Plants Poisonous to Dogs

 

Listed below are some common garden and household plants that can be poisonous to your dog. This does not represent a complete list of all poisonous plants. Also, your pet may have a sensitivity or allergy to a plant that is not on the list, resulting in toxicity. Always contact your Vet Immediately if you think your pet may have ingested Chocolate or a Poisonous Plant.
 


Several recent reports of dogs having kidney failure after ingesting a large amount of Grapes or Raisins has the Animal Poison Control Centre in the USA investigating to determine the causative agents or disease processes.
 
 
Shrubs
Plant Name Possible Symptoms
Azalea Weakness, Upset Stomach, Drooling, Coma, Heart Failure, Depression
Boxwood Upset Stomach, Heart Failure, Excitability or Lethargy
Holly (Berries) Upset Stomach, Tremors, Seizures, Loss of Balance
Hydrangea Seizures, Dizziness, Rapid Breathing
Oleander  Excitability or lethargy affects the heart, produces severe digestive upset. Extremely poisonous, can cause death. cardiovascular system affected by the glycosides oleandrin, oleandroside and nerioside,  may also cause dermatitis
Flowers
Plant Name Possible Symptoms
Amaryllis Upset Stomach, Hyperactivity>>>Lethargy>>>Coma, Shock >>>Death
Autumn Crocus Oral Irritation, Upset Stomach, Kidney Failure, Hyperactivity>>>Lethargy>>>Coma, Shock>>>Death
Bleeding Heart
dicentra spectabilis
Poisonous in large amounts, contains convulsant including isoquinoline. Plant also causes dermatitis
Bluebell Harmful if eaten in quantity
Buttercup Upset Stomach
Calla Lilly Upset Stomach, Oral Irritation, Asphyxiation, Tremors, Seizures, Loss of Balance, Death
Christmas Rose Upset Stomach, Diarrhoea, Seizures, Disorientation
Chrysanthemum Skin Irritation
Cyclamen Vomiting – skin reaction
Daphne gastrointestinal tract and kidneys affected by coumarin glycosides. Plant also causes dermatitis
Daffodil (bulb) Upset Stomach, Seizures, Weakness, Tremors, Excitement>>>Lethargy>>>Coma, Death
Dutchman Breechs
Dicentra.ssp
Poisonous in large amounts, contains convulsant including isoquinoline. Plant also causes dermatitis
Dwarf Morning Glory harmful if eaten in quantity
Easter Lily Kidney Failure, Upset Stomach, Weakness 'especially poisonous to cats'
Foxglove Upset Stomach, Tremors, Seizures, Loss of Balance, Lethargy, Collapse, Heart Failure, Death
German Primula Nausea and vomiting. May cause a skin allergy.
Hurricane Plant Varied Toxic Effects
Hyacinth (bulb) Varied Toxic Effects
Iris (root) Upset Stomach
Jessamine Laboured Breathing, Seizures, Weakness, Respiratory Failure
Jonquil (Narcissus) Upset Stomach, Hyperactivity>>>Depression>>>Coma, Seizures, Tremors, Weakness, Irregular Heartbeat, Death
Morning Glory Upset Stomach, Hallucinations
Narcissus Upset Stomach, Hyperactivity>>>Depression>>>Coma, Seizures, Tremors, Weakness, Irregular Heartbeat, Death
Peony Upset Stomach, Tremors, Seizures, Staggering, Loss of Balance, Depression, Collapse, Heart Failure, Death
Periwinkle Hallucinogen
Poinsettia Upset Stomach, Oral Irritation
Primrose Upset Stomach
Tulip (bulb) Varied Toxic Effects
Vines/Ground Cover
Plant Name Possible Symptoms
Clematis Gastrointestinal tract and nervous system affected by plant toxins also causes dermatitis
Devil's Ivy (Philodendron) Upset Stomach, Mouth Irritation, Tremors, Seizures, Loss of Balance, asphyxiation, death
English Ivy Upset Stomach, Hyperactivity, Laboured Breathing, Drooling, Fever, Increased Thirst, Dilated Pupils, Weakness, Staggering
Honeysuckle Vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy
Jasmine Weakness, Seizures, Respiratory Failure
Morning Glory Upset Stomach, Hallucinations
Sweetheart Ivy Gastrointestinal tract affected by saponins, also causes dermatitis
Taro Vine Diarrhoea upon ingestion also causes dermatitis when touched. Burning sensation in mouth irrated by plant raphides
Tiger Lily  'Especially poisonous to cats'
Vine Upset Stomach, Lethargy, Drooling, Heart Failure, Dilated Pupils
Matrimony Vine Varied Toxic Effects
Virginia Creeper Varied Toxic Effects
