Wondering what plants are toxic to dogs and cats? Pets can experience gastrointestinal issues by eating many plants, but many are dangerous to keep in your home or yard without supervision or awareness.
Dr. David Dorman, a veterinary toxicologist and professor of toxicology in the Department of Molecular Biosciences of North Carolina State University, shares a list of plants – and food – pet owners should keep away from their animals.
Foods toxic to dogs and cats
Many people forget popular foods that can be lethal for dogs and cats. Some of the most toxic and common include:
- Onions and garlic (dogs and cats)
- Grapes and raisins (dogs)
According to the ASPCA, Other foods to avoid giving your pets include: Alcohol, avocado, chocolate, coffee, caffeine, citrus, coconut and coconut oil, macadamia nuts, milk and dairy, nuts, chives, raw/undercooked meat, eggs and bones, salt and salty snack foods, Xylitol and yeast dough.
Plants toxic to dogs and cats
The following plants are toxic to dogs and cats if ingested. Avoid these plants or supervise pets around them. Find photos here or online at aspca.org.
- Easter lilies and other lilies
- Tulips and most bulb plants, including spring and fall varieties
- Japanese yew
- Azaleas
- Rhododendrons
- Kalanchoe
- Lily of the Valley
- Oleander plant
- Sago palm
Popular indoor plants:
- Dieffenbachia
- Marijuana
According to Dorman, all the plants listed above could produce fairly severe poisonings, and almost any plant, even those considered non-toxic, could produce vomiting and diarrhea if ingested by dogs or cats.
Dorman said the most problematic plants include the Sago palm, Easter lily, Japanese yew, although all listed above can hurt pets.
What plants should pet owners avoid completely?
It’s up to pet owners what to keep in their homes and yards. Some owners, especially those with older pets, can safely keep toxic plants as long as they pay attention to their pets or keep them away from the plants altogether.
“Often, puppies are at greater risk than older dogs,” Dorman said. “[Older dogs] tend to settle down … but if you’ve got a dog that likes to chew on plants, then you have to be much more careful.”
Dorman, who owns a young dog, keeps azaleas and rhododendrons in his yard but monitors his pet. However, he recommends avoiding the following plants.
Cats: Easter lily and lilies
“If I had a cat, I’d avoid things like the Easter lily and some of the related lilies,” Dorman said.
Dogs: Sago palm
The Sago palm, which is increasingly being found in North Carolina, can be a significant problem for dogs, Dorman said.
When to call the vet
After plant exposure, it’s important to call your veterinarian about any significant, concerning change in the behavior of your dog or cat. If your normally energetic dog begins acting lethargic and depressed, call your veterinarian.
Plant exposures often lead to vomiting, diarrhea and nausea, and dogs and cats may stop eating. These are all signs to contact your veterinarian, particularly if they last several hours.
More severe poisoning symptoms include seizures, muscle tremors and other signs it’s time to call your vet immediately.
It’s best to give your veterinarian as much information as possible about what your pet was exposed to, whether it’s a drug, chemical, pesticide or plant.
If your pet ingests a toxic plant or other substance, it’s best to get them help as quickly as possible. According to Dorman, picking an office that is open and nearby is your best option in an emergency. This may be your local veterinarian’s office or an emergency clinic.
“If I had a half an hour drive to get to my local vet and a five-minute drive to an emergency clinic, because time is so important, I’d go to the emergency clinic,” Dorman said.
Emergency numbers to know
Pet owners should know their veterinarian’s hours and what emergency clinic is nearby for after-hours emergencies. Keep that information handy along with two animal poison centers in the United States, including:
Both services charge fees but are open for emergency calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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