Planting DesignDiscover the right plants for your garden.
One of the big responsibilities that pet owners face is keeping their furred booster safe from damage . When it come to indoor and out-of-door plant , there are some that are risky to our darling companions , particularly cats and dogs . While many plants are absolutely safe , others can range from mildly irritating to downright lethal . Here ’s a listing to get you started on the route to keeping your favourite safe .
On this Thomas Nelson Page : Toxic Houseplants|Toxic Outdoor Plants|Additional Tips
Also see:20 Common Plants Safe for Cats & dog
HOUSEPLANTS POISONOUS TO CATS & DOGS
Growing plants indoors is a slap-up way to incorporate live elements into your household . But , before buy houseplants , search them not just for growing experimental condition , but whether they ’ll be safe for your four - legged friends . Here are some to fend off :
Sago palm . Photo by New Africa / Shutterstock .
SAGO PALM
Grown for its attractive frond and unfussy nature , sago palm ( Cycas revoluta ) is actually a cycad . Despite its refined appearing , all part of the industrial plant are extremely poisonous if ingested by pets , with the seed being the most toxic part of the industrial plant . The toxic principle is cycasin ; symptoms include slaver , vomiting , bloody stools , unstable retention in the abdominal area , internal hemorrhaging , jaundice , liver bankruptcy , and decease . Because of the risk and badness of symptoms , treatment should be search immediately .
‘ Crosby ’s Compact ’ jade plant . picture by Cal Cactus .
jade-green PLANT
introduce as a houseplant decades ago , hussy industrial plant ( Crassula ovata ) is a succulent grow for its fleshy leaves and uncompromising tree - alike visual aspect that lends an exotic appeal . Harmful to click and cats if any part of the plant is assimilate , the toxic property is unidentified . Symptoms , which are broadly modest , include vomit , depression , want of coordination , lethargy , loss of appetite , and in extreme cases , a ho-hum heart charge per unit or convulsion .
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Amaryllis . pic by valerypetr / Shutterstock .
AMARYLLIS
A favourite of vacation talent givers , the oversized bulb of amaryllis ( Hippeastrum ) produces a grandiloquent , sturdy root with large , trumpet - shape flowers that come in a variety of colors . Other vulgar names include belladonna lily , St. Joseph lily , cape belladonna plant , and naked madam . gently to moderately poisonous to dogs and cats , the toxic principle , lycorine , can make puking , natural depression , diarrhea , abdominal bother , hypotension , undue salivation , and tremor . The bulbs are more toxic than the leaves and flowers .
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Aloe vera plants . picture by Nevada31 / Shutterstock .
ALOE VERA
Popularized for its many therapeutic consumption , aloe ( Aloe vera ) is a succulent that grows natively in tropical regions worldwide . Cultivated as a houseplant or outdoors in modest clime , Aloe verais originate for its spiky architectural form and ease of alimony . The gel extracted from the leaves is primarily used topically as a salve to treat burns . Taken internally , aloe is used to do by a server of other medical upshot . Aloespp hold in saponin , a toxin with foaming property similar to soap that can harm pet if ingest . symptom let in emesis , diarrhea , lassitude , change in pee colour , and ( rarely ) tremors . In most cases , toxicity is mild to tone down , but in extreme case , ingestion can be aliveness - threatening because of severe evaporation that can result .
Weeping fig ( Ficus benjamina ) . picture by Imageman / Shutterstock .
WEEPING FIG
A unremarkably naturalize tree native to Asia and Australia , weeping fig ( Ficus benjamina ) is grown outdoors in lovesome U.S. regions . As a houseplant , it ’s grow for its lustrous foliage , graceful arching habit , and tolerance of a wide range of growing circumstance . Other common names include Benjamin ’s Al-Jama’a al-Islamiyyah al-Muqatilah bi-Libya , Indian rubber plant , andrubber tree . Toxic to both cats and dogs if ingested , the enzyme ficin that occurs in all parts of the plant can destroy protein in dog that are needed to rectify trunk tissues . The other toxicant substance , ficusin , can cause photosensitivity , irritating the skin when exposed to the sun . symptom admit agitation , diarrhea , drooling , red ink of appetency , mouth pain , and vomiting . Skin symptom include redness , vesiculation , and firing . perniciousness is by and large mild unless large quantities are take in .
heart-leaf philodendron . photograph by Cheng Wei / Shutterstock .
PHILODENDRON
For coevals , philodendron has been a mainstay of houseplant lovers for its broad allowance of growing conditions , particularly low visible radiation . The most ordinarily grown , heart-leaf philodendron ( Philodendron scandens ) is one of the easiest of all houseplants , favored for its cosmetic leave and vining habit . Also known as sweetheart plant , the foliage can be toxic to computed tomography and dog if manducate or ingested . The toxic ingredient of calcium oxalate crystals is released upon masticate or sting any parts of the plant . symptom include drooling , mouthpiece pain and extrusion , lessen appetite , vomiting , and ( seldom ) bottleneck of airways . Toxicity is generally mild to moderate .
say to grow philodendrons .
