Plants add a certain element to the feel of our homes; however, those with pets need to be selective about the greenery they choose to have around.
According to the ASPCA Poison Control, there are literally thousands of plants that could harm your pet if they ingest it. They all have varying degrees of effect on your dog or cat. Some mild, some severe, and some even potentially fatal. We've narrowed down the list to nine of some of the most common household plants.
#1 Corn Plant (Dracaena frangrans)
This easy to grow green is an extremely popular choice for people’s homes. If ingested, symptoms include vomiting and appetite loss for both dogs and cats. In cats specifically, it can cause difficulty breathing and an increased heart rate.
#2 Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
This common exotic plant adds a tropical feel to a home; however, it can be very troublesome if your pet gets its’ paws on this palm. Every part of this plant poses a threat. From the seeds to the roots, to the leaves- if ingested can cause vomiting diarrhea, and in some cases- even liver failure and death.
#3 Aloe Plant (Aloe vera)
Aloe has so many incredible uses for pet parents, it’s no wonder it is such a popular plant pick. But when it comes to exposing it to your pets, you may want to think twice. There are no known reports of the aloe posing a threat when applied topically, but if they happen to chew on the plant it will likely irritate their digestive system. Common symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors.
#4 Jade Plant (Crassula argentea)
This rubber plant is known for being “hard to kill”. Which is great for those lacking a green thumb. Signs that your dog or cat has munched down on this plant includes vomiting and a slow heart rate.
#5 Lilies (Many varieties)
Although some lily varieties can pose a threat to your dog, cat owners should be avoiding these pretty petals entirely. This bloom is extremely toxic to your feline and can even cause kidney failure in some cases. Symptoms include drooling, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
#6 Caladium or “Elephant Ear”
This bold, tropical beauty would add pop to any garden. But beware- signs that your dog munched down on one of these leaves include swelling and burning of the tongue and mouth, excessive drooling, and vomiting.
#7 Dieffenbachia or “Dumb Cane”
Known for being a relatively low-maintenance plant, ingestion of the leaves can cause severe swelling of the mouth and tongue. In turn, this can lead to difficulty breathing and swallowing.
#8 Asparagus Fern
This pretty plant is a popular houseplant choice because it is fast growing and easy to care for. If your dog or cat is exposed to it repeatedly, it can cause skin irritation, and berry ingestion can cause vomiting/diarrhea if eaten.
#9 Pothos or “Devil’s Ivy” (Epipremnun aureum)
This tropical plant is easy to grow and harmful to pets. Symptoms of ingestion include oral irritation, burning of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. If you suspect your pet has eaten a poisonous plant, contact your veterinarian immediately or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. (Be aware a phone consultation fee may be applied.)
If you love having plants around your living space, don’t despair! There are plenty of great options that are perfectly safe to have around your dogs and cats.
Here are some of our favorites: Areca Palm, Money Plant, Spider Plant, Purple Waffle Plant, Bamboo Palm, Variegated Wax Plant, Lilyturf, Boston Fern, Dwarf Date Palm, Moth Orchid.
Here’s to happy planting!
FAQs
Sago palm.
These leafy green ornamentals are highly toxic to pets! They contain cycasin, a toxin that causes severe liver failure within a few days of ingestion. All parts of the plant are toxic and ingestion can be fatal if not treated immediately.
What is the most poisonous house plants? ›
A few plant families to be wary of include: the poinsettia family (Euphorbiaceae), the philodendron family (Araceae), the cactus family (Cactaceae) and the tomato family (Solanaceae). Dumb-cane (Dieffenbachia), in the Araceae family, has plant parts which contain oxalate crystals.
What is the most poisonous plant for dogs? ›
Sago Palm: Often used as an ornamental shrub in temperate zones, it's considered one of the most toxic plants for dogs. Every part of the plant is toxic, especially the seeds. Ingesting just a few seedpods can result in acute liver failure.
Are any houseplants poisonous to cats? ›
Houseplants poisonous to cats
Care should be taken when purchasing house plants, as varieties such as ficus, cheese plants and aloe vera are not cat friendly. Seasonal plants like mistletoe and poinsettia should be avoided. Cycads are lethal so do not have these either indoors or outdoors.
What is the most poisonous plant to cats? ›
While all of the plants listed above are toxic to cats, perhaps the most dangerous is the lily. Lilies can cause kidney failure in cats who come in contact with the flower's pollen, then ingest the pollen during grooming.
What is the number one killer of houseplants? ›
Watering seems like such a simple task that many are surprised to learn that improper watering is the number one cause of houseplant demise. Plants take up water through their roots. Water is used as plants photosynthesize and transpire, and it is lost through evaporation.
What plant causes the most deaths? ›
Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)
Tobacco use causes more than 5 million deaths per year, making it perhaps the most deadly plant in the world.
What plants should you stay away from? ›
Get familiar with these species to stay safe!
- Giant hogweed. Heracleum mantegazzianum. Giant hogweed in bloom | Image Details. ...
- Poison hemlock. Conium maculatum. ...
- Spotted water hemlock. Cicuta maculata. ...
- Cow parsnip. Heracleum maximum. ...
- Wild parsnip. Pastinaca sativa. ...
- Queen Anne's lace. Daucus carota.
Perhaps the most famously lethal on our list is Atropa belladonna, the aptly named Deadly Nightshade. This toxic plant belongs to the same family as tomatoes, potatoes and aubergines, and can be found across Europe, including in Britain, as well as North Africa, Western Asia and some parts of the USA and Canada.
What 5 leaf plant is poisonous? ›
The best method of telling apart Virginia creeper and poison ivy is the number of leaves. Poison ivy has three, while Virginia creeper typically has five. While young Virginia creeper can have three leaves, it also has smooth vines, not hairy. If you can't see the vine, avoid the plant!
Hydrangeas Are Toxic To Dogs
"The toxic component of the hydrangea plant is a cyanogenic glycoside." Chewing plants with this compound causes cyanide to be released. The leaves, buds, flowers, and bark all contain the toxin, so if your dog munches any part of your hydrangeas, he could get sick.
What flowers are not safe for dogs? ›
Azalea, buttercups, chrysanthemums, gardenias, gladiolas, hibiscus, hyacinth, hydrangeas, mums, primroses, rhododendrons, and sweet peas are popular garden items that are poisonous. That's just another good reason to keep your dogs away from your neighbor's award-winning flower bushes.
What plants are safe for dogs to sniff? ›
Some good ones to include: - Chamomile and lavender calm a dog who sniffs the plants. Dogs can also eat the plants and get the same effect. - Rosemary and mint energize a dog who sniffs the plants.
Are there any house plants that are safe for dogs? ›
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum)
Also known as ribbon plant or airplane plant, it's non-toxic to cats and dogs and has a reputation as a hardy houseplant. The spider plant is tolerant of a wide range of light, moisture, and soil conditions. Pot it in loose, loamy soil and water regularly.
How toxic is monstera to dogs? ›
If your dog ingests some Monstera leaf, it's toxic in excess. Most frequently, taking a bite will just cause stinging of the mouth, which usually deters a curious nibble to begin with.
Are spider plants toxic to pets? ›
The ASPCA lists Spider Plants as non-toxic for both dogs and cats. But, the Spider Plant attracts cats in part because it is mildly hallucinogenic. Because cats are more likely to play with the plant, they're more likely to eat it and, therefore, suffer from an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea.
How bad are pothos for cats? ›
According to the ASPCA, all varieties of pothos are considered toxic to cats if ingested. 1 This is because these tropical plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which cause irritation upon contact.
