What Plants Are Poisonous to Dogs - Complete Guide With Pictures

Symptoms of plant poisoning in dogs may vary depending on the following factors:

• Exposure to the toxin (90% of plant poisonings in dogs are caused by ingestion)
• Amount of the plant ingested
• Concentration of the toxin contained in the plant
• Type of toxin contained in the plant

Although the signs of plant poisoning can vary greatly due to the above factors, the most common symptoms of poisoning in dogs are:

• Hypersalivation
• Panting
• Difficulty breathing
• Excessive thirst
• Dilation of pupils
• Irritation of the skin, mouth, or eyes
• Gastrointestinal problems (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, etc.)
• Cardiac problems (tachycardia, bradycardia, arrhythmias, etc.)
• Neurological problems (seizures, paralysis, disorientation, depression, stupor, etc.)
• Liver problems
• Kidney problems

Generally, ingested poisons, for example, often cause nausea, diarrhea, restlessness, and heart problems. If your dog has inhaled something toxic, they may have trouble breathing or lose consciousness. Poisons that come in contact with your dog's skin can cause irritation and pain.

If you suspect your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms due to poisoning, read this article on poisoning in dogs to know what to do.

When a dog accidentally ingests a plant that is toxic, it causes a frenzy that can affect various organs and/or systems depending on the toxic compound contained in the plant. Depending on the amount and strength of the poison ingested, the symptoms of poisoning are more or less severe and occur more or less rapidly. In some cases, the outcome can be fatal.

Therefore, if you notice or suspect that your dog has ingested a poisonous plant, or if you notice symptoms of poisoning, you should consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. Also, whenever possible, try to bring a sample of the ingested plant to help diagnose the poisoning.

It is important to note that under no circumstances should vomit be induced or "homemade antidotes" (such as milk or bicarbonate) be administered, as this could exacerbate the condition.

In most cases, your dog's symptoms will be treated to ensure that your dog's organs are not severely damaged. Treatment options range from endoscopy to surgery in the most severe cases. In general, treatment for plant poisoning relies on three main pillars:

1. Prevent ingestion of the poison: Depending on how much time has elapsed since ingestion, vomiting may be induced, gastric lavage may be performed, or adsorbents such as activated charcoal may be administered.
   
   
2. Supportive treatment: Supportive treatment is often necessary until the toxin can be metabolized and eliminated. The type of support needed depends on the animal's condition and may include control of seizures, maintenance of breathing, treatment of shock, control of irregular heartbeat, and treatment of pain.
   
   
3. Antidotes: Although it is not common, sometimes there are specific antidotes for the poison in question.

In any case, it is important to know that the speed with which treatment is initiated is critical to the course of the poisoning. Therefore, you must act as quickly as possible if you suspect that your pet is poisoned.

The oleander is a shrub native to the Mediterranean region, which we often find as an ornamental plant in parks and gardens. However, you must know that it is a very poisonous plant for humans and animals.

Its toxicity is due to the presence of cardiotoxic glycosides that cause severe heart disorders, among other health issues. Symptoms of oleander poisoning appear within a short time (hours) after ingestion. You might observe:

• Vomiting
• Hypersalivation
• Muscle contractions
• Tachycardia and cardiac arrhythmias
• Irregular breathing
• Coma and death

For this case, there is a special antidote called Digibind (Digoxin Immune Fab). It is worth noting that dogs that survive 48 hours after ingestion of the plant have a good prognosis.

Digitalis purpurea, also known as foxglove or common foxglove, is one of the most toxic plants to dogs. Like oleander, it contains cardiac glycosides, which are a common cause of poisoning due to their widespread clinical use and occurrence in natural sources. Poisoning can manifest itself in varying degrees of toxicity. Symptoms associated with this poisoning occur within a few hours and include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hypersalivation
• Muscle contractions
• Tachycardia and cardiac arrhythmias
• Irregular breathing
• Coma and death

In case of poisoning, Digibind (Digoxin Immune Fab) can be administered as an antidote.

The plant has a number of common names, including gold pothos, Ceylon creeper, hunter's mantle, ivy arum, and others. It is also called devil's vine or devil's ivy because it is almost impossible to kill and stays green even in the dark, making it a popular houseplant.

Despite being one of the most common plants in our homes, pothos is also poisonous to dogs. Its high content of calcium oxalate can cause the following clinical signs:

• Skin irritation
• Pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips
• Hypersalivation
• Vomiting
• Difficulty in swallowing

Monstera deliciosa, also known as Swiss cheese plant or split-leaf philodendron, is a species of flowering plant native to tropical forests. It has become very popular in recent years, and it is very commonly grown as a houseplant all around the world. However, it is also a poisonous plant for dogs. Like pothos, it contains calcium oxalate that can cause poisoning, which is manifested by:

• Skin irritation
• Pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips
• Hypersalivation
• Vomiting
• Difficulty in swallowing

Zantedeschia aethiopica, commonly known as calla lily and arum, are very popular plants in landscaping because of their elegant appearance and showy flowers. However, like pothos, calla lily contains high levels of calcium oxalate, making it a toxic plant for dogs. It is important to know that all parts of the calla are poisonous, but the flowers contain a high concentration of this toxin. The signs that may occur after ingestion of this plant are:

