure. Potentially lethal.
SAGO PALMS
Botanical name
Cycas revoluta
Poisonous parts
All, especially nuts.
Symptoms & details
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, blood in stool, loss of appetite, increased thirst & urination, depression, lethargy, liver failure, nose bleeds, bleeding gums, internal bleeding, seizures. Potentially lethal.
SNOWDROPS
Botanical name
Galanthus
Poisonous parts
All, especially bulbs
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, (blood may be present in both), abdominal pain, ataxia, weakness, low blood pressure, low heart rate, seizures.
SOLOMON’S SEAL
Botanical name
Polygonatum
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, weakness, depression, lethargy, abnormal heart rate, seizures.
SPINDLE
Botanical name
Euonymus
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Includes various species including European spindle, winged spindle (“burning bush”), and Japanese spindle. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, abdominal pain, coughing, disorientation, exhaustion, tremors, unconsciousness, changes to heart rate and vision, coma. Potentially fatal. May cause contact dermatitis.
SPURGES
Botanical name
Euphorbia
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Various species including some succulents like the poinsetti and pencil cactus. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, abdominal pain. Can cause dermatitis, blisters, and burning if in contact with your dog’s skin.
STAR OF BETHLEHEM
Botanical name
Ornithogalum
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, drooling, increased urination, weakness, tremors, collapse, seizures, low or abnormal heart rate. Potentially lethal.
ST JOHN’S WORT
Botanical name
Hypericum perforatum
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, photosensitivity, changes to vision, fever. Can cause contact dermatitis. Long term ingestion can cause liver and skin damage.
STRING OF PEARLS
Botanical name
Senecio rowleyanus
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, abdominal pain, lethargy, convulsions, liver failure. May cause skin irritation.
SWEETPEAS
Botanical name
Lathyrus odoratus
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, weakness, tremors, anxiety, head pressing, anemia, seizures. Potentially lethal.
SWEET WILLIAMS
Botanical name
Dianthus barbatus
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
See “Carnations”.
THUJA
Botanical name
Thuja
Poisonous parts
Leaves, flowers
Symptoms & details
Contact dermatitis.
TOBACCO PLANT
Botanical name
Nicotiana
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Low heart rate, hypoventilation, difficulty breathing, uncontrolled toileting, tremors, seizures. Potentially lethal.
TOMATOES
Botanical name
Solanum lycopersicum
Poisonous parts
Stems, leaves, unripe (green) fruit.
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, abnormal heartbeat, ataxia, weakness, tremors, seizures.
UMBRELLA TREE
Botanical name
Schefflera
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Drooling, oral irritation and swelling, vomiting, diarrhoea. Can cause contact dermatitis.
VETCH
Botanical name
Vicia
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea.
WALNUTS
Botanical name
Juglans
Poisonous parts
Bark, leaves, nuts, especially black walnuts.
Symptoms & details
Drooling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, ataxia, fever, tremors, seizures, jaundice. Potentially lethal.
WIDOW’S-THRILL
Botanical name
Kalanchoe
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, abnormal heart rate, difficulty breathing, ataxia.
WISTERIA
Botanical name
Wisteria
Poisonous parts
All, especially seeds and sed pods.
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, drowsiness, dehydration, collapse. Potentially fatal.
WOLFSBANE (ACONITE, MONK’S HOOD)
Botanical name
Aconitum
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Vomiting, abdominal pain, foaming mouth, weakness, tremors, seizures, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat.
YARROW
Botanical name
Achillea millefolium
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
Contact can cause dermatitis. Ingestion can cause increased urination, vomiting, excessive drooling, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, lethargy.
YEW
Botanical name
Taxus
Poisonous parts
All
Symptoms & details
English yews and Japanese yews are among the many taxus species that are poisonous to humans. The effects of ingestion include lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, coma, and abrupt death. Possibly lethal.