Plants Poisonous to Dogs

Listed below are links to the ASPCA® Animal Poison Control Center's information on some common garden and household plants that can be poisonous to your pet. This may not represent a complete list of all poisonous plants. Also, your pet may have a sensitivity or allergy to a plant that is not on the list, resulting in toxicity. Always contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your pet may have ingested a poisonous plant. If you don't find the information you're seeking listed below, click here for our additional sources of information, many including specific effects and plant photos from the various veterinary/horticultural schools.

Special Notice: Several recent reports of dogs having kidney failure after ingesting large amount of grapes or raisins has the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center investigating to determine the causative agents or disease processes. Click here for information.

Harmful Plants (first source)
Amaryllis - bulbs
American Yew
Avocado
Azalea - leaves
Balsam Pear - seeds, outer rind of fruit
Baneberry - berries, root
Bird of Paradise - seeds
Black Locust - bark, sprouts, foliage
Blue-green Algae - some forms toxic
Boxwood - leaves, stems
Buckthorn - fruit, bark
Buttercup - sap, bulbs
Caladium - leaves
Calla Lily - leaves
Castor Bean - also castor oil, leaves
Chalice Vine/Trumpet vine
Christmas Candle - sap
Clematis/Virginia Bower
Coral Plant - seeds
Cowslip/Marsh Marigold
Daffodil - bulbs
Daphne - berries
Datura - berries
Deadly Amanita
Death Camas
Delphinium
Deffenbachia/Dumb Cane - leaves
Eggplant - fruit okay
Elephants Ear/Taro - leaves, stem
English Ivy berries, leaves
English Yew
False Henbane
Fly Agaric Mushroom - Deadly Amanita
Foxglove - leaves, seeds
Golden Chain/Laburnum
Hemlock - also water the plant is in
Henbane - seeds
Holly - berries
Horse Chestnut/Buckeye - nuts, twigs
Hyacinth - bulbs
Hydrangea - flower bud
Indian Turnip/Jack-in-Pulpit
Iris/Blue Flag - bulbs
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Japanese Yew - needles, seeds
Java Bean - lima bean - uncooked
Juniper - needles, stems, berries
Lantana - immature berries
Larkspur
Laurel
Lily of the Valley - also water the plant is in
Lobelia
Locoweed
Lords and Ladies/Cuckoopint
Marijuana/Hemp - leaves
Mayapple - fruit is safe
Mescal Beans - seeds
Mistletoe - berries
Mock Orange - fruit
Monkshood/Aconite - leaves, root
Morning Glory
Narcissus - bulbs
Nightshade - all varieties
Oleander - leaves, branches, nectar
Philodendron - leaves and stem
Pointsetta - leaves, roots, immature
Poison Ivy - sap
Poison Oak - sap
Pokeweed/Inkberry - leaf,root,young berries
Potato - eyes, new shoots
Privet
Rhododendron
Rhubarb - leaves
Rosary Peas/Indian Licorice - seeds
Skunk Cabbage
Snowdrop
Snow on the Mountain/Ghostweed
Sweet Pea - seeds, fruit
Tobacco - leaves
Virginia Creeper - sap
Water Hemlock
Western Yew
Wisteria
Yam bean - roots, immature roots

Harmful Plants (other sources)
Alacia
Apricot
Autumn Crocus/Meadow Saffron
Beans - all types if uncooked
Birch
Bittersweet Nightshade
Bleeding Heart/Dutchman's Breeches
Bloodroot
Bracken Fern
Broomcorn Grass
Candelabra Tree
Cardinal Flower
Cherry Tree - bark, twigs, leaves, pits
Chinaberry Tree
Crown of Thorns
Croton
Elderberry
Euonymus/Spindle Tree
False Hellebore
Ficus (weeping)
Firethorn/Pyracantha
Four O'Clock
Glory Bean
Ground Cherry
Honey Locust
Honeysuckle
Horsetail
Indian Licorice Bean
Ivy
Jasmine
Jimsonweed/Thornapple
Jerusalem Cherry - berries
Johnson Grass
Kentucky Coffee Tree
Lupines/Bluebonnet
Mandrake
Mango Tree - wood,leaves,rind-fruit safe
Moonseed
Mountain Laurel
Mushrooms - several varieties
Nectarine
Nettles
Nutmeg
Oak - acorns, foliage
Peach
Peanuts - raw
Pencil Tree
Periwinkle
Pigweed
Pikeweed
Pine needles - berries
Plum
Pothos
Prune
Rain Tree
Ranunculus/Buttercup
Red Maple
Sandbox Tree
Scarlet Runner Beans
Snowflake
Sorghum Grass
Sorrel
Sudan Grass
Tansy Ragwort
Vetch
Yello Jasmine
Yew (Amer,Engl,Japan) - needles, thistles

Other Poisonous Plants List
It is difficult to create a list of poisonous plants. While some plants are outright toxic to anyone who eats or comes in contact with the plant (Jimson Weed, nightshade), others may cause a reaction in some but not in others.
The following is a listing of plants normally thought to be poisonous. The list is not complete. People should not eat plants not grown as food crops. Children should be taught never to eat non-food crop plants.And you should restrict your pets' access to questionable plants.
Poisonous plants vary between animals. Don't assume that since a bird, squirrel or pig ate a plant with no problems, others (human or rabbit) can do the same.
Unless otherwise stated, consider all parts of the plant poisonous.
Never hesitate to seek medical aid if you think a person or animal has ingested a poisonous substance.

