Houseplants can make a home feel fresh and cozy, but some popular varieties aren't safe for curious pups. If your dog likes to sniff, chew, or investigate everything new, it's worth knowing which plants could pose a risk.
Here are 8 common houseplants that are toxic to dogs, starting with the plants that can cause the most serious problems.
Sago palms are popular indoor and outdoor plants, but they're highly toxic to dogs. All parts of the plant can be dangerous, with the seeds being especially toxic.
Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, loss of appetite, and liver damage. Severe cases can lead to liver failure and can be life-threatening.
Watch for: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, loss of appetite, increased thirst, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Pet-parent tip: If you have a sago palm, keep it somewhere your dog absolutely cannot reach—or consider removing it from your home and yard altogether.
Dieffenbachia is a popular houseplant thanks to its large, attractive leaves and easy-care nature. Unfortunately, it's not a good choice for homes with plant-chewing pups.
The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause intense irritation when chewed.
Watch for: Excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or swelling of the mouth, tongue, or lips.
Pet-parent tip: Keep dieffenbachia on a high shelf or in a room your dog can't access.
Aloe vera is a common succulent found in homes, especially on sunny windowsills. While aloe is well known for its uses for people, the plant itself can cause problems if your dog eats it.
Ingestion can lead to digestive upset and other symptoms, particularly if a larger amount is consumed.
Watch for: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, or changes in urine.
Pet-parent tip: Place aloe vera somewhere your dog can't reach, especially if your pup likes to nibble on plants.
Philodendrons are among the most popular houseplants because they're attractive and relatively easy to care for. They're also tempting for curious dogs because of their large, accessible leaves.
Philodendrons contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause painful irritation of the mouth and throat when chewed.
Watch for: Drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or swelling of the mouth, tongue, or lips.
Pet-parent tip: Keep philodendrons away from areas where your dog likes to explore, and be especially careful with varieties that have long, trailing stems.
Pothos is one of the most common indoor plants—and its long, trailing vines can make it especially tempting for curious pups.
Like philodendrons, pothos contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation when the plant is chewed or swallowed.
Watch for: Excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or swelling of the mouth or tongue.
Pet-parent tip: Keep pothos plants on high shelves and make sure trailing vines don't hang within your dog's reach.
Peace lilies are popular houseplants known for their elegant white flowers and low-maintenance care. But they can cause painful irritation if your dog decides to take a bite.
This plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate the mouth and throat.
Watch for: Drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or swelling of the mouth or tongue.
Pet-parent tip: Place peace lilies somewhere your dog can't access, particularly if they're known for chewing on leaves.
Snake plants are extremely popular indoor plants because they're hardy, attractive, and don't require much maintenance. But they're not completely pet-friendly.
If eaten, snake plants can cause gastrointestinal irritation and other unpleasant symptoms.
Watch for: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or loss of appetite.
Pet-parent tip: Keep snake plants in an area your dog can't reach, especially if your pup is a known plant chewer.
Caladiums are colorful ornamental plants that are often grown indoors for their eye-catching leaves. They're another plant to keep away from curious dogs.
Caladium also contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause painful irritation of the mouth and digestive tract if chewed or swallowed.
Watch for: Excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, oral pain, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or swelling of the mouth, tongue, or lips.
Pet-parent tip: Keep caladiums somewhere your dog can't reach, and don't leave fallen leaves where your pup can investigate them.
If you catch your dog chewing on a potentially toxic plant, don't panic—but don't ignore it either.
1. Move your dog away from the plant.
Prevent them from eating any more.
2. Identify the plant.
Take a photo or keep a small sample if you can safely do so.
3. Contact your veterinarian.
Tell them the plant's name, approximately how much your dog may have eaten, and when it happened.
4. Watch for symptoms.
Keep an eye out for vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, difficulty swallowing, or unusual behavior.
5. Don't try home remedies unless your veterinarian tells you to.
In particular, don't induce vomiting unless you've been specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.
If your dog is having trouble breathing, has severe swelling, collapses, or is experiencing other serious symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
You don't have to give up your favorite houseplants to create a dog-friendly home. A little planning can help keep both your greenery and your pup safe.
Before bringing a new plant home, check whether it's safe for dogs and choose a spot that's out of reach if it isn't. Remember that hanging plants and trailing vines aren't automatically safe—curious pups can be surprisingly resourceful!
And if your dog does get into a plant you're unsure about, it's always better to contact your veterinarian promptly rather than wait for symptoms to appear.
A little plant awareness can go a long way toward keeping curious noses, paws, and mouths safe. 🐾
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