Plants & Flowers — Safe for Dogs?

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Aloe vera is toxic to dogs. The saponins and anthraquinones in aloe can cause serious gastrointestinal problems.

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Aloe vera is toxic to dogs. The latex layer beneath the skin contains aloin and anthraquinones causing vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and changes in urine color. Topical aloe vera products that dogs lick are also harmful. A common household plant and medicinal product posing frequent risk.

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Aloe vera plants are toxic to dogs. The aloin in the latex layer under the skin causes vomiting diarrhea and in larger amounts more serious systemic effects. Dogs that chew on aloe vera plants or leaves need veterinary attention.

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Alstroemeria (Peruvian lily) causes contact dermatitis and mild toxicity if ingested. Not in the same toxicity category as true lilies.

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Amaryllis is toxic to dogs. Popular as a Christmas and Easter plant it contains lycorine and other alkaloids causing digestive and neurological symptoms.

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Amaryllis is toxic to dogs. It contains lycorine and other alkaloids throughout the plant causing vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, excessive salivation, lethargy, and tremors. A popular holiday houseplant that poses significant risk during Christmas and Easter.

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Autumn crocus is one of the most toxic plants for dogs. It contains colchicine which causes severe multi-organ failure.

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Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) is extremely toxic to dogs. It contains colchicine which causes severe multi-organ failure. Not to be confused with spring crocus which is less toxic. All parts of autumn crocus are highly poisonous. A veterinary emergency requiring immediate treatment.

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Azaleas are highly toxic to dogs. They contain grayanotoxins that affect the nervous system and heart.

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Azaleas and rhododendrons are highly toxic to dogs containing grayanotoxins that affect the heart and nervous system. Even small amounts cause serious toxicity and large ingestions can be fatal.

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Azaleas are highly toxic to dogs. They contain grayanotoxins that cause vomiting, drooling, weakness, and cardiac abnormalities. Even a small amount — just a few leaves — can cause serious toxicity. This is a veterinary emergency.

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Begonias are toxic to dogs. The most toxic parts are the tubers underground. Calcium oxalate crystals cause intense irritation.

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Begonias are toxic to dogs. They contain soluble calcium oxalates that cause intense oral burning, vomiting, and excessive drooling. The tubers contain the highest concentration. A very common houseplant and garden flower posing frequent risk.

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Bird of Paradise plant is toxic to dogs. The flowers and seeds cause digestive upset while the leaves can cause more serious symptoms.

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Caladium is toxic to dogs. All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate intense oral pain.

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Calendula (pot marigold) is safe for dogs and has documented anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. It is used in some natural dog skin products. Not to be confused with common marigolds (Tagetes) — calendula is a different plant and safer.

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Chrysanthemums are toxic to dogs. They contain pyrethrins and other compounds that irritate the skin, mouth, and gut.

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Chrysanthemums are toxic to dogs containing pyrethrins that cause GI irritation and neurological symptoms. While typically not fatal chrysanthemum toxicity causes significant distress and veterinary attention is needed.

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Chrysanthemums are toxic to dogs. They contain pyrethrins, sesquiterpene lactones, and other compounds causing skin irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and incoordination. The flowers and leaves are most toxic.

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Coleus plants are toxic to dogs. They contain diterpene coleonol and coleon O which cause digestive problems and skin reactions.

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Cyclamen is toxic to dogs. The tubers contain the highest concentration of toxins and can cause cardiac arrhythmia.

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Cyclamen is toxic to dogs. It contains terpenoid saponins throughout the plant causing vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and cardiac arrhythmias. The tuber (root) contains the highest concentration and is the most dangerous part.

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Daffodils are highly toxic to dogs. All parts are poisonous with the bulb being most toxic. They contain lycorine which causes severe vomiting.

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Daffodils are highly toxic to dogs with the bulbs being most dangerous. They contain lycorine and other alkaloids causing severe vomiting, low blood pressure, and cardiac arrhythmia. This is a medical emergency.

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Daffodils are toxic to dogs. They contain lycorine and other alkaloids throughout the plant that cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases cardiac arrhythmias. The bulb contains the highest toxin concentration.

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Most flowers are not safe for dogs. Common toxic flowers include lilies (fatal to cats, dangerous to dogs), azaleas, tulips, daffodils, and foxglove. A small number of flowers are non-toxic including roses, sunflowers, and calendula.

