Be Alert: 10 Common Plants That Are Toxic To Dogs

“All natural” is a tricky phrase when it comes to dogs. You want things to be all natural when it comes to food, but in other areas, not everything in the great outdoors is good for your fur baby. This is something to keep in mind when you’re on walks with your dog(s). 

Their sniffer is at full speed when you’re walking down the street or in the woods, but when you’re around plants, there’s a risk of toxicity. Plants can yield different reactions with different types of animals. That’s why you’ll notice a difference in the types of essential oils that can be harmful to dogs or cats because condensed plants that may be harmful to cats may not necessarily be harmful to dogs. 

So what are some common plants you should keep an eye out for with your fur baby friend while you’re out and about on walkies?

Here are 15 common plants that are toxic to dogs and can cause health issues!

#1 | Tomato Plants

The ripe tomato that you see on the green plant isn’t the problem. It’s the actual green vine of a tomato plant that could yield bad reactions with your dog that range from weakness to drowsiness, gastrointestinal issues, confusion, and slower heart rate. Keep an eye out for dilated pupils!

#2 | Ivy

Ingesting ivy can cause the following issues with dogs: diarrhea, vomiting, excess of drooling and abdominal pain. Be weary of this plant!

#3 | American Holly

With the holiday season approaching, you’ll see more of the American Holly even indoors for decor. This is a low toxicity plant, but it can cause vomiting or diarrhea when ingested.

#4 | Daffodils

As pretty as these flowers may be, they can cause the following ailments to your dog: low blood pressure, tremors, diarrhea, salivation, intestinal spasms, and cardiac arrhythmia which is an irregular heartbeat.

#5 | Tulips

Tulips can be fatal to dogs as it causes gastrointestinal issues and depression of the central nervous system and convulsions which can lead to death.

#6 | Sago Palm

Dogs find the Sago Palm to be delicious so this is a big common, ornamental plant to be aware of. This causes liver failure with high risk of death so be careful!

#7 | Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera appears in numerous forms (plant, skincare, etc) so keep an eye out for it as it can cause diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, tremors, and depression of the nervous system. 

#8 | Poinsettias

Tis the season to be careful...with poinsettias. This is a common decor plant during the holidays that can cause irritation (mouth and stomach) and vomiting with dogs.

#9 | Mistletoe

Don’t let your dogs get too close to mistletoe. It may be a cute novelty plant for the holidays, but if your dog (or any pet) ingests this plant, head to the veterinarian immediately!

#10 | Pine Trees

The needle parts of pine trees are what you should keep close watch of. If your dog gets a mouthful of these, the needles can be toxic and can cause irritation to your dog’s mouth.

This is just a sampling of the vast amount of plants that can cause irritable or fatal reactions with your fur babies! Be attentive to your surroundings - indoors and outdoors - especially as we enter the new season. 

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