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Dogs love being outside and who can blame them? The garden is their happy place; a world full of smells to sniff, grass to roll in, and the perfect spot to do their business. Whether it's your back garden or your living room jungle of houseplants, these are the spaces they explore daily. But something we don’t always think about is whether the plants in and around our home are healthy for our four-legged friends.
We know that dogs can be sneaky little ninjas. Turn your back for two seconds and they’ve nose-dived into a flower bed, rooted around your planters, or even helped themselves to that lovely bouquet on the kitchen table. And it’s cute… until it’s dangerous.
Because unfortunately, some common plants and flowers can be poisonous to dogs. And depending on the plant and how much they've ingested, the consequences can range from an upset tummy to something much more serious, even life-threatening
Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to greenery for good. You can absolutely still have a beautiful, vibrant home and garden and keep it safe for your pup. It’s just about making smart, informed choices next time you’re browsing the garden centre. So without further ado, let’s explore some common flowers and plants poisonous to dogs.
Alliums include onions, garlic, chives, and leeks which are common in gardens and kitchens. They might smell great to us, but for dogs, they’re a no-go. All parts, especially the bulbs, can cause serious stomach upset, weakness, and even damage to red blood cells, leading to anaemia.
That spiky succulent you see in many homes is great for humans but toxic to dogs. If your dog munches on aloe, they might get vomiting, diarrhoea, and skin irritation.
A favourite winter bulb with striking flowers, if dogs nibble on the bulbs or leaves of Amaryllis they can experience vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.
Delicate-looking but deadly, this plant contains colchicine, which can cause severe vomiting, diarrhoea, organ failure, and even death in dogs.
These vibrant shrubs are popular in gardens but poisonous to dogs. Even a few leaves can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, and potentially serious heart problems.
Known as “pig squeak” for the sound its leaves make when rubbed, bergenia has tough, leathery leaves. It contains compounds that can upset your dog’s stomach if eaten.
This pretty plant with heart-shaped flowers is charming but poisonous. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy in dogs.
Although bright and cheerful Chrysanthemum contains toxins that can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and skin irritation.
A popular ornamental plant with sword-shaped leaves, but if your dog chews on it, they might suffer vomiting, loss of appetite, and depression.
This shrub has small berries that dogs find tempting but are toxic. Eating the berries can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, and heart issues.
Spring bulbs with beautiful flowers, but some crocus species contain toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and tremors in dogs.
These sunny yellow flowers we often see in spring contain lycorine, a toxic alkaloid. Dogs chewing on bulbs or leaves may vomit, have diarrhoea, and drool excessively.
These are tall spikes of blue or purple flowers that are stunning but poisonous to dogs. Ingesting parts can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, and even heart problems.
Common houseplants with long, strap-like leaves. They are poisonous to dogs, causing vomiting, drooling, and loss of appetite.
Known for its large, patterned leaves, dumbcane contains calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth, throat, and stomach, causing swelling, drooling, and difficulty swallowing.
Tall and elegant, foxgloves contain cardiac glycosides that can cause serious heart issues, vomiting, diarrhoea, and even death if ingested.
These are popular garden flowers that can cause mild to moderate vomiting, diarrhoea, and depression in dogs if eaten.
This towering plant secretes sap that causes severe skin burns and blistering. Ingestion can also cause severe gastrointestinal upset.
Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts. Keep grapes and grapevine parts away from your furry friend.
Not a true bamboo, this shrub produces bright red berries that are poisonous to dogs, causing vomiting and diarrhoea.
This is also known as the Winter or Christmas rose with lovely blooms, but can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy if eaten by dogs.
Famous for Christmas decorations, holly’s leaves and berries are toxic, leading to vomiting, diarrhoea, and sometimes depression.
These spiky nuts are a hazard if swallowed, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, and potential blockage.
These are beautiful spring flowers with fragrant blooms, but bulbs and leaves are toxic and can cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Another popular garden shrubs with large flower clusters but another that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and depression in our beloved pups.
These are two elegant but toxic flowers, again causing vomiting, diarrhoea, and skin irritation.
This common climbing plant with shiny green leaves is another one poisonous to dogs and eating can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.
A golden chain of flowers that are poisonous to dogs with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness.