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Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia) is toxic to dogs. The calcium oxalate crystals cause immediate intense mouth pain and swelling.

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Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia) is toxic to dogs. It contains calcium oxalate crystals causing intense oral burning, swelling, and difficulty swallowing. The name comes from its ability to cause temporary speechlessness in humans from throat swelling. All parts are toxic.

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English ivy is toxic to dogs. The leaves and berries contain triterpenoid saponins causing vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological symptoms.

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English ivy is toxic to dogs with all parts containing triterpenoid saponins that cause GI irritation and skin reactions. The berries are most toxic. Contact with ivy sap causes skin irritation in sensitive dogs.

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Eucalyptus is toxic to dogs. Both the plant and eucalyptus essential oil cause significant toxicity including vomiting drooling weakness and in serious cases respiratory depression. Keep eucalyptus plants and essential oils completely away from dogs.

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Foxglove is extremely toxic to dogs. It contains cardiac glycosides that cause severe heart problems and can be fatal.

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Foxglove contains digitalis glycosides that cause fatal cardiac arrhythmia in dogs. All parts of the plant are extremely toxic including dried plants and the water in vases. This is always a cardiac emergency.

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Foxglove is extremely toxic to dogs. It contains cardiac glycosides (digitalis compounds) that cause severe cardiac arrhythmias, vomiting, seizures, and death. Every part of the plant is toxic. This is one of the most dangerous garden plants for dogs.

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Holly berries and leaves are toxic to dogs. They contain saponins, methylxanthines, and cyanogens causing gastrointestinal distress.

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Holly plants including English holly and American holly are toxic to dogs. The bright red berries are most dangerous as dogs are attracted to them. Holly causes GI distress and in large amounts more serious symptoms.

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Holly is toxic to dogs. Both the berries and leaves contain saponins, methylxanthines, and cyanogens causing vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and excessive head shaking. Holly is a common holiday decoration making dog exposure frequent during Christmas season.

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Hydrangeas are toxic to dogs. They contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when metabolized.

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Hydrangeas are toxic to dogs. They contain cyanogenic glycosides that the body converts to cyanide causing vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and in larger amounts more serious symptoms. The flower buds contain the highest concentration of toxins.

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Iris plants are toxic to dogs. The bulbs contain the highest concentration of toxins but all parts can cause irritation.

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Iris plants are toxic to dogs with the underground rhizomes being most dangerous. They contain irisin and other compounds causing GI irritation and more serious symptoms with larger ingestions.

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Irises are toxic to dogs. They contain irisin, iridin, and other irritating compounds throughout the plant causing vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and lethargy. The rhizome (underground stem) contains the highest concentration of toxins.

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Lantana is highly toxic to dogs. All parts of the plant cause liver toxicity and digestive problems.

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Lantana is highly toxic to dogs. It contains lantadene compounds causing liver failure, photosensitization, weakness, and potentially death. The berries are particularly attractive to dogs and most dangerous. A common ornamental plant in warm climates.

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Lavender contains linalool and linalool acetate which dogs cannot process effectively. Small amounts may cause mild symptoms.

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Lavender is mildly toxic to dogs in large amounts due to linalool and linalyl acetate compounds. Small amounts are generally safe and lavender is used in some dog products. Lavender essential oil is much more concentrated and toxic — never use on dogs.

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Lavender plants and dried lavender are mildly toxic to dogs if ingested in significant amounts. Small amounts cause mild digestive upset. Lavender essential oil is much more concentrated and more toxic. Aromatherapy diffuser use in well-ventilated areas is generally safe.

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Many lily species are toxic to dogs. While not as deadly as for cats some lily varieties can cause serious gastrointestinal and neurological problems in dogs.

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Lily of the Valley is one of the most toxic plants for dogs. It contains cardiac glycosides causing potentially fatal heart arrhythmia.

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Lily of the Valley is extremely toxic to dogs. It contains cardiac glycosides causing severe heart arrhythmias, vomiting, seizures, and death. All parts of the plant are highly toxic including the berries and vase water. A veterinary emergency.

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Marigolds (Tagetes species) are mildly irritating to dogs but not seriously toxic. They cause mild gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation. Not to be confused with marsh marigolds (Caltha palustris) which are more toxic. Generally safe in small amounts.

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Mistletoe is toxic to dogs. American mistletoe causes gastrointestinal upset while European mistletoe is more toxic causing cardiovascular problems.

