Toxic Plants
While this certainly isn’t an exhaustive list of toxic plants for dogs, the following are some of the more common toxic plants that may be around our homes or found in the yard:
1. Amaryllis
Popular during the spring holidays, this plant can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and tremors
2. Azalea
Prevalent in many backyards, this common plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea, a drop in blood pressure, weakness, cardiac failure, coma, and can even be life-threatening
3. Bird of Paradise
Not to be confused with the less toxic Strelitzia reginae, this plant, if consumed, can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, mild nausea, drowsiness, and difficulty swallowing
4. Daffodil
A favorite of gardeners, this plant can cause vomiting, hypersalvation, diarrhea, arrhythmia, convulsions, and low blood pressure
5. Daisy
A common flower both in gardens and flower arrangements, if consumed, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, incoordination, and dermal allergic reactions
6. Eucalyptus
This plant, if consumed, can cause excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and weakness
7. Hyacinth
Consumption can cause intense vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and tremors
8. Hydrangea
Brightly colored but toxic, this plant can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal disturbances
9. Iris
While the entirety of this plant is toxic, the rhizomes (underground stem) are most potent and, if ingested, this plant can cause vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and diarrhea
10. Calla Lily
If one of these uniquely shaped flowers is ingested, it can cause oral irritation, a burning sensation on the tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing
11. Morning Glory
These cone-shaped flowers can cause vomiting and even hallucinations
12. Rhododendron
It only takes consuming a few leaves to create a severe reaction, including excessive drooling, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, colic, depression, weakness, stupor, paralysis, cardiovascular collapse, or worse – your dog may become comatose or even die
13. Jade
The jade plant is toxic to dogs. Consumption can cause vomiting, a slow heart rate, incoordination, and depression, which can be hard to spot
14. Tomato plants
Are tomato plants toxic to dogs? While the popular fruit produced by this plant isn’t poisonous, unripe tomatoes can still pose a danger. Plus, the plant itself is toxic to dogs. If consumed, symptoms produced can include: hypersalivation, severe upset stomach, depression, weakness, dilated pupils, and slow heart rate
15. Tulip
Pretty but poisonous, the bulb of this plant, if ingested, can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, and nausea
For a more complete list of plants that are toxic to dogs, check out this list compiled by our strategic partner The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®).
Symptoms
If your pal consumes something poisonous, a plant or other hazardous material, there are some telltale signs, as noted above, that will alert pet parents. Common symptoms of poison consumption include:
Lethargy
Weakness
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Drooling
Nausea
Severe symptoms often include:
Agitation
Extreme sedation
Seizures
Coma
What You Should Do
If you believe your dog has consumed a poisonous plant – or anything poisonous for that matter – contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately. It can be helpful to the veterinarian if you know or can identify the plant your pooch ingested. If your dog vomited, bringing a sample with you may be beneficial for testing, analysis, and for determining the proper treatment.
While you are on your way to the veterinarian or emergency clinic, consider contacting the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 for more information from poison control experts. The center offers a 24-hour emergency hotline.
Treatment
Depending on the situation, treatment can go in a few different directions. While this can certainly be a scary situation, it’s in your – and your pooch’s – best interest to be calm and collected. If you act frantic or extremely distressed, it can have an adverse effect on your buddy.
Here are a few tips in case your dog eats a poisonous plant:
Contact the vet immediately, as your dog may need to have their stomach pumped or to receive activated charcoal to bind the toxins
Do not induce vomiting unless it’s recommended by your vet (vomiting can exacerbate the problem)
Perform CPR if your dog is not breathing