The leaves and berries of Laurel are toxic, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing difficulty, and even death.
While highly toxic to cats, some lilies can also cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs.
Often hung as decoration around the winter season, mistletoe’s berries and leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, and slowed heartbeat.
Wild mushrooms can be deadly if ingested by dogs, causing vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and liver failure.
Also called deadly nightshade, this one contains toxic alkaloids causing dilated pupils, vomiting, diarrhoea, and seizures.
Acorns and leaves contain tannins which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and kidney damage if eaten in large amounts.
This is a highly toxic shrub where ingestion of even small amounts can cause severe heart problems, vomiting, and death.
This is an indoor plant with large leaves that contain calcium oxalate crystals that when ingested can cause mouth irritation and digestive upset.
The famous Christmas plant, the Poinsettia isn’t usually deadly but it’s worth noting it can cause mild vomiting and irritation.
This common wildflower you see in lots of British fields contains toxins that damage the liver, causing lethargy, jaundice, and in severe cases, death.
Rhubarb leaves also contact oxalates that can cause kidney failure, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
One of the most poisonous plants for dogs, all parts of the Sago palm are toxic but the seeds especially, causing vomiting, liver failure, seizures, and death.
These pretty winter flowers, often found in woodland areas, can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and drooling when ingested.
This plant contains an irritating sap that causes skin rash and gastrointestinal upset if ingested.
Even the pretty tulip that pops out in spring can be toxic if the bulbs are eaten.
Both the vines and seeds of wisteria are poisonous to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and weakness.
Yew is highly toxic and ingestion of even a small amount can cause sudden death due to heart failure.
Finally, the yucca’s leaves contain saponins which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
As you've seen, each plant comes with its own set of symptoms to watch for, depending on the type and how much your dog has eaten. However, there are some common signs of plant poisoning that every dog owner should be aware of. These include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, lethargy, loss of appetite, tremors, and in some cases, difficulty breathing. You might also notice swelling around the mouth, excessive pawing at the face, or unusual behaviour like stumbling or restlessness.
If you spot any of these symptoms, especially after seeing your dog near a suspicious plant, it’s best to act fast. Remove any remaining plant material from their mouth if you can do so safely, and contact your vet or an emergency animal clinic immediately. Bring a sample or photo of the plant if possible, as it can help the vet identify the toxin and provide the right treatment quickly.
Time really matters in cases of plant poisoning. Some toxins can cause irreversible damage within hours, so don’t wait to see if the symptoms go away on their own. When it comes to your dog’s health, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Just because some plants are off-limits doesn’t mean your garden or home has to be bare. There are plenty of beautiful, dog-safe plants you can grow that will still bring colour, texture, and scent to your space without any of the worry.
Here are some pet-friendly plants that are generally considered safe for dogs:
In addition to avoiding poisonous plants, there are a few simple steps you can take to make your outdoor space even safer for your dog:
Our dogs trust us to keep their world safe and that includes the spaces they love to explore most. While it might be surprising just how many common plants can be harmful, the good news is that with a bit of awareness and planning, it’s completely possible to have a beautiful, dog-friendly garden and home.
Removing poisonous plants from your home and garden is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent accidental poisoning. But safety doesn’t stop at your doorstep. When you’re out walking in parks, woods, or unfamiliar gardens, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on what your dog is sniffing or snacking on. Even wild plants and seasonal blooms can pose a risk.
Ultimately, being informed is your best defence. With the right knowledge and a few proactive choices, you can let your dog roam, sniff, and roll to their heart’s content!
All information sourced from Blue Cross, PDSA and Battersea.
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If you suspect your dog has eaten a toxic plant, don’t wait and contact your vet right away. Try to remove any remaining plant material from their mouth and bring a sample or photo of the plant with you. The quicker your vet can identify the toxin, the better the chances of a full recovery.
Yes, puppies are often more vulnerable because they’re smaller and still developing. Plus, they’re curious little explorers who love to chew everything. Even small amounts of a toxic plant can cause a stronger reaction, so it’s extra important to puppy-proof your home and garden.
Most dogs eat grass occasionally and it's usually harmless. Some do it out of boredom, others just like the taste. However, if your dog is eating grass excessively or is vomiting afterwards, it’s worth checking with your vet.