Toxic House Plants for Dogs

21 common house plants to be aware of

Bringing plants into your home can make a space feel calm, fresh, and full of life. But if you share that space with a dog—especially a curious puppy—it’s worth knowing that some common house plants can pose a genuine risk.

This isn’t about creating fear. Most plant exposures result in mild symptoms. But understanding which plants carry higher risk, and why, allows you to make informed, welfare-led choices for your dog.

As always with behaviour—management comes first. If your dog is prone to exploring with their mouth,

prevention is far more effective than trying to “train it out” in the moment.

⚠️ A quick safety note

If your dog has eaten part of a plant and you’re unsure whether it’s safe, contact your vet promptly. Early intervention makes a significant difference.

Common toxic house plants

Below are some of the most common plants found in homes, along with their potential risks.

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a tricky one, as there are aloe products designed for dogs that are perfectly safe. However, these will have no trace of the latex, an inner layer of white/ yellow sap inside the plant. This layer is toxic to dogs, which means they should not be allowed to consume any of the whole plant and products must be labelled pet friendly before you let your dog near them.

Toxicity: Moderate to serious

Possible effects: Vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, appetite loss, urinary changes (rarely tremors)

2. Asparagus Fern

The berries and sap contain sapogenins, which can irritate both internally and on contact.

Toxicity: Moderate

Possible effects: Gastrointestinal upset, abdominal pain, dermatitis with repeated exposure

3. Begonia

Begonia contains two toxic agents in the tuberous parts of the plant - calcium oxalates and cucurbitacin B. The first, contains needle like crystals that pierce the soft skin of the mouth and intestines when consumed by your dog. The result is usually instantaneous pain, which typically stops dogs from eating a toxic amount, but the swelling caused by the crystals can cause asphyxiation or severe intestinal damage if not treated. The crystals generally cause an intense burning of the mouth and swelling of the throat that can make swallowing difficult. Symptoms can occur up to 2 weeks after consumption.

Toxicity: Moderate to serious

Possible effects: Intense oral pain, drooling, swelling, difficulty swallowing

4. Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums (mums or daisies) contain a natural insecticide called Permethrin which is toxic to dogs. Permethrin is a central nervous system poison – a neurotoxin.

Toxicity: Moderate

Possible effects: Drooling, vomiting, agitation, tremors, skin irritation

5. Cyclamen (Sowbread Plant)

Cyclamen contains triterpenoid saponins, that are extremely irritating and can cause serious reactions, especially if the plant tubers are consumed where the highest concentration is.

NB: Saponins are produced by a wide variety of plants. They are known for their ability to foam like soap or detergent. Not all saponins are dangerous for your dog. Some produce only mild reactions (e.g. Poinsettia), while others can cause severe problems (e.g. Cyclamens). Saponins also tend to have a bitter taste which may deter your dog from consuming enough of the plant to do any real damage.

Toxicity: Serious

Possible effects: Vomiting, heart rhythm changes, seizures (in severe cases)

6. Daffodils

Daffodils, a beautiful addition to a home in spring, can unfortunately be problematic for your dog due to the toxin lycorine. The bulbs are the most dangerous part as they have the highest concentration of this and also calcium oxalates (see Begonia), but actually the whole plant is not safe. Skin exposure can cause inflammation issues, burning, itching or rashes.

Toxicity: Moderate

Possible effects: Vomiting, abdominal pain, drooling, cardiac changes

7. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)

Dieffenbachia contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in all parts of the part (see Begonia). Another calcium oxalate plant causing immediate oral discomfort.

Toxicity: Moderate to serious

Possible effects: Vomiting, lethargy, weakness, cardiac arrhythmia, diarrhoea, dilated eyes, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, hoarse barking, laboured breathing, loss of appetite, numbness of exposed area, pawing at the face or mouth, swelling of the tongue and lips, vocalisation

8. Dracaena Fragrans (Corn Plant)

Contains saponins, which irritate the digestive system.

