10 Common Poisonous Plants Every Pet Owner Should Know
Pets bring joy to our lives, and as their guardians, we’re responsible for ensuring their safety—especially in our homes and gardens. While many plants are harmless, some can be highly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, causing symptoms from mild discomfort to serious health issues. Here’s a list of ten common poisonous plants every pet owner should know, along with the risks they pose and tips for keeping your pets safe.
Lilies (Lilium spp.)
Lilies are beautiful but extremely dangerous to cats. Even small amounts—such as pollen, petals, or leaves—can cause acute kidney failure in cats. Dogs are less sensitive but may still experience stomach upset.
Risk Level: High for cats
Common Symptoms: Vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, kidney failure
Safe Alternative: Opt for pet-friendly flowers like roses or orchids instead.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is widely loved for its healing properties, but it’s toxic to both cats and dogs if ingested. The gel inside the leaves is safe for humans but contains saponins and anthraquinones, which can irritate pets’ digestive systems.
Risk Level: Moderate
Common Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors
Safe Alternative: Try haworthia, a lookalike succulent that’s non-toxic.
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
Dieffenbachia is a popular houseplant due to its attractive variegated leaves, but it contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation and swelling in pets.
Risk Level: Moderate to High
Common Symptoms: Drooling, oral irritation, difficulty swallowing, vomiting
Safe Alternative: Consider calathea, which is safe and equally decorative.
Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
Every part of the sago palm is toxic, but the seeds are the most dangerous. Ingestion can lead to severe liver damage and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Risk Level: Extremely High
Common Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, liver failure
Safe Alternative: Use areca palms for a similar tropical look without the risk.
Tulips
Tulip bulbs, in particular, are toxic to pets, though the entire plant contains harmful compounds. Curious pets digging up freshly planted bulbs are at the highest risk.
Risk Level: Moderate
Common Symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, depression
Safe Alternative: Plant pet-safe spring blooms like crocuses or marigolds instead.
Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Oleander is a beautiful flowering shrub, but it’s highly toxic to both pets and humans. Even a small amount can be deadly due to its cardiac glycosides, which affect the heart.
Risk Level: Extremely High
Common Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heart rhythm, tremors, death
Safe Alternative: Try hibiscus for similar showy blooms that are non-toxic.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is a popular, low-maintenance houseplant, but its insoluble calcium oxalate crystals can cause oral and gastrointestinal irritation if ingested.
Risk Level: Moderate
Common Symptoms: Drooling, oral irritation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Safe Alternative: Replace pothos with a pet-safe plant like a spider plant.
Azaleas and Rhododendrons
These stunning flowering shrubs are highly toxic to pets, containing grayanotoxins that interfere with the heart and nervous system.
Risk Level: High
Common Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, abnormal heart rhythms, seizures
Safe Alternative: Camellias offer a similar look and are non-toxic.
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
While English ivy is a classic addition to gardens and homes, its leaves contain triterpenoid saponins that are toxic to pets.
Risk Level: Moderate
Common Symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea
Safe Alternative: Replace ivy with Swedish ivy, which is pet-friendly and equally attractive.
Philodendron
Philodendrons are trendy for their lush, tropical foliage, but they contain calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate pets’ mouths and stomachs.
Risk Level: Moderate
Common Symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, pawing at the mouth, difficulty swallowing
Safe Alternative: Use a pet-safe option like a parlor palm for a similar aesthetic.
Tips for Keeping Pets Safe Around Plants
- Do Your Research: Before bringing a plant into your home or garden, verify if it’s toxic to pets. The ASPCA’s plant database is a great resource.
- Place Plants Strategically: Keep toxic plants out of reach, such as on high shelves or in hanging baskets.
- Choose Pet-Safe Alternatives: There are plenty of beautiful, non-toxic plants to choose from, like calatheas, marantas, or ferns.
- Train Your Pets: Teach your pets to avoid plants by providing alternative chew toys or using pet deterrent sprays.
- Know the Signs of Poisoning: Symptoms like vomiting, drooling, lethargy, or seizures require immediate veterinary attention.
By being mindful of the plants you bring into your home, you can create a safe, stylish space for both your plants and your beloved pets. If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, contact your vet or an animal poison control center immediately.