by Petfolk Care Team
Medically reviewed by Dr. Audrey Wystrach
Plants beautify our homes, both inside and out. However, pet parents need to be careful that they have plants that are safe for their dogs and not the opposite. It can be frustrating if you catch your pup nibbling on your favorite plant. But, even more so, your canine friend could be in for fatal consequences if they picked the wrong plant. A plant that is toxic to dogs can cause organ failure, severe gastrointestinal bleeding, and even death.
Do you need to get rid of all your plants and have a “grass-only” policy in your yard? Absolutely not! Pet parents simply need to know which plants are safe and which should be removed immediately.
15 Plants that are Safe for Dogs
Many plants are safe for animals, but not all of them. While some succulents are safe, others could be deadly. It’s important to take note of the genus and species. Here is a list of some of the most common plants that are safe for dogs, which you both can safely enjoy in or outdoors. Some entire genera are safe, while others are very specific to one plant. Here is a list of the most common plants that are safe for dogs:
- African Violet (Saintpaulia genus)
- Air plants (Tillandsia genus)
- Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea)
- Boston fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)
- Button fern (Pellaea Rotundifolia)
- Date palm (Phoenix Dactylifera)
- Hibiscus (Hibiscus Syriacus)
- Money tree (Pachira Aquatica)
- Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis genus)
- Parlor palm (Chamaedorea Elegans)
- Polka dot plant (Hypoestes Phyllostachys)
- Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea Recurvata)
- Rose (Rosa species)
- Rubber plant (Peperomia Obtusifolia)
- Spider plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
15 Plants that are Toxic for Dogs
Some plants are not safe for dogs. These toxic plants can create everything from a little discomfort to death for your pet. Take an inventory of both your outside area and inside your home to check for these and other toxic plants. This also goes for any cut flowers like daffodils, lilies, and tulips. Here are 15 of the most common toxic plants for dogs to look for and remove from your home and yard:
- Autumn Crocus (Colchicum spp.*)
- Azalea (genus Rhododendron)
- Cyclamen (Cylamen spp.)
- Daffodils (Narcissus)
- Dumbcane (Dieffenbachia)
- English Ivy, both leaves and berries (Hedera Helix)
- Hemlock (Conium Maculatum)
- Hyacinths (Hyacinthus)
- Lilies (Lilium spp.)
- Mistletoe (Viscum Album)
- Oleander (Nerium Oleander)
- Sago Palm (Cycas spp.)
- Thorn apple or jimsonweed (Datura Stramonium)
- Tulips (Tulipa spp.)
- Yew (Taxus spp.)
Dogs who have ingested one of these toxic plants often display a lot of the same symptoms such as drooling, severe vomiting, diarrhea, and a drop in heart rate. While some of the symptoms are the worst of it, several plants on this list can do permanent damage to your pet and even result in death. To see an extensive list, visit the ASPCA for their list of Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants.
If your dog is displaying symptoms or you believe they have ingested a plant that may be toxic to them, call the ASPCA’s poison control hotline right away. Acting immediately might save your dog’s life.
*spp. - several species