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Mistletoe is toxic to dogs with the berries being most dangerous. It contains multiple toxic compounds causing GI distress and cardiovascular effects. Keep all holiday mistletoe completely out of reach of dogs.

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Mistletoe is toxic to dogs. Both American and European mistletoe cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in larger amounts cardiovascular and neurological effects. A particular concern during the holiday season when it is commonly used as decoration. All parts are toxic.

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Monkshood (Aconitum) is one of the most poisonous plants in the world. All parts are extremely toxic causing rapid cardiac death.

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Monkshood (Aconitum) is one of the most toxic plants in existence for dogs. It contains aconitine — an extremely potent alkaloid causing rapid cardiac and neurological failure. Even skin contact can cause toxicity. All parts are deadly. Never plant in gardens with dogs.

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Morning glory seeds are toxic to dogs and contain lysergic acid compounds similar to LSD causing hallucinations.

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Morning glory seeds are toxic to dogs and contain lysergic acid compounds similar to LSD causing hallucinations, disorientation, vomiting, and diarrhea. The seeds are the most toxic part. The vines and flowers cause milder gastrointestinal symptoms.

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Wild mushrooms can be lethal to dogs. Many species cause liver failure, kidney failure, or neurological damage. Never let dogs eat wild mushrooms.

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Deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) is one of the most toxic plants in existence. All parts are potentially fatal.

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Deadly nightshade and other nightshade plants are extremely toxic to dogs. They contain solanine and atropine causing severe neurological and cardiac symptoms. Even small amounts of berries can be fatal.

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Oleander is one of the most toxic plants for dogs. Even a small amount can be fatal. All parts are extremely dangerous.

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Oleander is one of the most toxic plants for dogs with all parts being extremely dangerous. Even small amounts can be fatal causing cardiac glycoside toxicity that stops the heart.

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Oleander is extremely toxic to dogs. It contains cardiac glycosides throughout the entire plant — even smoke from burning oleander is toxic. A single leaf can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias. One of the most toxic plants in existence for dogs.

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Peace lilies are toxic to dogs and contain calcium oxalate crystals causing immediate oral irritation and gastrointestinal problems.

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Peace lilies are toxic to dogs containing calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting. Despite the name they are not true lilies (which cause kidney failure in cats) but still cause significant toxicity in dogs. A very common indoor plant.

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Peonies are toxic to dogs. All parts of the plant cause digestive problems and potential neurological effects.

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Peonies are toxic to dogs. They contain paeonol and other compounds that cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. While not as acutely dangerous as some other toxic flowers, ingestion still warrants veterinary attention.

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Petunias are safe for dogs. They are non-toxic and listed as safe by major veterinary toxicology references. A very common garden and hanging basket flower that dogs can safely encounter.

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Philodendrons are toxic to dogs and contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals causing intense irritation throughout the digestive tract.

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Philodendron is toxic to dogs containing calcium oxalate crystals causing immediate oral burning and GI irritation. All varieties of philodendron including heartleaf and split-leaf are toxic.

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Philodendrons are toxic to dogs. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause intense oral burning, swelling, and pain when chewed. All philodendron species are toxic. A very common houseplant requiring careful placement out of dog reach.

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Poinsettias are mildly toxic to dogs. Despite their reputation they are not as dangerous as once thought but still cause irritation.

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Poinsettia is mildly toxic to dogs and significantly less dangerous than its reputation suggests. The milky sap causes oral irritation and GI upset but is rarely serious. Fatality from poinsettia is extremely rare.

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Poinsettias are mildly toxic to dogs. They contain irritating sap that causes drooling, vomiting, and skin irritation. While commonly believed to be highly toxic, the toxicity is actually mild — a dog would need to eat a large amount to experience serious symptoms.

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Pothos (Devil's Ivy) is toxic to dogs and contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals causing mouth and gastrointestinal irritation.

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Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is one of the most common toxic houseplants and contains calcium oxalate crystals causing immediate oral pain. All varieties including golden pothos and marble queen are toxic to dogs.

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Pothos (Devil's Ivy) is toxic to dogs containing insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause intense oral irritation, drooling, and swelling. One of the most common houseplants in the world making dog exposure frequent. All varieties including golden pothos are equally toxic.

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Rhododendrons are toxic to dogs and contain the same grayanotoxins as azaleas. All parts are dangerous.