Begonia leaves . exposure by Janet Loughrey .
BEGONIA
Both a popular garden plant and houseplant , begonia ( Begoniaspp . ) is maturate for its attractive center - shaped parting in a sort of colors and patterns , as well as its ornamental bloom . Poisonous to cats and dogs if take in , the toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates , which are more hard in the hole-and-corner tubers than the leaves and stems . The effects , which are usually meek , let in vomiting , diarrhea , oral fissure pain , dehydration , difficulty swallowing , red of appetency , and excessive salivation .
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Photo by Garden World Images Ltd. / Alamy Stock Photo .
ZZ industrial plant
One of the toughest and most exonerative houseplants is ZZ plant life ( Zamioculcas zamiifolia ) , the name abbreviated by the nursery barter for convenience . The shiny fleshy leaves and elegant arch habit have got up well in low lightness and even thrive on neglect , making this a expert choice for those with busy lifestyle . The toxic attribute of calcium oxalate is gently to moderately toxic if ingested by pets , have protrusion of the eyes , mucous membrane , or skin . In most cases , these and other potential symptom of regurgitation , stomach ache , and diarrhea should resolve themselves .
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Calla Lily . photograph by Janet Loughrey .
CALLA LILY
grow both as an indoor and outdoor flora , calla lily ( Zantedeschia aethiopica ) is comfortably known for its elegant tubular flowers . grave to dearie if any parts of the industrial plant are ingested , the active toxin is calcium oxalate crystals . Milder symptom let in a burn sense experience in the oral fissure and pharynx , drooling , difficultness swallowing , and choking , which can hang around up to two week . In rare cases when big quantities are ingested , symptom let in upchuck , breathing difficulties , convulsion , renal failure , permanent liver or kidney damage , and even death . The level of perniciousness is normally mild to moderate .
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Kalanchoe . pic by joloei / Shutterstock .
KALANCHOE
A mainstay of florist workshop and garden center , kalanchoe ( Kalanchoe blossfeldiana ) is grown for its brilliantly slanted flowers and attractive scallop leaves . This tropical succulent is favored by houseplant lover for its relief of culture and tolerance of a wide range of consideration . Other vulgar name include flaming Katy , devil ’s backbone , Mexican hat plant and Madagascar widow’s - thrill . All parts of the flora are poisonous to click and cats , with the toxic property of glycoside toxin similar to those found in foxglove . In most case , perniciousness is mild to tone down , with symptoms include drooling , vomit , and diarrhea . In extreme eccentric , effects can let in slackness , abnormal centre charge per unit , dilated pupils , tremors , and seizures .
Dumb cane ( Dieffenbachia ) . Photo by Bogdan Sonjachnyj / Shutterstock .
DUMB CANE
For a lush , tropical feeling without a tidy sum of work , silent cane ( Dieffenbachia ) lights up even the darkest corner of the house with its white and fleeceable variegate leaves . One of the most common houseplant , it also goes by the name leopard lily . However attractive , the plant contains oxalate crystals and other toxic enzyme that make a burn sensation if the leaves or stems are chew by pets . Symptoms , which are usually mild to moderate , let in drooling , vomiting , mouth hurting , decreased appetite , and ( rarely ) difficulty swallow or breathing .
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Snake plant life . Photo by Sai Tha / Shutterstock .
SNAKE flora
Grown for its spearlike variegated leave and just appearance , Hydra plant life ( Sansevieria trifasciata ) is a most indestructible houseplant that adds striking collection to any room . Also know as mother - in - jurisprudence ’s tongue , good lot industrial plant , or viper ’s bowstring hemp , this African tropic prefers shiny indirect light and small urine . toxicant if ingested by pets , the toxic principle is saponin , which has foaming belongings alike to soap . symptom , which are ordinarily balmy to moderate , include drooling , sickness , emesis , and diarrhea .
OUTDOOR PLANTS POISONOUS TO CATS & DOGS
When prefer plant for your curtilage , take into retainer whether they ’re secure for pets , based in part on your own dog or cat ’s behaviour . While some pet , particularly certain breeds of dogs , will eat or chew anything , others show no sake . And do n’t forget to monitor your furry supporter while walking in the neighborhood to make certain they are n’t exposed to something harmful . Here are some plants to invalidate :
Rhododendron . photograph by Janet Loughrey .