• Skin irritation
• Pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips
• Hypersalivation
• Vomiting
• Difficulty in swallowing

Rhododendron ferrugineum, also known as the alpenrose, snow rose or rusty-leaved alpenrose is an evergreen shrub. You will see these flowering shrubs in many front and back yards around the world. All parts of these flowering beauties contain grayantoxin, and your dog's reaction will depend on how much they have eaten. All parts of the plant are toxic, but the leaves are especially harmful. Signs begin 6 hours after ingestion and are characterized by:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Paralysis of the limbs
• Hypersalivation
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Signs of impaired vision
• Slow heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Seizures
• Coma

Hedera helix, common ivy, English ivy, European ivy, or simply ivy, is a species of flowering plant native to most of Europe and Western Asia. Ivy is one of the most commonly used plants in gardens because of its decorative appearance and ease of growth. Although it is less dangerous than other plants mentioned in this article, it is also toxic to dogs if consumed in large quantities.

Its toxicity is due to the presence of hederagenin, a triterpenoid saponin capable of producing the following symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Pain in the abdomen
• Hypersalivation

You might be surprised to learn that aloe vera is a toxic plant for dogs, since aloe gel is widely used in both human and veterinary medicine for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

However, you should know that the juice of aloe (a kind of yellowish milky juice found just under the skin of the leaves) is toxic. Its content of saponins and anthraquinones can cause poisoning, characterized by the following symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Pain in the abdomen
• Hypersalivation
• Lethargy
• Conjunctivitis (if it comes into contact with the eyes)

You may be interested in this other AnimalWised article on the many uses of aloe vera in dogs.

It is a widely used ornamental plant in households, as it is very well adapted to indoor cultivation. However, it is also on the list of plants that are poisonous to dogs. The toxic compound of Dracaena is saponin, the ingestion of which causes signs as follows:

• Vomiting (which can be bloody)
• Hypersalivation
• Depression
• Dilation of pupils

These small palms, often found on the Mediterranean coast, are highly poisonous. It is one of several species used for making sago, as well as an ornamental plant. While the leaves and bark are harmful to your dog, the seeds or 'nuts' contain the greatest amount of toxins. In fact, swallowing just one or two seeds can be fatal.

The phytotoxin found in sago palm, known as cycasin, is hepatotoxic. Its ingestion leads to liver failure with clotting disorders and death of the animal. The main clinical signs of such poisoning are:

• Vomiting (which can be bloody)
• Bloody diarrhea or dark stools
• Yellowish coloration of the mucous membranes
• Increased consumption of water
• Bruising
• Death

In this article, we have described some of the most common plants in our homes and gardens that can cause poisoning in dogs. However, there is a long list of plants that can also be poisonous to our pets. Below, we have compiled some of them:

• Aconite (Aconitum napellus): It contains alkaloids which cause intoxication characterized by mouth irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, bradycardia, arrhythmia, hypotension, muscle weakness and dyspnea.
  
  
• Flamingo flower (Anthurium scherzeranum): Its high content of calcium oxalate may cause irritation and pain of the mouth, tongue and/or lips, hypersalivation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
  
  
• Bulbs of ornamental plants such as tulips, daffodils, or hyacinths: The bulbs of these plants contain toxic compounds that can cause gastrointestinal disorders or dermatitis if they come into contact with the skin.
  
  
• Dumbcane (Dieffenbachia amoena): contains calcium oxalate and proteolytic enzymes that can cause irritation and pain in the mouth, tongue and/or lips, hypersalivation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
  
  
• Ficus: Their content of ficin and psoralen may cause vomiting, diarrhea or skin irritation. It is important to know that this plant is toxic to dogs only if ingested in large quantities.
  
  
• Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum): Contains solanine, a toxin that causes gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite), mydriasis (pupil dilation), depression, and tachycardia.
  
  
• Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens): The leaves and suckers contain hydrangin and saponins. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cyanosis, seizures, flaccid muscles, lethargy, or coma.
  
  
• Marijuana (Cannabis sativa): Its resin is rich in psychoactive substances (cannabinoids) that in dogs cause intoxication characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, ataxia or incoordination, alternation between depression and excitement, mydriasis (pupil dilation), disorientation, drowsiness, hypothermia, and tremors.
  
  
• Honey clover (Melilotus alba) or yellow sweet clover (Meliloto afficinalis): both contain dicumarol, which causes a poisoning called ferulisme, characterized by pale mucous membranes, drowsiness, unsteady gait, tachypnea, and anemia.
  
  
• Castor bean (Ricinus communis): The seeds contain ricin, one of the most powerful toxins known. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, loss of appetite, visual disturbances, cyanosis, seizures, respiratory distress, muscle stiffness and death.
  
  
• English Yew (Taxus baccata): This is an extremely poisonous tree that contains an alkaloid called taxine. All of its parts are poisonous except the fleshy fruit. Symptoms of poisoning include incoordination, tremors, shortness of breath, diarrhea, bradycardia, and eventually death from cardiac arrest.

Some of the plants mentioned in this article may also be toxic to cats if sniffed or ingested. Read this other article to learn more about the most common plants toxic to cats.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to What Plants Are Poisonous to Dogs - Complete Guide With Pictures, we recommend you visit our Other health problems category.