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Rhododendrons contain the same grayanotoxins as azaleas and are highly toxic to dogs. All parts are dangerous and even small amounts cause cardiac and neurological toxicity. This is a medical emergency.

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Rhododendrons are highly toxic to dogs — the same grayanotoxins as azaleas cause vomiting, weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and potentially death. All parts of the plant including nectar and honey made from rhododendron are toxic. Always a veterinary emergency.

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Rose petals are not toxic to dogs but roses present physical hazards from thorns. Plain rose petals from untreated roses are safe in small amounts. Garden roses may have been treated with pesticides — only offer petals from confirmed untreated roses.

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Sago palm is one of the most toxic plants for dogs. All parts especially the seeds contain cycasin causing liver failure.

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Sago palm is one of the most toxic plants for dogs. Cycasin causes severe liver failure and neurological damage. Every part of the plant is toxic including seeds, leaves, and roots. Even one seed can cause fatal liver failure. Always an extreme veterinary emergency.

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Plain dried seaweed supplements designed for dogs are safe. Wild beach seaweed however is dangerous as it expands dramatically in the stomach.

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Snake plants (Sansevieria) are mildly toxic to dogs. They contain saponins that cause gastrointestinal upset.

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Snake plants (Sansevieria/Dracaena trifasciata) are toxic to dogs containing saponins that cause GI upset. While not among the most deadly houseplants any ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea.

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Snake plants (Mother-in-Law's Tongue) are toxic to dogs. They contain saponins causing vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and nausea. An extremely popular and nearly indestructible houseplant making dog exposure very common. All varieties of Sansevieria are toxic.

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Snapdragons are safe for dogs. They are non-toxic and one of the recommended dog-friendly garden flowers. Dogs can safely eat snapdragon flowers and leaves without experiencing toxicity.

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Sunflowers are safe for dogs. The petals, leaves, and stems are non-toxic. Sunflower seeds without salt or shells are a healthy treat. Sunflowers are one of the safest flowers to have in a garden with dogs.

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The tomato plant itself is toxic to dogs including leaves, stems, and unripe green tomatoes. Only ripe red tomato flesh is caution-level safe.

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The tomato plant is toxic to dogs. Green unripe tomatoes and all green parts of the tomato plant — leaves stems and vines — contain solanine and tomatine causing toxicity. Ripe red tomatoes are safe in small amounts.

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Tulips are toxic to dogs. The highest concentration of toxins is in the bulb but all parts of the plant including petals and leaves are harmful.

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Tulips are toxic to dogs with the bulbs being most dangerous. They contain tulipalin compounds causing GI distress and more serious symptoms including cardiac effects with large bulb ingestion.

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Tulips are toxic to dogs. The entire plant contains allergenic lactones and other compounds that cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and lethargy. The bulb contains the highest concentration of toxins and is the most dangerous part.

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Wisteria is toxic to dogs. The seeds and pods contain lectin and wisterin which cause severe gastrointestinal issues.

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Wisteria is toxic to dogs with all parts being dangerous especially seeds and seed pods. Wisteria causes severe GI distress and can cause collapse in dogs that eat significant quantities.

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Wisteria is toxic to dogs. The seeds and seed pods contain wisterin glycoside and lectin causing severe vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The flowers and leaves cause milder symptoms. Seeds are the most dangerous part.

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Yew is extremely toxic to dogs. The berries and leaves contain taxine alkaloids that cause sudden heart failure.

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Yew is extremely toxic to dogs. It contains taxine alkaloids that cause rapid cardiac failure. All parts except the red berry flesh are toxic — the seed inside the red berry is the most dangerous part. Even small amounts can cause sudden death. Extremely common garden and landscaping plant.

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Yucca root is safe for dogs in very small amounts and is used in some veterinary supplements but the yucca plant itself is toxic.

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Zinnias are safe for dogs. They are non-toxic and one of the recommended flowers for dog-friendly gardens. Bright colorful flowers that dogs can safely encounter without risk of toxicity.

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ZZ plants are toxic to dogs. All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals causing irritation throughout the digestive tract.

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The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is toxic to dogs containing calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate oral pain and burning. All parts are toxic with the sap causing skin and eye irritation on contact.

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ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) are toxic to dogs containing calcium oxalate crystals causing oral irritation, vomiting, and digestive upset. An increasingly popular houseplant for its low maintenance requirements. All parts of the plant are toxic.