Most Common Plants That Are Poisonous to Dogs
by Dr. Marty Pets Team | Jul 7, 2019 | 0 comments
Do you know what plants are poisonous to dogs? When it comes to keeping your dog safe, you’re likely vigilant about chocolate, grapes, and xylitol. But have you looked at your garden? Plants poisonous to dogs are everywhere – English ivy, Oleander, and oak trees, for example, may already be in your backyard.
Some of these toxic plants can cause mild symptoms, like vomiting and diarrhea, but others can do extreme liver and heart damage. To keep your dog safe, make sure you learn about poisonous plants for dogs and avoid planting them where your dog roams.
Aloe Vera
Humans can use aloe vera to soothe everything from sunburns to irritable bowel syndrome. Even though this is an organic, natural remedy, it is not considered entirely safe for animals.
Some uses are okay – apply it topically to treat your dog’s hotspots or wounds, for example. But if you apply it as a salve, make sure your dog can’t lick the area.1
Turns out, aloe vera leaves contain a chemical called saponin, which is toxic to both animals and children if ingested. Aloe also contains latex, which is a powerful laxative that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and extreme dehydration.2
Level of toxicity: mild to moderate3
Symptoms:
Soon after ingestion, you may see these signs of irritation:
• Gastrointestinal upset
• Abnormal heart rate
• Difficulty breathing
• Refusing to eat
• Dark urine
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Dilated pupils
• Lethargy
• Skin irritation (bumps, flaky skin, and hair loss)
Azaleas
Azaleas are vibrant flowering shrubs that can be extremely toxic to dogs and other animals if ingested. Its leaves and stems contain a cardiovascular toxin called grayanotoxin that’s capable of weakening your dog’s heartbeat to the point of coma or death.4
While pretty, azaleas and other varieties of rhododendrons are toxic to dogs and should be avoided in any garden where the family has pets.
Level of toxicity: Extremely poisonous to pets. Should be considered an emergency.5
Symptoms:
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
• Cardiac failure6
Daffodil
Every part of the sunny, yellow daffodil, including the petals, stems, leaves, and bulbs, is toxic if ingested.
Daffodils contain lycorine, an alkaloid that can trigger vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and even heartbeat irregularities. The bulbs contain the most concentrated amount of lycorine. As such, they’re the most dangerous part of the plant.
If you have daffodils in your garden, and your dog likes to dig, you might consider getting rid of them. These poisonous plants for dogs can cause harm if your pup digs up the bulbs, bites the leaves, or even brushes up against the plant.7
Level of toxicity: mild to moderate
Symptoms:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Increased heart rate
• Abdominal pain
• Abnormal breathing
• Tremors and cardiac arrhythmias8
Philodendron
Philodendron is a large genus of tropical plants that are popular because they have interesting foliage and they’re easy to care for. Unfortunately, these indoor plants contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can’t be digested by the body.9
If your pup chews or swallows a philodendron, these sharp crystals can cause extreme irritation and pain. Ouch! Because it’s immediately painful, your pup likely won’t swallow a large amount of the plant. But if they do, you’ll need to call your veterinarian right away.
Level of toxicity: mild to moderate
Symptoms:
• Pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips
• Excessive drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hoarse barking
• Tremors10
Sago Palm
The Sago Palm is often kept as a houseplant for its exotic, tropical vibe. All parts of the Sago Palm are poisonous, but the seeds are the most toxic to pets.11 The Sago Palm toxin, called cycasin, can cause severe liver damage.
Level of toxicity: severe
Symptoms:
As soon as 15 minutes after ingestion:
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Blood in feces (black tarry stools)
• Nose bleeds
• Lethargy
• Icterus (yellow coloration of skin and gums)
• Ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdomen)
• Abdominal pain
• Increased thirst and urination
• Bruising
• Neurological signs (depression, circling, paralysis, seizures, coma)12
Other Poisonous Plants For Dogs
Over 500 plants are recognized as toxic to dogs. The ASPCA also notes that the consumption of any plant can cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset.13 Here’s a list of some of the most popular plants poisonous to dogs.14
Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control website for a more complete list.
Herbs, Vegetables, & Edible Plants
• Chamomile
• Chives
• Garlic
• Hops
• Leeks
• Marijuana
• Onions & Shallots
• Rhubarb
• Tomato Plants
Flowers, Vines, & Ferns
• Amaryllis
• Asparagus Fern
• Autumn Crocus
• Begonia
• Laceflower
• Bleeding Heart
• Buttercup
• Castor Bean
• Chrysanthemum
• Clematis
• Cyclamen
• Foxglove
• Geranium
• Gladiola
• Hosta
• Iris
• Ivy
• Larkspur
• Lily
• Lily of the Valley
• Monkshood
• Morning Glory
• Periwinkle
• Primrose
• Star of Bethlehem
• Sweet Pea
• Tulip/Narcissus
• Wisteria
• Yarrow
Trees & Shrubs
• Apple Tree
• Apricot Tree
• Bead Tree
• Burning Bush
• Cherry Tree
• Hydrangea
• Oleander
• Peach Tree
• Plum Tree
• Winterberry Holly
• Yew
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Plants Poisonous To Dogs
If your dog is showing any symptoms of poisoning from a toxic plant, like vomiting, difficulty breathing, or tremors, take action right away. Your dog’s health depends on it. Either call your veterinarian or the 24-hour emergency ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435.
Learn More:
Sources
1 https://pets.thenest.com/aloe-gel-toxic-dogs-5970.html
2 https://wagwalking.com/condition/aloe-vera-poisoning
3 https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/aloe-vera/
4 https://www.hunker.com/13427834/how-dangerous-are-azalea-bushes-for-dogs
5 https://wagwalking.com/condition/azalea-poisoning
6 https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/azalea
7 https://wagwalking.com/condition/daffodils-poisoning
8 https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/daffodil/
9 https://wagwalking.com/condition/philodendron-poisoning
10 https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/heartleaf-philodendron
11 https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/sago-palm-poisoning
12 https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/poisoning-toxicity/c_dg_sago_palm_toxicity%20
13 https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants
14 https://blog.homesalive.ca/dangerous-garden-plants-for-dogs
DR. MARTY PRODUCTS
Loading...