Dogs are curious creatures who love to explore their surroundings with their nose and mouth. While this is generally harmless behavior, it can become dangerous when certain common houseplants are involved. Some of the most popular houseplants can actually be quite toxic to dogs if ingested. Knowing which houseplants pose a risk is important for all dog owners.
This article will cover 9 types of popular houseplants that are toxic and potentially fatal to dogs. We will examine why each plant is dangerous, what types of symptoms it can cause if ingested, and how to keep your dog safe. Gaining awareness about poisonous houseplants is vital for protecting the health of your beloved canine companion.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is well known for its healing properties for humans. However, the gel and latex within the leaves can cause unpleasant symptoms in dogs. All parts of the aloe vera plant contain saponins, compounds known as anthraquinones that have laxative effects.
If a dog eats the gel or latex found in the aloe vera leaves, they are likely to experience:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Tremors
These effects can occur rapidly after ingestion and may indicate a toxic reaction is taking place. If a large amount is consumed, it has the potential to cause electrolyte imbalances and even kidney dysfunction. Seek veterinarian assistance immediately if you suspect your dog has ingested any part of an aloe vera plant.
To keep your dog safe, place all potted aloe vera plants out of reach. Be aware that some gels and ointments for human use also contain aloe vera, which could be dangerous if licked or eaten. Monitor your dog carefully if these products are used and stored in the home.
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums, often called mums, are a popular perennial flower grown both outdoors and as a houseplant. But dog owners should beware – all members of the Chrysanthemum genus contain pyrethrins. These naturally occurring insecticides are toxic to dogs if eaten.
Ingesting any part of the mum plant, including the leaves, stems, and flowers, can cause:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hypersalivation
- Incoordination
- Seizures
These symptoms usually appear quite rapidly after a dog consumes chrysanthemum plant parts. In severe toxicity cases, it may have effects on the nervous system and even liver failure can develop. Unfortunately, mums are commonly included in flower arrangements and pots meant for decor. Be vigilant and don’t allow your dog access.
To prevent chrysanthemum poisoning, keep potted mums out of paw’s reach. Avoid using cut mums in floral displays within easy access. Opt for silk versions of the flowers instead if possible. Be watchful when walking dogs near houses or parks with mums planted outside.
Daffodil
Bright and cheery daffodils are among the most popular spring-blooming bulbs. Yet every part of these flowers, including the bulbs underground, is toxic to dogs. Daffodils contain lycorine, an alkaloid that causes vomiting, diarrhea, and even cardiac arrhythmias when eaten. Additional alkaloids like narcissine can cause tremors and convulsions.
Consuming any part of a daffodil can lead to symptoms like:
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Tremors
- Heart arrhythmias
In some cases, ingestion leads to severe dehydration or even death. Seek veterinary help if you believe your dog has eaten any part of a daffodil plant. Prompt treatment is vital.
Since the bulbs are toxic too, be sure to plant daffodils in areas dogs cannot access. Keep cut flowers out of reach and choose daffodil alternatives if possible. Daffodil poisoning is completely preventable with proper precautions.
Elephant Ear
Elephant ear plants (Alocasia species) are tropical perennials grown indoors and outside in warmer climates. Their large, arrowhead-shaped leaves make a dramatic statement in home and garden design. However, they also contain calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation, drooling, and difficult swallowing if chewed or consumed.
Additional symptoms that may develop if a dog eats an elephant ear plant include:
- Painful burning and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips
- Pawing at the mouth
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
Left untreated, the swollen mouth and throat can progress and make it hard for the dog to consume foods or water normally. Dehydration may occur as a result. Seek veterinary assistance if elephant ear plant ingestion is suspected. Prompt care is essential for reducing discomfort and preventing complications.
The best prevention is keeping elephant ear houseplants and outdoor plantings out of a dog’s reach. Place potted varieties up high or consider using artificial plants instead if you have a curious dog. Supervise dogs outdoors around elephant ears and redirect them from contact with the plants.
Hyacinth
Hyacinths are spring flowering bulbs with a distinct sweet, appealing fragrance. However, they also contain oxalate crystals as well as toxic alkaloids that can provoke a reaction if a dog ingests any parts. The bulbs are especially dangerous.
