13 Common Houseplants That Are Toxic to Dogs—and How to Keep Your Pup Safe
Dogs are naturally curious creatures. They sniff, nibble, and explore their surroundings with enthusiasm—and sometimes that can get them into trouble. Just like toddlers, dogs don’t always know what’s safe to eat. That includes the leafy greenery decorating your living room or patio.
While plants can brighten a space and improve indoor air quality, many popular houseplants are toxic to dogs. Ingesting even a small amount can lead to health problems ranging from mild stomach upset to life-threatening conditions. At Dogs Inc, we train our guide and service dogs not to scavenge or chew on unfamiliar foliage. But pet parents at home need to be just as vigilant.
If you have a dog and love houseplants, this guide is for you. We’re highlighting 13 common plants that are poisonous to dogs—plus tips to prevent accidental ingestion and what to do in an emergency.
Why Are Some Houseplants Toxic to Dogs?
Toxic plants contain natural compounds that can irritate a dog’s mouth and digestive tract—or worse, impact the nervous system, kidneys, or liver. Even a single bite can result in symptoms like vomiting, drooling, swelling, or diarrhea.
The effects vary depending on the plant, how much was eaten, and the size of your dog. Some reactions are immediate, while others take time to appear.
13 Houseplants That Are Poisonous to Dogs
Below are some of the most common houseplants that are toxic to dogs:
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) – Despite its benefits for humans, aloe can cause vomiting, lethargy, and urine changes in dogs.
Philodendron (Philodendron spp.) – Causes severe oral irritation, mouth swelling, and difficulty swallowing.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria spp.) – Can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea when ingested.
Pothos, or devil’s ivy (Epipremnum aureum) – Contains calcium oxalates that irritate the mouth and digestive system.
Dieffenbachia, or Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia spp.) – Causes burning, drooling, vomiting, and swelling.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) – Toxic if chewed, leading to stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Dracaena, or dragon tree (Dracaena spp.) – Can cause vomiting, appetite loss, and depression.
English Ivy (Hedera helix) – Causes abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.) – Irritates the mouth and throat due to calcium oxalate crystals.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema modestrum) – Similar symptoms to pothos: oral irritation, pain, and vomiting.
Desert Rose (Adenium obesum) – Can cause mouth blistering and drooling.
Asparagus fern (Asparagus setaceus) – Especially harmful if berries are eaten, leading to vomiting and diarrhea.
Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) – Extremely toxic and potentially fatal; causes liver damage even in small amounts.
Signs of Plant Toxicity in Dogs
If your dog has chewed on or eaten a toxic plant, look for these symptoms:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy or unresponsiveness
- Swollen mouth or tongue
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Skin irritation
Immediate veterinary attention is critical, especially with highly toxic plants like the sago palm.
How to Keep Dogs Away from Toxic Plants
- Train “Leave It” Early
Teaching your dog the “leave it” cue helps prevent them from interacting with off-limits items, including plants. Use positive reinforcement when they respond correctly.
- Keep Plants Out of Reach
Use hanging baskets, tall plant stands, or closed rooms to limit access. Even if a plant is considered non-toxic, it’s safest to treat all plants as off-limits.
- Supervise Your Dog Indoors and Out
Curious pups can quickly get into mischief. Keep an eye on them in rooms with plants and consider crate training or baby gates for unsupervised time.
- Skip Homemade Deterrents
You might see advice to use lemon juice or other “bad tasting” sprays—but these can harm your plants and rarely deter a determined dog.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Toxic Plant
If you suspect your dog has ingested a poisonous plant:
Stay calm and remove your dog from the area.
Remove any remaining plant material from their mouth if safe to do so.
Identify the plant—take a photo or bring a sample.
Call for help immediately and follow advice carefully, whether that’s monitoring symptoms or going to the vet.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline: 800-213-6680
Why Awareness Matters
Dogs don’t instinctively know which plants are dangerous. And because every dog reacts differently, even small exposures can have big consequences. Prevention, supervision, and education are your best defenses.
Protecting your dog starts with knowing what’s in your home and yard—and making smart choices to keep your companion safe.
Need More Dog Safety Tips?
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