19 Plants That Are Poisonous to Dogs – A Vet‑Backed Guide

Poisonous Plants and Your Pup

Indoor and outdoor plants can brighten a home, but many are harmful to dogs. Knowing which plants pose a danger—and having safer alternatives—helps protect your furry friend.

With guidance from veterinarians, this list highlights the most common toxic plants and offers dog‑friendly substitutes. If your dog has ingested any of these plants, contact your vet or the Animal Poison Control Center at 1‑888‑426‑4435 immediately.

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Aloe Vera

Aloe vera

Toxic components: Saponins and anthraquinones

Although aloe’s soothing gel is popular for skin care, the plant’s leaves contain saponins and anthraquinones, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in dogs. Keep the plant elevated—such as on a high shelf—so your pup cannot reach it.

Safe alternative: Zebra Haworthia (Haworthiopsis attenuata) offers a similar aesthetic without the risk.

Golden Pothos

Epipremnum aureum

Toxic component: Insoluble calcium oxalates

Golden pothos releases calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth and throat, leading to drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Severe cases may cause intense oral pain.

Safe alternative: The Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura) offers lush foliage and is non‑toxic to dogs.

Milkweed

Asclepias

Toxic components: Cardiotoxins and neurotoxins

Milkweed can disrupt cardiac and neurological function in dogs, causing weakness, vomiting, and in severe cases seizures or organ failure. Keep this plant outdoors or out of reach.

Safe alternative: Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila paniculata) provides delicate blooms without the toxicity.

Sago Palm

Cycas revoluta

Toxic component: Cycasin

Ingesting any part of the sago palm can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and potentially liver failure. Even a single seed can be lethal.

Safe alternative: The Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) offers similar elegance and is safe for dogs.

Azaleas

Rhododendron

Toxic component: Grayanotoxin

All parts of azaleas are poisonous, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, heart rhythm disturbances, and potentially fatal cardiovascular collapse.

Safe alternative: A pink‑hued Bromeliad delivers vibrant color without the danger.

Tulips

Tulipa

Toxic components: Tulipalin A and B

Tulip leaves, stems, and bulbs contain compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, and depression in dogs.

Safe alternative: Gerbera Daisies (Gerbera jamesonii) offer a colorful spring display and are non‑toxic.

Garlic and Onion

Allium sativum and Allium cepa

Toxic component: N‑propyl disulfide

Allium species can trigger hemolysis, destroying red blood cells and causing weakness, rapid breathing, and dark urine. Prompt veterinary care, often including blood transfusion, is essential.

Safe alternative: Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is herbaceous, easy to grow, and safe for dogs.

Dumb Cane

Dieffenbachia

Toxic components: Calcium oxalate crystals and proteolytic enzymes

Ingesting dumb cane can lead to mouth and throat swelling, intense oral pain, drooling, and even skin irritation if the sap contacts skin or eyes.

Safe alternative: Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) offers broad, green leaves and is dog‑friendly.

Elephant’s Ear

Alocasia

Toxic component: Calcium oxalates

Calcium oxalate crystals in this striking plant can cause severe oral irritation and systemic symptoms if ingested. Contact a vet immediately if your dog shows signs of distress.

Safe alternative: Calathea Pinstripe (Calathea spp.) provides a similar tropical look and is safe for pets.

Citrus Plants and Peels

Rutaceae family

Toxic components: Essential oils and psoralens

Leaves, stems, and fruit peels of citrus plants can irritate a dog’s skin and mucous membranes. Symptoms are usually mild but can include rash or oral irritation.

Safe alternative: The Musa Dwarf Cavendish banana tree (Musa acuminata) offers fruit and is non‑toxic to dogs.

Oleander

Nerium oleander

Toxic component: Cardiac glycosides

Oleander ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and severe cardiac arrhythmias that may be fatal. Immediate veterinary treatment is critical.

Safe alternative: Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) offers similar foliage and is safe for dogs.

Snake Plant

Sansevieria trifasciata

Toxic component: Saponins

Snake plant consumption can induce nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Prompt veterinary assessment is advised if your dog shows symptoms.

Safe alternative: Calathea Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea zebrina) provides similar texture and is pet‑safe.

Morning Glory

Ipomoea

Toxic component: Indole alkaloids

Seeds and other parts of morning glories can cause vomiting, nausea, pupil dilation, hallucinations, and liver failure in dogs.

Safe alternative: Petunias (Petunia spp.) deliver vibrant flowers without the risk.

Marijuana

Cannabis sativa

Toxic component: Delta‑9‑THC

Even small amounts of marijuana can cause lethargy, tremors, and urinary incontinence in dogs; larger doses, especially when combined with chocolate, can lead to seizures or coma.

Safe alternative: For therapeutic benefits, consult your vet about pet‑safe CBD products. Store all marijuana products securely out of reach.

Lily of the Valley

Convallaria majalis

Toxic component: Cardenolides

Ingestion can lead to vomiting, irregular heartbeat, confusion, seizures, and potentially coma. Seek immediate veterinary care if suspected.

Safe alternative: Orchids (Orchidaceae) provide delicate blooms and are safe for dogs.

Yew

Taxus

Toxic component: Taxine

All parts of yew can cause sudden death, trembling, muscle weakness, breathing difficulty, and heart arrhythmias. Rapid veterinary intervention—including decontamination and supportive therapy—is essential.

Safe alternative: Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) offers a similar shrub aesthetic and is dog‑friendly.

Plantain Lily

Hosta

Toxic component: Saponins

All parts of hosta can cause gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation. Contact a vet if your dog ingests any portion.

Safe alternative: Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) offers lush foliage and is safe for dogs.

Bracken Fern & Emerald Fern

Pteridium aquilinum & Asparagus densiflorus

Toxic component: Sapogenins

These ferns can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and skin inflammation. The emerald fern is among the most toxic ferns.

Safe alternative: Autumn Fern (Adiantum spp.) provides a lacy look and is pet‑safe.

Hibiscus

Malvaceae

Toxic component: Asparagine

All parts of hibiscus are toxic, potentially causing vomiting, diarrhea, burns, and blisters in the digestive tract.

Safe alternative: Canna Lily (Canna spp.) offers beautiful blooms and is non‑toxic; avoid Calla Lilies (Canna spp.) as they contain toxins.

General Care

If your dog has ingested any of the plants listed above, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1‑888‑426‑4435) immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional, as some toxins may already be absorbed.

Sources

• Christie Long, DVM, Modern Animal, West Hollywood, CA
• Shelly Zacharias, DVM, Gallant, Vice President of Medical Affairs
• Maria Botinas, DVM, IndeVets, Florida & Texas
• ASPCA: Animal Poison Control
• ASPCA: Poisonous Plants