Agave (leaves)
Amaryllis (bulbs)
Apple (seeds)
AzaleaBird of Paradise (seeds)
BloodrootButtercup (leaves)
Black Locust (seeds)
Boxwood (leaves/twigs)
Buckeye (seeds)
Buckthorn (berries)
CaladiumCalla (rhizome)
Castor Bean (seed)
Christmas RoseCone FlowerCrown of ThornsDaffodilDaphneDelphiniumDumbcane (Dieffenbachia)
Eggplant (plant)
Elderberry (unripe berries)
Elephant EarFlowering
TobaccoFoxgloveHolly (berries)
Horsechestnut (nuts)
HyacinthIrisIvy, Boston & English (berries)
Jack-in-the-PulpitJerusalem CherryJimson WeedJonquilLantanaLarkspurLily-of-the-ValleyLupineMayappleMistletoe (berries)
Morning Glory (seeds)
Mustard (root)
Narcissus
NicotianaNightshade
Oleander
PhilodendronPoison
HemlockPoison Ivy
Potato (green)
Privet (berries)
Ranunculus
Rhododendron
Rhubarb (leaf blade)
Rosary Pea (seed)
Snow-on-the-MountainSweet Pea (seeds)
Sweet PotatoSkunk CabbageTansyTomato (leaves)
TulipVirginia Creeper (berries)
Water HemlockWisteria (seeds/pods)Yew (berries)

Arrow POISNING
Poisons are used to poison arrow heads or darts for the purposes of hunting. They have been used by almost all primitive peoples worldwide and are still in use in areas of South America, Africa and Asia.
Notable examples are the poisons secreted from the skin of the poison arrow frog and curare (or 'ampi'), a general term for a range of plant-derived arrow poisons used by the indigenous peoples of South America.[1]
Poisoned arrows have featured in mythology, notably the Greek story of the slaying of Achilles by Paris, and Balder's death in the Norse myths.

Be aware of the plants you have in your house and in your yard. The ingestion of a poisonous plant can be fatal.

When cleaning your house, never allow your cat access to the area where cleaning agents are used or stored. Cleaning agents have a variety of properties. Some may only cause a mild stomach upset, while others could cause severe burns of the tongue, mouth, and stomach.

When using rat or mouse baits, ant or roach traps, or snail and slug baits, place the products in areas that are inaccessible to your cat. Most baits contain sweet-smelling, inert ingredients, such as jelly, peanut butter, and sugars, which can be very attractive to your pet.

Never give your animal any medications unless under the directions of a veterinarian. Many medications that are used safely in humans can be deadly when used inappropriately. One extra-strength acetaminophen tablet (500mg) can kill a 7 lb. cat.

Keep all prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs out of the reach of your cat, preferably in closed cabinets. Painkillers, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, antidepressants, vitamins, and diet pills are common examples of human medications that could be potentially lethal, even in small dosages.

Never leave chocolates unattended. Approximately one half ounce or less of baking chocolate per pound of body weight can cause problems. Even small amounts can cause pancreatic problems

Common Name Parthenium
weedBotanical NameParthenium hysterophorus L.StatusParthenium weed is one of only fourteen weeds proclaimed as State Prohibited Weeds in Victoria. This is the highest category to which a noxious weed can be allocated. As yet there is no known infestation of parthenium weed in Victoria.OriginParthenium weed is native to the Caribbean. It is suspected that it was introduced to Australia during World War II. It is a major weed in Queensland and parts of New South Wales and in India.DescriptionAn upright annual herb in the family Asteraceae. Parthenium weed has a deep taproot and grows to a height of 30 to 150 cm. Stems - one main stem which branches in the upper half of the plant; grooved lengthwise, becoming woody with age
Chemical Control
Under Victorian legislation there are controls on various aspects of the uses of agricultural chemicals. Some particular uses are prohibited and some require permits. Users of certain agricultural chemicals are required to obtain an Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP) or work under the direct supervision of an ACUP holder. Additional restrictions on the use of some herbicides apply to particular geographic areas known as Chemical Control Areas (CCA

