By Elizabeth Bublitz Owner of Pawfriendly Landscapes Reviewed by Kris Ahlgrim, D.V.M.
As a landscape designer for over twenty years, I understand the positive response humans have toward plants. Plants are not only beautiful, but they clean our air, provide shade, and have a calming affect on us.
However, many of the plants that provide so many pleasant benefits can be extremely toxic or even fatal to our dogs and should be avoided in the decor of your house or when landscaping your yard. Below are some commonly used plants, both indoors and outdoors, that are considered harmful. Please contact your local veterinarian immediately if your pet shows any abnormal behavior. For any questions or concerns, contact the ASPCA 24 hour emergency poison hotline at 1 (888) 426-4435 (there is a fee so have your credit card ready) or Poison Control Center at 1 (800) 222-1222.
Cardiovascular Toxins
Azalea "“ entire rhododendron family, all parts of plant. Nausea, depression, vomiting, coma, difficulty breathing and cardiovascular collapse, death.
Castor Bean "“ entire plant; seeds contain the toxin toxalbumins. One Rosary Pea or one or two castor bean seeds can cause death. Plant can also cause dermitis. Foxglove "“ entire plant. Cardiovascular system affected by cardiac glycosides digitalin and digitoxin. Digestive upset affected by saponins.
Larkspur "“ seeds and immature growth. Cardiovascular system affected by alkaloids. Can also cause dermatitis, depression, nervousness, and GI upset.
Lily of the Valley "“ entire plant. Irregular heartbeat/pulse and mental confusion caused by convallamarin. Gastrointestinal tract affected by glycosides convallarin.
Apple Leaf Croton "“ entire plant. Contains ricin, which causes severe hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, and degradation of kidneys and liver.
Avocado "“ fruit, pit and plant. Contains persin, which causes damage to heart, lungs, and other tissues. Symptoms include difficulty breathing.
Clematis "“ entire plant. Vomiting, diarrhea, oral ulceration, and nervous system damage. Can also cause dermatitis.
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) "“ entire plant. Severe ulceration of mucus membranes in mouth and gastrointestinal tract, asphyxiation, tremors, loss of balance, death.
Elderberry "“ entire plant. Cyanide-like toxicity causes diarrhea and vomiting.
English Ivy "“ berries and leaves; digestive system upset caused by saponins. Plant also causes dermatitis.
Iris "“ tubers. Toxin is glycoside iridin, which causes severe GI tract problems. Plant can also affect skin.
Mistletoe "“ leaves, stems; berries can be fatal to puppies. Gastritis due to toxalbumins. Can also cause dermatitis. Narcissus, daffodil, hyacinth "“ bulbs. Digestive upset including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; can be fatal.
Nightshade "“ all parts, especially unripened berries. Extreme digestive disturbances from saponins. Neurological seizures can also occur along with cardiac dysfunction.
Oak "“ acorn, foliage. Gastritis. Symptoms may include lack of appetite, constipation followed by diarrhea (sometimes bloodstained), blood in urine; symptoms appear after several days or week.
Organ Failure Toxins
Daphne "“ berries. GI tract and kidneys affected by coumarin glycosides. Plant can also cause dermatitis.
Grapes/Raisins "“ fruit; a few handfuls can be fatal. Acute kidney failure. Symptoms initially include abdominal pain, lethargy and vomiting.
Lantana "“ immature berries. Toxin is lantodene, an atropinelike toxin. Affects the lungs, kidneys, and nervous system.
Lily "“ all species. Easter Lilies, tiger lilies, Japanese show lilies, rubrum lilies, star gazer lilies, many lily hybrids and day lilies have been known to cause kidney failure, especiallyin cats.
Cherry and Peach pits "“ cyanogenic. Toxin is a precursor to cyanide. Symptoms include brick red mucous membranes, difficulty breathing or panting, dilated pupils, shock, and death.
Datura (Jimson Weed) "“ entire plant. Abnormal thirst, distorted sight, delirium, incoherence, and coma caused by the alkaloids atropine, scopolamine and hyoscyamine. May contain toxic levels of nitrates.
Onions/Garlic "“ all forms of onions, cooked, raw, etc. cause hemolysis (destruction of the red blood cells). Symptoms may include labored breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, and discolored urine. Can be fatal after a few days of ingestion. Baby foods and snack foods can contain onion powder.
Garlic is also toxic but much less so than onions and only if consumed in large quantities.
Neurological Toxins
Bleeding Heart "“ foliage and root only. Toxic in large amounts. Contains isoquinoline, a convulsant. Plant can also cause dermatitis.
Rhubarb "“ leaves (cooked or uncooked). Convulsions, coma.
Yew "“ foliage is more toxic than berries. Seizures, dizzy, dry mouth, salivation, vomiting, and gastrointestinal problems. Death can be sudden and without symptoms.
