Plants & Flowers — Safe for Dogs?

succulent

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

plant

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

plant

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

plant

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

flower

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

flower

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

plant

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

plant

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

flower

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

plant

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

plant

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

flower

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

plant

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

vine

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

flower

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

shrub

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

flower

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

flower

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

plant

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

herb

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

flower

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.

plant

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

seasonal

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

plant

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

vine

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

fungus

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

plant

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

shrub

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

houseplant

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

plant

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

houseplant

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

seasonal

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

houseplant

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

flower

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

palm

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

plant

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

houseplant

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

plant

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

flower

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.

vine

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

tree

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

plant

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

houseplant

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