Eating hyacinth plant parts may lead to the following symptoms:
- Excess drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Depression
- Tremors
- Seizures
In rare cases of large ingestions, muscle spasms, respiratory failure, coma, or death could occur. Seek immediate veterinary help if you think your dog ate hyacinths. Fast treatment greatly improves the chances of recovery.
Keeping hyacinth plants, especially the bulbs, away from dogs is extremely important. Opt for artificial versions instead of real hyacinth plants and flowers in the home. Avoid planting them in outdoor beds or pots a dog could access. Supervise pets outside near neighbors’ hyacinths. Prevention is vital when it comes to these beautiful but toxic spring blooms.
Lilies
Many varieties of lilies are extremely toxic to dogs. True lilies (Lilium species) and daylilies (Hemerocallis species) both pose a major risk. All parts of these plants, including the stems, leaves, flowers, pollen, and even the water in a vase, contain nephrotoxic substances that can cause kidney failure in dogs.
Just small ingestions – such as a few leaves or petals – could lead to symptoms like:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Increased thirst and urination
As kidney damage progresses, other signs like ulcers in the mouth, oral bleeding, and foul breath may develop. Ultimately, kidney failure and death is possible if left untreated. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if lily ingestion is suspected. Quick intervention is critical.
Since all parts of lilies are dangerous, it is best to keep them out of homes with dogs altogether. Choose silk or artificial flowers instead. Supervise dogs carefully outdoors when lilies are planted nearby and prevent access. Any contact with lilies should be treated as an emergency.
Oleander
Oleander is an outdoor shrub commonly grown for its attractive and profuse flowers. However, it is also extremely toxic for dogs. All parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, flowers, and fruit contain cardiac glycosides that affect the heart. Even small ingestions can be life-threatening.
Consuming any part of an oleander plant can lead to symptoms like:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Abnormal heart rate
- Dilated pupils
- Weakness
- Collapse
- Seizures
- Sudden death
If you believe your dog ate any quantity of oleander, seek emergency veterinary care immediately for the best chance of survival. Prompt treatment is critical but there is no antidote for oleander poisoning. Prevent any potential exposure by keeping dogs away from outdoor oleander plantings. Supervise pets in yards where oleanders are present.
Sago Palm
Sago palms (Cycas revoluta) are tropical plants often kept as houseplants or outdoors in warm climates. They contain cycasin, a deadly toxin that can cause severe liver failure in dogs if any parts are ingested. The seeds hold the highest concentrations of toxins.
Just small ingestions of 1-3 seeds could lead to symptoms like:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bloody stools
- Jaundice
- Increased thirst
- Abdominal pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding disorders
- Liver dysfunction
- Death
Treatment is largely supportive care, so preventing exposure is key. All parts of the sago palm are toxic, with the seeds being most dangerous. Keep indoor and outdoor plants out of reach of dogs. Check for dropped seeds if you have sago palms in your home or yard. Seek immediate veterinary treatment if any ingestion is suspected.
Schefflera
Schefflera houseplants, also known as umbrella plants, are popular for their glossy green leaflets and air purifying abilities. However, they contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, and mouth pain when chewed or eaten.
If a dog consumes a significant amount of a Schefflera plant, they may experience symptoms like:
- Excessive drooling
- Pain when swallowing
- Loss of appetite
- Pawing at the mouth
- Swollen tongue and lips
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Seek veterinary care if symptoms occur, as intense irritation and swelling could lead to breathing issues. Treatment will focus on relieving pain and preventing complications. Prevent access by keeping Schefflera plants out of reach of dogs in homes and gardens.
Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera)
The Swiss cheese plant, also called Monstera deliciosa, is admired for its large, dramatic, hole-filled leaves. But it contains calcium oxalates that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and localized swelling if chewed by pets.
Consuming plant parts may lead to symptoms like:
- Painful irritation to the mouth and tongue
- Pawing at the mouth
- Excessive drooling
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swollen lips and mouth
- Vomiting
While significant ingestions can produce more severe reactions, even mild contact with the plant can be quite painful. Seek veterinary treatment to manage discomfort, swelling, and dehydration. Prevent contact by keeping Monstera plants up high and out of a dog’s reach.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a popular and easy to grow houseplant. However, its stems and leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals that produce oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs that nibble or ingest them.
