These Plants Can Be Poisonous to Dogs

Many plants don’t kill, they just sicken. The dose makes the poison. Here are some common plants your dog might encounter

These Plants Can Be Poisonous to Dogs
Thomas J. Story
Dracaena deremensis 'Janet Craig Compacta': Shiny dark green leaves 8 inches long and 2 inches wide resemble the top of a pineapple. The species reaches 6 feet or taller; the dwarf form D. d. 'Janet Craig Compacta' grows
Written by Sunset July 12, 2010
More: Plants that can be toxic to cats Following is a lists of indoor plants known to be toxic to dogs. Remember the first principle of toxicology, which is that “the dose makes the poison.” In other words, the dog has to eat enough to be affected—and even so, many poisonous plants don’t kill, they just sicken.
How much is too much? The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (888 426-4435; $65) or the Pet Poison Helpline (800 213-6680; $35) can help you figure that out. Finally, for Animal Poison Control (or your vet) to help, they have to know what exactly your dog ate. “A tall green plant with spiky leaves” isn’t a good answer. If you have pets or kids, know your houseplants by both common and botanical names, which usually come on a tag with the plant. Keep that info where you can find it. This lists isn’t comprehensive—no list is—but it covers the most common plants your dog might encounter indoors.

Flowering and fruiting house plants

  • Amaryllis (Hippeastrum species and hybrids)
  • Anthurium scherzerianum
  • Azalea (Rhododendron species)
  • Chrysanthemum
  • Clivia (Clivia miniata)
  • Crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii)
  • Cyclamen
  • Gardenia (Gardenia augusta, G. jasminoides)
  • Geranium (Pelargonium species)
  • Hyacinth (Hyacinthus species and hybrids)
  • Jerusalem Cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum)
  • Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
  • Primrose (Primula vulgaris)

Leafy house plants

  • Arrowhead plant (Nephthytis, Syngonium podophyllum)
  • Asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus)
  • Begonia
  • Caladium (Caladium bicolor)
  • Cardboard palm (Zamia furfuracea)
  • Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum and hybrids)
  • Coontie (Zamia pumila)
  • Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans)
  • Cuban oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus)
  • Cycads (Cycas and Zamia species)
  • Dracaena species
  • Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia amoena)
  • Elephant’s ear (Alocasia macrorrhiza)
  • Fiddleleaf fig (Ficus lyrata)
  • Gold dust Dracaena (Dracaena surculosa)
  • Golden pothos (Scindapsus aureus)
  • Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron cordatum)
  • Indian laurel (Ficus microcarpa, F. retusa)
  • Ivy (Hedera species)
  • Madagascar Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
  • Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla)
  • Philodendron (most)
  • Polyscias guilfoylei
  • Pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum)
  • Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)
  • Sago palm (Cycas revoluta)
  • Satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus)
  • Schefflera species (Schefflera actinophylla, formerly Brassaia actinophylla)
  • Shamrock (Oxalis)
  • Spathiphyllum
  • Split-leaf philodendron (Monstera deliciosa)
  • Taro (Colocasia esculenta)
  • Ti plant (Cordyline fruticosa, formerly C. terminalis)
  • Tree philodendron (Philodendron selloum)
  • Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)

Succulents

  • Aloe vera
  • Jade plant (Crassula ovata)
  • Kalanchoe species
  • Silver jade plant (Crassula arborescens)
  • Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Plants used in centerpieces, vases, wreaths

  • Baby’s breath (Gypsophila paniculata)
  • Calla (Zantedeschia aethiopica)
  • Daffodil (Narcissus species)
  • Dahlia
  • Gladiola (some Gladiolus varieties)
  • Holly (Ilex species)
  • Hyacinth (Hyacinthus species and hybrids)
  • Iris species
  • Mistletoe (many genera)
  • Naked lady (Amaryllis belladonna)
  • Peony (Paeonia species)
  • Rhododendron
  • Tulip (Tulipa species)

Fruits, nuts, vegetables

  • Apples and crabapples
  • Apricots
  • Avocado fruit and pit
  • Cherry
  • Elephant garlic
  • Garlic
  • Grapes
  • Lemon
  • Lime
  • Macadamias
  • Onions
  • Orange
  • Peach
  • Raisins
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