AZALEA AND RHODODENDRON
A certain sign of bound , azalea and rhododendrons ( Rhododendronspp . ) are among the most beloved shrub for their gong - shaped flush and attractive evergreen plant leave . The beauty of this flora belie its perniciousness to cats and dogs if absorb . The poisonous substance present in all parts of the plant is grayanotoxin , which can cause drooling , regurgitation , and diarrhea . In more severe cases , effects can admit red ink of appetite , abdominal botheration , abnormal heartbeat , cecity , clinical depression , tremors , and raptus . Toxicity can vary according to the plant life variety , range from gently to hard harmful .
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Daffodil . photograph by Janet Loughrey .
SPRING BULBS
Though former incandescent lamp are a welcome sight after a long , dreary winter , some kind can be harmful to pets . Daffodils , hyacinths , tulip , and iris have different degrees of perniciousness , with change toxic principles and symptom . The highest level of toxicity is generally found in the bulb rather than plants . Before buying any fresh motley , familiarize yourself with each sort to make certain they are safe . Keep unplanted bulbs out of ambit of pet and recognize potential symptoms if you mistrust your pet has ingested any part of a particular plant .
Learn , hyacinths , tulips , andiris .
Tiger lily . exposure by Janet Loughrey .
LILY
Some of the most darling summer flowers , lilies are originate from bulbs , produce striking tubular heyday in an endless array of colouration and pattern . These dish can be harmful to pets , bet on the diversity . Calla , peach , and Peruvian lily are less toxic , causing balmy symptom such as drooling or mouthpiece irritation if the plant life or lightbulb are ingested . Others , such as Asiatic , Easter , and tiger lilies are more harmful , with the toxic property being present in all region of the works , but concentrated most in the bulb . Since dogs in particular are jazz to labor them out of the solid ground , it ’s commend that bulbs be kept out of reach of their questioning paws . Even the pollen or weewee from a vase can have poisoning , particularly for cats . Eating just one bulb can lead in hard enteral upset ; symptoms include diarrhoea , dehydration , drooling , puking , and lethargy . In extreme cases , pets can tolerate a distended abdomen , jaundice , shock , cardiac imbalance , organ failure , and demise .
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Colocasia . pic by Janet Loughrey .
ELEPHANT ‘S auricle
There are several garden plants that go by the name of elephant ’s ear ( Caladium , Alocasia , Colocasia ) , which are grown for their heavy , bold leafage that can measure up to 3 feet foresightful . These tropicals , which were popularize during Victorian times , add up in various forms and colors , lending an alien flavor to the landscape painting . All are poisonous to cats and dogs , with the toxic property of atomic number 20 oxalate crystals being most saturated in the bulbs . symptom let in burn esthesis of the mouth and pharynx , drooling , and vomiting . In uttermost cases where large quantities are ingested , essence can include difficulty swallowing and breathing , convulsions , electronic organ impairment , and death .
teach ’s ear .
' Bronze Elegans ' . Photo by Martin Hughes - Jones / Alamy Stock Photo .
CHRYSANTHEMUM
A certain mansion of surrender is when garden mum ( Chrysanthemum ) begin appear in grocery storage and garden centre . These reliable perennials , which were originally tame one C of years ago in China , are grown for their long - bloom flower that number in a rainbow of colors and forms . All parts of the plant are vicious to darling if have , with the toxic principle being pyrethrin , a innate insecticide that repels pests . Symptoms include vomiting , diarrhea , excessive salivation , cough , appetite loss , agitation , and want of coordination . Particularly for computerized tomography , sensibility can leave in dermatitis through skin middleman . Toxicity is generally meek to moderate .
check .
English Ivy . photograph by Cozy Home / Shutterstock
ENGLISH IVY
A commonly used groundcover , English ivy ( Hedera genus Helix ) is grown for its ability to cover large area speedily and is often used to damp the look of stone walls . Also grown as a houseplant , the overuse of this democratic vine outside has resulted in invasiveness in some regions . Poisonous to cats and dogs if leaves or berry are eaten , there are multiple toxic principles that can make your pet sick . symptom include a combust adept in the mouth and pharynx , drooling , undue thirst , stomach upset , vomiting , diarrhea , and abdominal pain . tegument link with the sap can cause dermatitis . perniciousness is generally moderate , but in rare cases where larger amounts are ingested , effect can let in passing of coordination , disorientation , fit , and coma .
' Dallas Red ' lantana . Photo by Gurcharan Singh / Shutterstock .
LANTANA
Grown for its exceptionally long bloom time and cheerful bright - colored flowers , lantana provides months of uninterrupted coloring material during warmer weather . All parts of the industrial plant are poisonous to pets , with the toxic precept of triterpenoid being most saturated in the berries . toxic condition is more common in southern regions where lantana grows wild . The pungent odor of the leaf generally repels animal , but curious pets might be lean to taste it . This industrial plant can be life-threatening if ingested in great quantities , so immediate treatment is substantive . symptom include vomiting , diarrhea , appetite expiration , and extravagant urination . More serious effect can include jaundice , abdomen distention , and liver damage .
