The ultimate list of poisonous plants for dogs

What are poisonous plants for dogs?

Poisonous plants for dogs are plants that produce toxic substances that cause your pooch harm if they are eaten or if the plant comes into contact with their skin. Some plants that are poisonous to dogs can be fatal, but most will cause gastrointestinal illness and might not always pose a lethal risk.

Dogs are often pretty indiscriminate and voracious eaters, happy to forage and munch anything that smells tasty to them. Although your pooch will often avoid poisonous plants because they usually smell or taste unpleasant, not every plant is unpalatable so your pup might be tempted to snaffle some salad.

Plus, not every dog knows when to stop when it comes to eating anything, let alone something bad for them. As an owner, you’ll need to keep a close eye on your pooch and make sure they’re not picking up anything they shouldn’t be eating, whether that’s poo or a toxic plant.

If you suspect your dog has eaten a poisonous plant, try to take a sample or a photo of the plant and contact your vet for advice.

Common poisonous plants for dogs

Many of the plants we have in our homes and gardens can be poisonous to dogs. Here’s a quick run-through of some of the common home and garden plants pup-ular with us humans that can be dangerous for your pooch.

Common poisonous plants for dogs in your home and garden

Daffodils & Narcissus

Daffodils and Narcissus are toxic to dogs. All parts of the plants are harmful to dogs, but the bulb is especially toxic. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning in dogs include drooling, drowsiness, vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, abnormal heart rate, tremors, and seizures. Contact with daffodil bulbs can cause dermatitis in dogs, while inhaling the dust from bulbs can irritate their airways.

Tulips

All parts of a tulip plant are poisonous to dogs, but the bulbs are especially toxic. Symptoms of tulip toxicity include drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lack of appetite, and depression. Tulips also contain chemicals which can cause dermatitis, so your pooch might develop inflamed skin, or suffer with an irritated and sore mouth.

Hyacinths

All parts of a hyacinth are toxic to dogs, and if they eat any it can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, which may contain blood, as well as drooling, tremors, lethargy and depression.

Bluebells

Did you know Britain is home to half the world’s bluebells? Did you also know that these beautiful blue flowers are also poisonous plants for dogs, and like most spring flowers, the bulbs are especially toxic. Symptoms of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and disorientation. It can even affect their heart if they eat a lot.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera might be medicinal for humans, but it’s leaves are poisonous to dogs and can damage their digestive system. Symptoms of aloe vera ingestion include: vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, loss of appetite, and tremors.

Jade tree

Jade trees (Sometimes called “rubber plants”,) are considered toxic to canines and if they eat any part of the plant they may suffer from vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, ataxia, and abnormal heart rate.

Lilies

Most species of lilies are poisonous to dogs, including common varieties like peace lilies, calla lilies and other arum lilies, glory lilies, leopard lilies, and stargazer. Fatal cases of lily poisoning are rare.

True lilies (“Lilium”) are toxic, while day lilies (“Hemerocallis”) are non-toxic but still cause moderate illness. Symptoms of lily poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, lack of appetite, lethargy, red eyes and gums, abdominal pain, abnormal heart rate, and seizures.

Some species of lily contain calcium oxalate crystals which can cause irritation and swelling in the mouth if eaten, and can cause dermatitis.

Ivy

Most species of ivy are poisonous to dogs, including common varieties that could be growing in your home or garden like English, German, or Needlepoint ivy. The common houseplant “devil’s ivy” (pothos) is equally toxic.

Ivy causes oral irritation and swelling, which can lead to difficulty breathing and swallowing in severe cases. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and abdominal pain. All different species of ivy can also cause dermatitis and blistering on the skin.

Monstera

All types of monsteras are poisonous plants for dogs. The most common species and the one we most often refer to as monstera is “monstera deliciosa”, or the swiss cheese plant. This gorgeous greenery might have seen viral popularity this year, but it is still a poisonous plant for dogs.

Monsteras cause oral irritation and swelling to dogs who munch on them, which might cause difficulty breathing or swallowing in severe cases. Other symptoms of monstera poisoning include drooling and vomiting.

Zanzibar Gem

Also called the ZZ plant, these are considered toxic to dogs and will usually cause gastrointestinal illness like vomiting and diarrhoea if eaten. Every bit of the plant is toxic to dogs, (and to humans too.)

Dracaena

Given the hardiness and structural appearance, dracaena are very popular houseplants. There are dozens of species commonly bought to decorate our homes including money trees, dragon trees, lucky bamboo, snake plants, and corn plants. Every kind of dracaena is a poisonous plant for dogs, and signs of toxicity include vomiting and diarrhoea (sometimes with blood in each), drooling, loss of appetite, and depression.

Are there other poisonous plants for dogs?

There are dozens of species of poisonous plants for dogs that could be along your walking route or even in your home and garden. These plants range from mild to severe in their toxicity levels, and some may even be fatal if your pooch eats them in excess.

Remember, toxicity will vary depending on the amount eaten and the size of your dog. Small dogs are at much higher risk of severe symptoms and even death simply because of their size and the fact it takes a far smaller dose to cause illness.

We’ve compiled an extensive (but not exhaustive) of poisonous plants for dogs which your pooch might come into contact with in your home and garden or when out on walkies.

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

Vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, drooling, pale gums, bad breath, lethargy, anemia, ataxia, changes to heart rate and breathing, collapse. (The allium family also contains chives, shallots, onions, and garlic.)

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

Vomiting, drooling. Contains calcium oxalate crystals which can cause contact dermatitis, and pain and swelling in the mouth if eaten.

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

Toxicity varies between species. Some can cause mild-severe symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, weakness, ataxia and anemia. More severe poisonings can include jaundice, organ damage, seizures, and death. Potentially lethal. Some species may be edible, but many are toxic and some are lethal.

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

All taxus species are toxic, including English and Japanese yews. Ingestion causes dizziness, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, coma, sudden death. Potentially fatal.