Toxicity: Moderate

Possible effects: Vomiting (sometimes with blood), lethargy, weakness, diarrhoea, drooling, stomach irritation, intestinal irritation, anorexia, depression, ataxia, weakness, oral irritation can occur, especially on the tongue and lips, increased salivation, difficulty swallowing

9. English ivy

English ivy has mild toxins throughout the plant called sapogenin combined with polyacetylene compounds, mostly concentrated in the leaves. These if ingested can cause gastrointestinal distress, frequent exposure to the sap can cause dermatitis.

Toxicity: Moderate

Possible effects: Vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, symptoms of dermal reaction/ skin irritation (blistering, redness, swelling)

10. Eucalyptus

The eucalyptus plant, also known as cineole, is commonly used in products such as Listerine and Vicks VapoRub. It is toxic when undiluted, but diluted has been used as antiseptic and to treat skin disorders, bad breath, coughs, and congestion for centuries. However, if consumed by your dog, diluted or not, can cause both gastrointestinal and neurological damage. Symptoms may sometimes be delayed for a few hours, but it is important to get your dog straight to the vet if they consume any part of the plant, or product made from it.

Toxicity: Serious

Possible effects: gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhoea, depression, confusion, seizures, dilated eyes, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, lethargy, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, pawing at mouth (burning in mouth), rapid or shallow breathing, rapid or weakened heart rate, slowed reflexes, wheezing, itching, redness, and swelling of the exposed skin

11. Ficus benjamina (Weeping fig tree)

Ficus as a genus make for popular houseplants generally but all of them can be toxic to dogs. The leaves of a ficus contain sap that is very irritating either ingested or exposed to skin, however, consuming any part of the plant can cause poisoning.

Ficus benjamina is probably one of the most popular ficus plant varieties, and it can cause serious side effects if consumed by your dog. It has two poisonous chemicals, including ficusin (which can cause photo dermatitis - skin reactions to UV light causing rashes & blistering), and ficun (a proteolytic enzyme that destroys the dog's own body proteins, causing issues with tissue repair, enzymes and hormone creation, and their ability to build muscle and bone).

Toxicity: Moderate to serious

Possible effects: Abdominal pain, agitation, diarrhoea, drooling, loss of appetite, mouth pain, pawing at the face, redness to the skin, skin inflammation, photo dermatitis, decline in protein production, and vomiting

12. Hyacinth

Hyacinth can cause issues in humans if the dust from the bulbs is inhaled as it can cause irritation to your lungs or asthma attacks. They are also problematic for dogs too if inhaled, consumed or exposed topically. All of the plant is poisonous but the bulbs hold the highest concentration. Instant pain can occur from the toxic chemical calcium oxalate crystals (see Begonia).

Toxicity: Moderate to serious

Possible effects: Abdominal pain, abnormal breathing, cardiac arrhythmias, convulsions, diarrhoea, drooling, drowsiness, increased heart rate, low blood pressure, nausea, seizures, tremors, vomiting, coughing, shortness of breath, spasms, wheezing, blisters, inflammation, itching and redness

13. Crassula Ovata Convuluta - (Jade plant or Money tree)

Jade plants are toxic to dogs, but the toxic element is still unknown. Mostly symptoms are mild but in rare events, consumption of the plant has caused more serious side effects.

Toxicity: Mild to moderate

Possible effects: Lethargy, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, depression, slow heart rate (rare), impaired muscle movement (rare), and convulsions (rare)

14. Sansevieria (Mother in law's tongue)

Sansevieria contains the toxin saponins in both of the leaves and flowers and may cause gastrointestinal upset (see Cyclamen).

Toxicity: Mild to moderate

Possible effects: Nausea, vomiting, drooling

15. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace lilies, are not actually a part of the real lily family, but they are considered toxic for dogs. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in all parts of the plant (see Begonia).