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Annual or zonal geranium ( Pelargonium ) . exposure by Maya Afzaal / Shutterstock .
ZONAL GERANIUM
Zonal geraniums ( Pelargonium ) are a preferred potted or bedding works for their brightly colored flowers that flower over an exceptionally long prison term in summer and spill . While perennialcranesbill geraniums(Geraniumspp . ) are not harmful to pets , the annual genus Pelargonium are . Also known as unwashed geraniums , the toxic rule of geraniol and linalool - used in all-important oil and lifelike insect repellents - can be vicious to pet if absorb . Symptoms include emesis , loss of appetite , lethargy , Great Depression , and dumb metabolism . hide physical contact can cause dermatitis . Toxicity is in general mild to control , depending on the amount ingested .
Learn ( common geraniums ) .
' Red Racer ' hellebore .
false hellebore
For wintertime vividness in the garden , some of the early flowers to flower are hellebore ( Helleborusspp . ) . Also make love as Lenten rose , Easter rise up , or Christmas rose , these tough perennial are prized for their leathery evergreen foliage and cup - shaped blooms that add up in an array of colors and patterns . Hellebores produce several toxic principles that are harmful to pets if any part of the industrial plant is ingested . In most case , the bitter taste will deter pet , so reactions lean to be mild , and spartan case of poisoning are unusual . Symptoms let in colic , natural depression , diarrhea , drooling , abdominal pain in the neck , vomiting , and lethargy . In extreme cases , effects can include breathing difficulties , paralysis , ictus , heart cardiac arrhythmia , and ( rarely ) expiry .
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' Nikko Blue ' hydrangea . pic by ANGHI / Shutterstock .
HYDRANGEA
One of the most dear summer - flower shrubs , hydrangea ( Hydrangeaspp . ) is grown for its spectacular flowers that occur in a variety of colors and shapes . Unfortunately , the farewell and flower buds can be harmful to frankfurter and cats if eaten , with the toxic principle being cyanogenetic glycoside , also known as nitril . Symptoms admit vomiting , diarrhea , abdominal discomfort , and economic crisis . Since PET loosely observe the plants unpalatable due to the bitter taste , nitrile intoxication is rare . Serious effects can let in raptus , respiration issues , an increase in heart rate and body temperature , and decease .
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' Stella de Oro ' day lily . Photo by noxx / Pixabay .
DAYLILY
With the power to arise in most zones and flowers that come in an endless array of colors , it ’s no wonder that daylily ( Hemerocallisspp . ) are one of the most democratic garden perennial . Though daylilies are not reckon as highly toxic to dogs , they can still cause mild abdominal soreness if any parts of the plant are absorb in significant quantity . For cats , daylilies are far more dangerous . Felines with extreme sensibility can decrease ominous simply by grooming their fur after coming into link with the industrial plant , or by drinking water system from a vase that contains disregard daylily flower . other symptoms can include disgorgement , lack of appetite , desiccation , and lethargy . If not treated immediately , effect can aggravate , including disorientation , kidney failure , seizures , heart arrhythmia , and death .
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Foxglove . Photo by Janet Loughrey .
FOXGLOVE
The improbable flower steeple of foxglove ( Digitalisspp . ) are a welcome sight in the garden issue forth spring and summer . A favorite in English cottage - style garden , the attractive bell - shaped flowers make a welcome addition to any flower border . These biyearly or recurrent bloom are highly poisonous to positron emission tomography if take in , contain the toxic property of cardiac glycoside that can affect the heart . PET can become crazy just by drinking water out of a vase containing cut foxglove . symptom include drooling , nausea , vomiting , impuissance , dilated pupils , tremors , unnatural heart rate , seizures , and death . Because effects are severe and often fatal , it ’s essential to try medical treatment immediately .
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ADDITIONAL TIPS
Make certain to know the botanical name as well as mutual name calling of plants , as some go by the same common name .
Keep contact data for your regular veterinarian and local emergency vet clinic handy .
When possible , take a picture or convey a sampling of the suspected poisonous industrial plant to your veterinarian for positive identification , which will aid in rendering the appropriate discourse .
If you believe your dog or cat-o’-nine-tails has take in a poisonous plant , call these24 - time of day resources for straightaway advice :
essay professional advice immediately , as delaying treatment can ensue in worsening symptom or even death .
For a more comprehensive plant lean , see theASPCA Toxic and Non - Toxic Plants List .
See more:12 Poisonous and Notorious Plants .
