Common Houseplants That Are Toxic to Dogs

10 Common Houseplants That Are Toxic to Dogs (with Photos)

Indoor plants can brighten up your home, but not all greenery is safe for pets. Many popular houseplants are actually toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems if ingested. Below is a list of common plants to watch out for — including photos to help you identify them.

1. Sago Palm

The sago palm (Cycas revoluta) is extremely toxic to dogs. All parts of the plant are poisonous, especially the seeds. Ingesting even a small amount can lead to vomiting, seizures, liver failure, and even death.

2. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)

This popular decorative plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause severe mouth pain, drooling, swelling, and difficulty swallowing. Dogs that chew on this plant often paw at their mouth and may vomit.

3. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Snake plants are known for their resilience, but they contain saponins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in dogs. It’s best kept out of reach or avoided in pet homes altogether.

4. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ plant is a trendy houseplant that contains oxalates similar to Dieffenbachia. Ingestion can irritate the mouth and stomach, causing drooling, vomiting, and discomfort.

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe may be great for skin, but it’s not safe for dogs. Compounds like saponins and anthraquinones in the plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors if eaten.

6. Philodendron

Like many aroids, philodendrons contain calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth and digestive tract. Symptoms may include excessive drooling and swelling of the mouth or throat.

7. Peace Lily

Peace lilies aren’t true lilies, but they’re still toxic to dogs. Ingesting any part of the plant may cause oral irritation, vomiting, and trouble swallowing.

8. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)

Another popular trailing plant, pothos is toxic due to calcium oxalates. Chewing on the leaves can cause pain, swelling, and vomiting in dogs.

9. Caladium

Caladium leaves are beautiful but toxic. They contain insoluble calcium oxalates that cause mouth and throat irritation, intense burning, and excessive drooling in dogs.

10. Oleander

Oleander is extremely toxic to dogs. All parts of the plant are poisonous and can cause heart abnormalities, digestive distress, tremors, and even death.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Toxic Plant

If you suspect your dog has chewed or eaten any of these plants, call your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center immediately. Symptoms can escalate quickly, and prompt care can save lives.

Make Your Home Pet-Safe

Before bringing a new plant into your home, research its safety with pets. You can also check the ASPCA Toxic Plants List.

Disclaimer

This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your vet if you're concerned about your dog’s health or exposure to toxins.

Winter Effects on Your Dog’s Weight

Winter Effects on Your Dog’s Weight: Why It Happens and How to Help Winter can be a challenging season for dogs — from icy walks to long, lazy days indoors. But did you know that cold weather can also affect your dog’s weight? When the snow starts to fall and temperatures drop, many of us notice changes in our dogs — from lower energy to dry skin. One change that can sneak up on pet parents is weight fluctuation . Dogs may gain or lose weight in the winter depending on their activity level, metabolism, and environment. Understanding these seasonal shifts can help you keep your pup at a healthy weight year-round. A brisk winter walk can help your dog maintain a healthy weight. 🐾 Why Dogs May Gain Weight in Winter Less activity: Cold weather and shorter days often mean fewer walks, shorter playtimes, and less overall movement. Extra calories: Many owners add “comfort foods” or extra treats during the holidays, leading to calorie overload. Indoor l...

Treats That Should Be Marketed for Both Dogs and Cats

Treats That Should Be Marketed for Both Dogs and Cats Because good ingredients don’t need a species label. We live in a world where dogs steal cat treats and cats nibble on dog jerky—and the truth is, many treats don’t need to be separated by species at all. Especially in multi-pet homes, the overlap in healthy, species-appropriate ingredients is huge. So why are treats marketed so differently? Why the Divide Exists Short answer: marketing and money. The pet industry thrives on duplication—more labels, more packaging, more sales. But if you read the back of a high-quality single-ingredient cat treat and compare it to a dog treat… they’re often identical. Dogs are scavenging carnivores, cats are obligate carnivores, and both benefit from meat-first, low-carb, additive-free snacks. Treats That Are Perfect for Both Dogs and Cats 🐟 Freeze-Dried Fish (Salmon, Minnow, Whitefish) Why it works: High in Omega-3s, supports joint and coat health, and irresistible to both speci...

Why the 80/10/10 Raw Food Ratio Isn’t Always Enough for Dogs — and How We Can Do Better

Why the 80/10/10 Raw Food Ratio Isn’t Always Enough for Dogs — and How We Can Do Better If you’ve been in the raw feeding world for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard of the 80/10/10 model — 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% organ. It’s simple, easy to remember, and feels close to what a “whole prey” meal might look like. But as more feeders (and even nutritionists) dig deeper, we’re learning that the 80/10/10 ratio might be more of a starting point than a perfect formula. A recent article on RawFeederLife made that point beautifully — and it’s worth exploring why it matters for our dogs’ long-term health. The 80/10/10 Rule Was Inspired by Nature… But It’s Not the Whole Story The idea behind 80/10/10 was to mimic a natural prey animal — a rabbit, bird, or rodent — and what a wild canine would eat if it caught one. The problem? Most of us aren’t feeding entire prey animals. Even if you’re sourcing great ingredients, chances are you’re missing a few thi...

Pet Digest

Search This Blog

Follow Me

Never Miss a Post