🐶 Plants · vet-sourced verdicts
Which plants are toxic to dogs?
From the sago palm (one of the deadliest) to the over-feared poinsettia (mostly a myth), the house-and-garden lineup is a mix of true emergencies and mild irritants. Every plant we've checked for dogs, sorted by risk.
⚠️ If your dog got into a "never" item, act now — don't wait for symptoms. Call your vet or a poison line: ASPCA 888-426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661. 60-second emergency check →
🚫 Never — keep away (5)
🌴Sago PalmEvery part of the sago palm is highly toxic to dogs — especially the seeds — and can cause severe liver failure. Even a nibble is an emergency.No🌼DaffodilDaffodils — especially the bulbs — contain lycorine, which causes severe vomiting and drooling and can affect the heart and breathing. Mistaking a bulb for an onion is a real risk.No🌺AzaleaAzaleas and rhododendrons contain grayanotoxins that affect the heart and nervous system. Even a few leaves can be dangerous.No🌸OleanderOleander is extremely toxic — every part contains cardiac glycosides that affect the heart, and even a small amount can be life-threatening.No🌿MistletoeAmerican mistletoe can cause stomach upset, a drop in blood pressure and, with larger amounts, heart problems and collapse. Keep holiday sprigs up high.No
⚠️ Caution — limits apply (15)
🌸LilyMost true lilies cause only mild stomach upset in dogs — but lily of the valley is different and can dangerously affect the heart, so identify the plant.In moderation🪴Aloe VeraThe clear inner gel is low-risk, but the rest of the aloe plant contains saponins that cause vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy if chewed.In moderation🌺PoinsettiaPoinsettia’s reputation is scarier than reality — the milky sap irritates the mouth and stomach, causing mild drooling and vomiting, but it’s rarely serious.In moderation🪴Snake PlantSnake plant (mother-in-law’s tongue) contains saponins that cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhea if your dog chews the leaves.In moderation🌷TulipTulips contain irritant compounds concentrated in the bulb. Chewing leaves or flowers causes drooling and stomach upset; eating a bulb is more serious, so keep them out of reach.In moderation🪴PothosPothos (devil’s ivy) contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause intense mouth burning, drooling and pawing at the face if chewed.In moderation🌿Peace lilyDespite the name, a peace lily is not a true lily. It contains insoluble calcium oxalates that cause mouth burning, drooling and vomiting if chewed.In moderation🪴PhilodendronPhilodendron contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral burning, drooling and vomiting if a dog chews the leaves.In moderation🪴Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)Dieffenbachia (dumb cane) has oxalate crystals so irritating they can make the mouth and tongue swell, along with drooling and vomiting.In moderation🌿English ivyEnglish ivy leaves contain saponins that cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhea if eaten. The leaves are more toxic than the berries.In moderation🪴Jade plantJade plant is toxic to dogs for reasons not fully understood, causing vomiting, low energy and incoordination if eaten.In moderation🌿HollyHolly leaves and berries contain saponins, and the spiny leaves add injury — eating them causes drooling, vomiting and head-shaking or lip-smacking.In moderation💐HydrangeaHydrangea leaves, flowers and buds contain a cyanide-releasing compound. A dog would need to eat a fair amount to be seriously affected, but it commonly causes vomiting and diarrhea.In moderation🌼Chrysanthemum (mums)Chrysanthemums (mums) contain natural pyrethrins, the basis of some insecticides. Eating them causes drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes wobbliness.In moderation🌱GrassNibbling grass is normal dog behavior and usually harmless — the real risk is lawn chemicals, pesticides or fertilizer, so avoid treated areas.In moderation
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By the CanMyPet Editorial Team · Verdicts reviewed against ASPCA Animal Poison Control, the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Pet Poison Helpline · How we review →
CanMyPet provides general information reviewed against trusted sources (ASPCA, AKC, Pet Poison Helpline). It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. When in doubt, always contact your veterinarian.