Which Plants Are Safe, Dangerous, or Deadly for Pets?

Aug 27, 2019 | Cats, Dogs, Emergency Situations, Pet

Gardening can be a fun and relaxing hobby, and many people garden in areas that are easily accessible to their pets. Because of this, it is good to know which plants are considered safe and which can be dangerous should your cat or dog get into mischief in the garden by digging up, chewing or eating the plants.

* Please note that these lists are not all-inclusive, but include frequently encountered plants. Also, be advised that any plant material consumed may cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea).

Poisonous Plants

These plants can potentially cause serious bodily damage or fatality if chewed or eaten. This list is more specific, and includes symptoms that may occur if your pet eats or chews these plants.

Autumn Crocus. Toxic to: dogs, cats, horses Symptoms: bloody vomiting, diarrhea, liver damage, kidney damage, shock, respiratory failure, and death.

Azalea. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses. Symptoms: vomiting (cats and dogs), drooling, diarrhea, weakness, heart failure, and death

Castor Bean. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses. Symptoms: mouth and throat irritation, excessive thirst, vomiting (cats and dogs), diarrhea, drooling, weakness, kidney failure, convulsions, loss of appetite, fever, dehydration, seizures, coma, and death.

Cyclamen. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses. Symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, heart arrhythmias, and death.

Daffodil. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses. Symptoms: vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, and death.

Foxglove. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses. Symptoms: heart arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, heart failure, and death.

Kalanchoe. Toxic to dogs and cats. Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, and heart arrhythmias.

Oleander. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses. Symptoms: severe vomiting, drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, decreased heart rate, hypothermia, and death.

Sago Palm. Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Symptoms: vomiting, bloody diarrhea, liver failure, seizures, excessive thirst, bruising, and death.

A note about lilies:

Lilies differ in levels of toxicity. True lilies are the most dangerous, and are potentially fatal to cats.

True lilies include: Tiger lily, Day lily, Asiatic lily, Easter lily and Japanese Show lilies. Symptoms: Vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, kidney failure, and death.

Other lilies are less toxic, but still dangerous, to both cats and dogs. These include Peace lilies, Peruvian lilies and Calla lilies. Symptoms include oral irritation and drooling.

Toxic Plants

These plants will cause stomach upset, and/or irritation to the mouth if eaten or chewed. However, they will typically not cause serious illness.

  • Aloe
  • Dumb Cane
  • Mother-in-law’s Tongue
  • Begonia
  • Elephant Ear
  • Pansy
  • Bird of Paradise
  • Fleabane
  • Peace Lily
  • Bougainvillea
  • Gardenia
  • Pinks (Dianthus)
  • Calla Lily
  • Geranium
  • Plumbago
  • Carnation
  • Hibiscus
  • Poinsetta
  • Chrysanthemum
  • Hydrangea
  • Primrose
  • Coleus
  • Iris
  • Cosmos
  • Kalanchoe

Safe Plants

These plants will typically not cause illness or oral discomfort if eaten or chewed.

  • Alyssum
  • Echevaria Succulents
  • Polkadot Plant
  • Blue Daisy
  • Gerber Daisy
  • Rose
  • Boston Fern
  • Gloxinia
  • Snap Dragon
  • Bottlebrush Tree
  • Impatiens
  • Spider Plant
  • Camellia
  • Marigold
  • Star Jasmine
  • Canna
  • Nasturtium
  • Sunflower
  • Celosia Plumosa
  • Pampas Grass
  • Sword Fern
  • Christmas Cactus
  • Persian Violet
  • Viola
  • Coreopsis
  • Petunia
  • Zinnia

More Information on Dangerous Plants for Cats and Dogs

The ASPCA has a large database online of poisonous and non-toxic plants and pictures at http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/

If you think your animal has ingested a poisonous plant or substance contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 24hr hotline at (888)426-4435.

Check Us Out On Facebook

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

It’s giving… ✨bad breath vibes!✨ 😷🤢

Make sure you are keeping up with your pet’s dental health! Periodontal disease is the most common infectious disease in dogs and cats. Left untreated, this condition can cause issues with their major organs and lead to heart disease, since bacteria from their mouths can enter their bloodstream and settle in around their heart. Schedule a dental consult with us to get on the books for your pet’s dental! 🦷
... See MoreSee Less

It’s giving… ✨bad breath vibes!✨  😷🤢  Make sure you are keeping up with your pet’s dental health! Periodontal disease is the most common infectious disease in dogs and cats. Left untreated, this condition can cause issues with their major organs and lead to heart disease, since bacteria from their mouths can enter their bloodstream and settle in around their heart. Schedule a dental consult with us to get on the books for your pet’s dental! 🦷

We will be closing early at 6pm Tuesday 9/12, Wednesday 9/13, and Thursday 9/14. We are sorry for the inconvenience. ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago
Arnold Pet Station

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month! Pain comes in many forms, here are a few examples - surgical, arthritis, and cancer related pain. Acute pain is obvious and distressing, however chronic pain can be subtle and masked as “getting old” or “slowing down.” Our doctors like to stress that old age is not a disease! The purpose of this month is to highlight all of the common signs of pain your pet might be having. Please take a look at this diagram and let us know if your pet(s) are exhibiting any of these signs!! ... See MoreSee Less

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month! Pain comes in many forms, here are a few examples - surgical, arthritis, and cancer related pain. Acute pain is obvious and distressing, however chronic pain can be subtle and masked as “getting old” or “slowing down.” Our doctors like to stress that old age is not a disease! The purpose of this month is to highlight all of the common signs of pain your pet might be having. Please take a look at this diagram and let us know if your pet(s) are exhibiting any of these signs!!
Load more
Access Records, Fill Prescriptions, Schedule Appointments, and more in Petly!