For most people, houseplants are one of the best and easiest ways to liven up a home. However, those who have dogs need to be extra careful when picking these decorations.
As pretty as they are, not all houseplants are pet-friendly. If you are looking for a list of options to avoid, read on. You will find all the common houseplants that are poisonous to dogs in the sections that follow.
15 Houseplants That Are Poisonous to Dogs
1. Lilies
Image source: Pinterest
Not all members of the large lily family are poisonous to dogs. There are some varieties of this beautiful flower that have no business being in any pet-friendly home. For one, the Mauna Loa variety can cause your dog a lot of stomach pain.
Based on your dog’s weight and age, this type of lily can be dangerous to different degrees. It can cause mild symptoms, such as nausea, or severe ones, such as kidney disease.
2. Aloe Vera
Image source: Pinterest
Despite its many wonderful effects on human skin and multiple benefits for overall health, aloe vera can be quite dangerous for dogs’ digestive systems if ingested. It can result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Thus, you should keep this plant’s leaves as far away from your dog as possible.
3. English Ivy
Image source: Pinterest
Most people are aware of the potential dangers of poison ivy, but not many know that regular ivy can also be dangerous. It is especially harmful to dogs. If a dog eats some of the pretty leaves, it can develop breathing problems or a nasty rash. In rare cases, the plant can even cause paralysis or a coma.
4. Jade
Image source: Pinterest
Jade goes by many names, from the Dwarf Rubber Plant to Friendship Tree. Whatever you call it, its toxins can be quite dangerous for your dog. They can cause a slow heart rate, incoordination, vomiting, and lethargy. Your dog will appear depressed and unwilling to do anything, which is how the symptoms usually start.
5. Dumb Cane
Image source: Pinterest
This exotic houseplant is quite a sight to behold with its wide leaves and beautiful green color. However, it is also highly poisonous to dogs and cats. If your dog eats some of the leaves, the toxins inside them can cause pain and swelling in the mouth.
As the symptoms progress, your dog might have difficulty swallowing, chewing, and breathing. In extreme cases, breathing difficulties can lead to death.
6. Elephant Ear
Image source: Pinterest
As its name suggests, the leaves of this colorful plant resemble elephant ears. The toxins they contain are quite similar to those in Dumb Cane, so, the symptoms that the plants cause in dogs are pretty much the same. They include vomiting, excessive drooling, and all of the oral problems mentioned for Dumb Cane above.
7. Pothos/Devil’s Ivy
Image source: Pinterest
This plant is dangerous for dogs, mostly because it can cause severe mouth irritation. Apart from that, it can also cause nausea, vomiting, difficulties with chewing and swallowing, and labored breathing.
The most important thing to remember about this plant is that all its parts are poisonous. That includes the leaves, seeds, and roots. Therefore, it is a plant that you should keep far away from your doggo at all costs.
8. ZZ Plant
Image source: Pinterest
As luxurious as this plant can look in a home, it is dangerous for most pets, especially dogs. If your dog ingests its leaves, it can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If the symptoms persist, your dog will most likely lose weight and develop bowel and liver problems that might be challenging to treat.
9. Asparagus Fern
Image source: Pinterest
This variety of fern is also known as the Emerald Fern, Lace Fern, and Plumosa Fern. Whatever you choose to call it, it is highly poisonous to dogs. Ingesting the tiny leaves can lead to irritation of the mouth and vomiting.
Likewise, eating the berries can be just as dangerous, as it can lead to severe abdominal pain, indigestion, inflammation, and rashes.
10. Sowbread
Image source: Pinterest
When you see this flower, you might get the impression of looking at the gentlest plant in the world because of its beautiful violet petals. However, looks can be deceiving, and in this case, they indeed are.
If your dog ingests any part of this plant, it will start having symptoms right away. These include an increased heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures. If the ingested amount is significant, the plant can even be fatal.
11. Sago Palm
Image source: Pinterest
This plant resembles a tiny palm tree, which makes it quite appealing to some dogs. Its seeds are toxic to all pets, especially dogs. The symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, seizures, liver failure, and, in extreme cases, death. Apart from the seeds, this plant’s leaves are also toxic.
12. Tulips
Image source: Pinterest
Tulip leaves are full of toxins that can cause your dog an upset stomach. However, the real danger lies in the bulbs, as they contain toxins that can cause loss of appetite, lethargy, and depression.
13. Oleander
Image source: Pinterest
This plant is quite common in homes and gardens all over the country. Despite its beauty and popularity, it is a plant that all pet parents should refrain from keeping anywhere near their home. The toxins found in Oleander leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots can cause an increased heart rate, diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
14. Philodendron
Image source: Pinterest
These plants with heart-shaped leaves and long vines are a favorite of many homeowners. And yet, not many know that they are highly poisonous to dogs. Ingesting the leaves will cause severe irritation and swelling of the mouth. In some cases, it might also result in vomiting.
15. Rhododendron
Image source: Pinterest
If your dog eats any part of the rhododendron plant, its stomach will react immediately. Your pet will show symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, extremely low blood pressure, and irregular heart rhythm. That makes rhododendrons some of the most toxic houseplants for dogs.