Toxicity: Moderate

Possible effects: Oral pain, cardiac arrhythmia, diarrhoea, dilated eyes, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, hoarse barking, laboured breathing, loss of appetite, numbness of exposed area, pawing at the face or mouth, swelling of the tongue and lips, vocalisation and vomiting

16. Lilies (true Lilium species)

Although not commonly a house plant, lilies can frequently be used as house decorations in cut flower arrangements. Lilies are considered one of the most poisonous types of flower for dogs, but vary depending on type of Lily. The whole plant is toxic due to the chemical colchicine, but consumption of lily tubers (with the highest concentration) has been known to be fatal to dogs, or at the very least cause organ failure and other serious reactions. If you dog consumes any part of a lily, take them to a vet immediately to have better chances of survival.

Toxicity: Serious

Possible effects: Death, hiding, kidney failure (swollen abdomen - fluid retention, unusual urination - marked increase or decrease), liver failure (abdominal pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, swollen abdomen, vomiting, yellow skin and eyes), shock, diarrhoea, dehydration (dark urine, dry skin, extreme thirst, loss of skin elasticity, reduced urination, sleepiness, sunken eyes), excessive drooling, seizures, lethargy, redness of the eyes, mouth, and tongue

17. Pelargonium (Geranium)

Pelargoniums are considered toxic to dogs. They contain low levels of geraniol, a primary ingredient in essential oils such as citronella and rose oil. This is a skin irritant and harmful to eyes. They also contain low levels of linalool, which is known to cause eczema and allergic reaction. Usually reactions are mild but individual responses could show to be more severe.

Toxicity: Mild to moderate

Possible effects: Vomiting, skin irritation, irritation around the mouth, vomiting, poor appetite (anorexia), depression, dermatitis on repeat contact topically

18. Philodendron

The Philodendron family contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in all parts of the part (see Begonia).

Toxicity: Moderate

Possible effects: Oral irritation, drooling, swelling, cardiac arrhythmia, diarrhoea, dilated eyes, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, hoarse barking, laboured breathing, loss of appetite, numbness of exposed area, pawing at the face or mouth, swelling of the tongue and lips, vocalisation and vomiting

19. Poinsettia

Poinsettia are often considered poisonous for your dog, and warnings are giving around Christmas when they are most popular. However, they are only mildly toxic, so serious side effects are not common. They contain a white sap containing chemicals diterpenoid euphorbol esters and saponins (see Cyclamen).

Toxicity: Mild

Possible effects: Mild gastrointestinal upset, irritationdrooling, licking lips, vomiting, diarrhoea, skin irritation (including redness, swelling, and itchiness) and eye irritation

20. Tulips (important in the Netherlands!)

Tulips contain toxic glycosides that inhibit protein synthesis in the dog's body. They can be found throughout the whole plant, but mostly concentrated in the bulbs. Consumption of this plant can be fatal, so if your dog eats any part take them to the vet immediately. Bulbs contain the highest toxin concentration.

Toxicity: Serious

Possible effects: Death, vomiting, tremors, cardiac issues, abdominal pain, coma, depression, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, dizziness, excessive drooling, lethargy, seizures, sudden death, tremors, and vomiting

21. Zamioculas Zamiifolia (Zanzibar gem or ZZ plant)

Zamioculcas plants are toxic to dogs, insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in all parts of the part (see Begonia).

Toxicity: Moderate to serious

Possible effects: Oral irritation, cardiac arrhythmia, diarrhoea, dilated eyes, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, hoarse barking, laboured breathing, loss of appetite, numbness of exposed area, pawing at the face or mouth, swelling of the tongue and lips, vocalisation and vomiting

A Wanderdog perspective

Most dogs won’t repeatedly consume plants that cause immediate discomfort—but puppies, bored dogs, or those experiencing stress may explore more persistently.

Rather than relying on “leave it” in high-risk moments, focus on:

• Environmental management (placing plants out of reach)

• Appropriate enrichment (chews, sniffing opportunities)

• Reducing underlying stress or arousal

  
  

Behaviour always sits within a wider picture.

Final thoughts

You don’t need to remove every plant from your home—but awareness allows you to make thoughtful choices.

If in doubt, err on the side of safety—especially with puppies or dogs who like to investigate the world with their mouths.

If you would like help learning how to positively affect your dog’s behaviour, you’re always welcome to get in touch.

For an extensive list of all plants that are harmful for your dog, see here: The Dog's Trust pdf