List of House Plants That Are Poisonous for Dogs
- Some house plants can cause illness in dogs.Dog image by Jan Zajc from Fotolia.com
According to The Humane Society of the U.S., as of October 2010, there are more than 700 species of plants that are poisonous to pets. However, it should be noted that poisonous plants do not necessarily cause death, but could simply cause a minor gastrointestinal upset. Dog owners who wish to own houseplants should always research a plant prior to bringing it into their home to ensure that their dog will remain safe. - The aloe vera plant is a member of the liliaceae family. It contains saponins, which, to dogs, is a toxic chemical that can result in illness for any dog who consumes it. Symptoms of aloe vera consumption in a canine include diarrhea, anorexia, tremors, depression, vomiting and changes in urine color.
- Calla lilies contain insoluble calcium oxalates, which can result in mild to severe irritation and illness for a dog who consumes the plant. Symptoms of intoxication include general oral irritation that can range from burning of the lips, tongue or mouth, to as vomiting, difficulty with swallowing or excessive drooling.
- Also known simply as the mum plant, chrysanthemum plants contain several toxic properties including lactones, pyrethrins and sesquiterpene. A dog who has consumed any portion of the chrysanthemum plant may suffer from skin irritation, excessive drooling (hypersalivation), vomiting, unusual or sudden incoordination and diarrhea.
- Cyclamen or "sowbread," also contain saponins, though the symptoms of consumption vary from those of aloe vera. A dog who has eaten a portion of the cyclamen plant may suffer from mild to serious illness or even death, depending on how much of the plant was consumed. Symptoms of intoxication include heart rhythm abnormalities, vomiting, diarrhea, unusual salivation and seizures.
- Known also as narcissus, the daffodil plant contains lycorine. Though eating any portion of the plant can cause illness, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) states that the bulb is "the most poisonous part." Mild symptoms of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea and unusual salivation. Dogs who have consumed larger amounts of the plant may suffer from low blood pressure, convulsions, heart arrhythmias and tremors.
- Hydrangeas contain a cyanogenic glycoside, which is toxic to canines. Fortunately, most dogs will only suffer mild gastrointestinal upset; though it is possible to become deathly ill if enough of the plant is consumed. Symptoms generally include vomiting, diarrhea and depression.
- Poinsettias are controversial in terms of their toxicity, as some websites claim even a single leaf will cause death, whereas others state it is not poisonous at all. According to the ASPCA, the poinsettia contains an irritant sap that can cause mild irritation to the mouth or the stomach, with occasional vomiting being the most severe reaction.
- Tulips contain toxic chemicals known as tulipalin A and B, making the plant toxic to dogs. Like the daffodil, the most poisonous part of the tulip is the bulb, though any part of the plant can result in some illness. Dogs who consume part of the daffodil may suffer from diarrhea, excessive drooling, depression or vomiting.