Poisonous Hazards
Dogs are curious animals and have a tendency to consume anything they come across. If you suspect that your dog has ingested a poisonous substance, contact your veterinarian immediately. The longer poison is in the dog's system, the more extensive the damage.
The following are some common poisonous hazards and their effects.
Insecticides and parasite medications. Flea and tick sprays, shampoos and collars. Worm medications must be used according to directions. Signs of overuse of these chemicals are trembling and weakness, drooling, vomiting, and loss of bowel control.
Rodent poisons.Most rat poisons thin the blood so it is unable to clot. Inducing vomiting before 30 minutes have lapsed will usually get rid of the poison. Poisons containing strychnine, such as those used for gophers, can cause rapid death.
Acids, alkalis, and petroleum products. Vomiting should not be induced if these products have been ingested. You can give antacids, approximately 2 teaspoons per 5 pounds of body weight, to temporarily counteract acids. For ingestion of alkali, use 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water and administer as you would antacids.
Antifreeze.This substance is sweet tasting which can draw animals to drink it. It is extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Call your veterinarian immediately. To prevent accidental ingestion, use an animal-safe antifreeze in your vehicles.
Toxic plants
Depending on the toxicity level of the plant, the effects of ingesting certain plants can range from upset stomach and vomiting to coma and death. To protect your pet, you should be aware of the toxicity level of all house plants as well as those in your yard. Be aware that the toxicity level of a particular plant may vary in its parts, such as stem, leaves, roots. It is also important to know that different breeds of pets may be affected differently. If you have trouble identifying a particular plant, contact a local nursery.
If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, call your veterinarian immediately. Some plants can cause significant, and sometimes irreversible, damage to internal organs in a short period of time.
Very toxic
Lily: Easter Lily, Tiger Lily, Japanese Show Lily, Day Lily, and others in the Liliaceae family. (The Peace Lily and the Calla Lily are in other plant families.)
Cats: Kidney failure and death. Only a small amount of an ingested leaf can lead to serious problems. Early warning signs include vomiting, dull appetite, and loss of appetite. Treatment should begin immediately.
Mistletoe
The American Mistletoe (often used at Christmas) produces severe irritation of the digestive tract, low heart rate, low body temperature, difficulty breathing, unsteadiness, excessive thirst, and sometimes seizure, coma, and death.
Hydrangea
This plant contains a cyanide-type toxin which is acts very fast. It leads to oxygen starvation with a very quick onset of symptoms including death.
Oleander
All parts of the plant have a high toxicity level. Ingestion leads to irritation of the digestive tract, vomiting, diarrhea, heart irregularities, depression, and often death. Even a small amount can lead to death. Fresh leaves are bitter; wilted and dead leaves are more palatable, but are still highly toxic.
Moderately toxic
Philodendron and Dieffenbachia (Dumbcane)
This plant contains oxalic acid salts that cause irritation in the mouth, excessive saliva production, and sometimes diarrhea when roots, leaves, or stem are ingested.
Rhododendron (Azalea)
Ingestion of leaves generally leads to digestive pain and irritation, abnormal heart function, tremors, and sometimes seizures, coma, and death.
Candelabra Cactus (Crown of Thorns)
The ingestion of leaves generally results in mild to moderate digestive upsets including excessive salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Minimally to Moderately toxic
Poinsetta
The ingestion of leaves generally results in mild to moderate upset in the digestive tract including excessive salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Holly
Ingestion results in upset in the digestive tract as well as nervous system depression. This plant contains some of the same toxic components as found in chocolate (caffeine.)
Minimally toxic
English Ivy
Leaves and berries may cause digestive system irritation, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, and rarely, coma or even death.
Other plants that may cause vomiting and diarrhea:
Castor BeanSoap BerryGround CherrySkunk CabbageDaffodilDelphiniumFoxgloveLarkspurIndian TobaccoIndian TurnipPokeweedBittersweet WoodyWisteria
Other plants that may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain:
AlmondApricotJerusalem CherryWild CherryBalsam PearChrysanthemumHyacinthJapanese PlumBird of Paradise BushHorse Chestnut (Buckeye)English HollyBlack LocustMock OrangePrivetRain Tree (Monkey Pod)Sago PalmTulipYew (American, English, Western Yew)
Other plants that may cause varied reactions:
Mescal beanMushroom (if toxic to humans)Sunburned potatoesRhubarbSpinachTomato VineButtercupDologetonPoison HemlockJasmineLoco WeedLupineMatrimony VineMay Apple
Toxic foods
Grapes and Raisins
There have been a few reports of kidney failure due to LARGE amounts being ingested. Until further studies are done, it is wise not to feed your pet large quantities of either.
Chocolate
Chocolate can be fatal to pets. It is best to keep chocolate away from pets.
Toxic household products
AcetaminophenAntifreeze and other car fluidsBleachBoric AcidCleaning fluidDeodorantsDeodorizersDetergentsDisinfectantsDrain cleanersFurniture polishGasolineHair coloringsWeed killersInsecticidesKeroseneMatchesMothballsNail polish Nail polish removerPaintPrescription medicineRat poisonRubbing alcoholShoe polishSleeping pillsSnail or slug baitTurpentineWindshield-wiper fluid