Chewing on a ZZ plant can lead to symptoms like:
- Excessive drooling
- Pain and swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth
- Pawing at the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
While small ingestions may only cause mild irritation, larger quantities can lead to painful swelling and inflammation. Dogs may refuse food and water due to discomfort. Prompt veterinary treatment helps manage pain and prevent complications. Keep ZZ plants out of reach to avoid exposure.
Now that you know which popular houseplants are most dangerous for dogs, you can take steps to prevent poisoning and keep your pet safe. Avoiding exposure completely is ideal. If you suspect your dog has eaten any part of a toxic plant, seek immediate veterinary advice for proper treatment and monitoring. With vigilance and proper precautions, we can help prevent needless plant-related illnesses and deaths in our beloved dogs.
9 Popular Houseplants Poisonous to Dogs FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about popular houseplants that are toxic and dangerous for dogs:
What common houseplants should be avoided with dogs?
Some of the most dangerous houseplants for dogs include:
- Lilies
- Oleander
- Sago palm
- Chrysanthemum
- Aloe vera
- Daffodil bulbs
- Hyacinth bulbs
- Elephant ear
- ZZ plant
- Swiss cheese plant (Monstera)
Why are lilies so toxic to dogs?
True lilies (Lilium species) and daylilies (Hemerocallis species) contain nephrotoxic substances throughout the plant that can cause kidney injury and kidney failure in dogs, even with ingestion of very small amounts. All parts are dangerous, including the pollen.
What symptoms occur if a dog eats oleander?
Oleander ingestion affects the heart and can cause abnormal heart rate, rhythm disturbances, weakness, collapse, seizures, and sudden death. Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are other possible symptoms. Seek emergency veterinary treatment immediately.
Are tulips and daffodils toxic to dogs too?
Yes, daffodil bulbs contain dangerous alkaloids that cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and heart arrhythmias in dogs. Tulip bulbs contain similar toxic substances that can lead to mouth irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. Keep all spring flowering bulbs away from dogs.
What makes sago palm so poisonous?
Sago palms contain cycasin, which is a deadly toxin that causes severe liver failure if ingested. Just 1-3 seeds could be fatal. All parts are toxic, with seeds being most dangerous. Seek emergency vet care if any part is consumed.
Why does aloe vera poison dogs?
The leaves contain saponins that have a laxative effect. Dogs may experience vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and kidney dysfunction after eating gel or latex from the leaves.
How does a schefflera plant poison dogs?
Ingesting schefflera leaves, stems, or sap can irritate the mouth. Chewing and eating causes excessive drooling, mouth pain, vomiting, and diarrhea due to calcium oxalate crystals in the plant.
What symptoms occur if a dog eats a Swiss cheese plant?
Swiss cheese plant’s calcium oxalates cause painful mouth and tongue irritation, drooling, trouble swallowing, and oral swelling. These symptoms happen even with mild contact with the plant.
How can ZZ plant poison dogs?
ZZ plant’s calcium oxalate crystals irritate the mouth, gums, tongue, and throat. Excess drooling, trouble swallowing, vomiting, and diarrhea can occur after ingestion. Pain and swelling may prevent normal eating and drinking.
What steps prevent houseplant poisoning in dogs?
- Keep all toxic plants completely out of reach of dogs
- Avoid toxic plants both indoors and in outdoor landscaping
- Use pet-safe alternatives like silk flowers instead of toxic real plants
- Monitor dogs closely if toxic plants are present nearby
- Seek immediate vet treatment if ingestion occurs
Conclusion
Many popular and beautiful household plants can pose a serious risk to dogs that may ingest any part of them. Toxic reactions can develop rapidly and lead to distressing or even fatal consequences. However, through education and proper preventative measures, plant poisonings are completely avoidable.
The key is vigilance and keeping dangerous varieties completely out of reach. If you suspect your dog has eaten any part of a toxic plant, seek emergency veterinary advice right away for the best chance of recovery. Knowledge of the most hazardous indoor and outdoor plants will help all pet owners protect the health of their cherished canine companions.