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.
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Learn morePlus, 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.