Ornamentals and Houseplants
Plant Name Possible Symptoms
Asparagus Fern Vomiting, Abdominal Pain, Cramps, tremors, heart, respiratory, kidney problems
Caladium Upset Stomach, Oral Irritation, Asphyxiation, Tremors, Seizures, Loss of Balance, Death
Elephant's Ear (Colocasia) intense burning, irritation and swelling of the mouth and throat. Death can occur if tongue swells to block air passage 
Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia) Upset Stomach, Oral Irritation, Asphyxiation, Tremors, Seizures, Loss of Balance, Death
Jack in the Pulpit
Arisaema spp.
Contains small crystals of calcium oxalate, causes burning to the mouth, can cause hallucinations
Philodendron (Saddle Leaf, Split Leaf) Swollen Mouth, Painful Tongue, Sore Lips
Poinsettia Upset Stomach, Oral Irritation, Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, delirium. Sap can cause irritation, and if rubbed in eyes - Blindness. gastrointestinal tract affected by the toxin euphorbin, may contain toxic levels of nitrates. Plant also causes dermatitis
Pot Mum Dermatitis
Spider Mum Dermatitis
Swiss Cheese Plant The sap or the water that cuttings were in....Repeated vomiting and diarrhoea – but not severe-recovery after approx three days
Umbrella Plant Vomiting, Abdominal Pain, Cramps, Tremors, heart, respiratory, kidney problems
Trees
Plant Name Possible Symptoms
Apple (leaves and stem) Rapid breathing, shock, dilated pupils, gum inflammation
American Yew Vomiting, Abdominal Pain, Diarrhoea
Cuban Laurel (Ficus) Upset Stomach
Fiddle-Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) Upset Stomach, Skin Irritation
Horse Chestnut Harmful if eaten in quantity
Jerusalem Cherry
Solanum pseudocapsicum
Gastrointestinal tract affected by solanine glycoalkaloids. may contain toxic levels of nitrates. plant may also cause dermatitis
Leyland Cypress May cause a skin allergy
Oak (acorns) Varied Toxic Effects
English Yew Digestive disturbance. Dizziness, dry mouth and mydriasis develop within one hour, followed by abdominal cramping, salivation and vomiting. Foliage is more fatal than berries......... Death can be sudden without warning or symptoms
Western Yew Vomiting, Abdominal Pain, Diarrhoea
Apricot Vomiting, Abdominal Pain, Diarrhoea
Almond Vomiting, Abdominal Pain, Diarrhoea
Peach Vomiting, Abdominal Pain, Diarrhoea
Cherry (leaves and stem) Shock, Gum Inflammation, Dilated Pupils, Rapid Breathing
Wild Cherry Vomiting, Abdominal Pain, Diarrhoea
Japanese Plum Vomiting, Abdominal Pain, Diarrhoea
Balsam Pear Vomiting, Abdominal Pain, Diarrhoea
Fruits/Vegetables
Plant Name Possible Symptoms
Apple Seeds Varied Toxic Effects
Apricot Seeds Varied Toxic Effects
Avocado Seeds Diarrhoea, Vomiting, Laboured Breathing, Death
Cornstalk Upset Stomach, Laboured Breathing, Drooling
Eggplant (all parts except fruit) Upset Stomach, Heart Failure, Drooling, Lethargy
Onion Cause anaemia. Sometimes Urine becomes red – enlarged kidneys....... degeneration of liver........Should not be fed to dogs in any form
Peach Seeds Both the Stone and Leaf contain cyanide
Others
Plant Name Symptoms
Aloe Vera Diarrhoea
Angels Trumpets Nausea and Vomiting
Apple Leaf Croton Could be Fatal – due to ricin – hemorrhages of the heart, degradation of the kidneys and liver and intense inflammation and erosion of intestinal membranes 
Elderberry
Sambucus canadensis L.
Nausea and vomiting. Plant is cyanogenetic and may contain toxic levels of nitrates.
Ergot
Claviceps purpurea
Causes abortions in humans and sheep - suggestions it would do the same in dogs.
Giant Dumb Cane Repeated vomiting and diarrhoea – recovery after three days
Greater Burdock
Arctium lappa
Symptoms burrs to coats of dogs cause skin irritation – dogs remove burrs by licking – hooked scales penetrate the mucous membrane of mouth and tongue – ulceration, oral discomfort, salivation
Heartleaf Philodendron Diarrhea upon ingestion also causes dermatitis when touched. Burning sensation in mouth when eaten
Horse Head Philodendron Diarrhoea upon ingestion also causes dermatitis when touched. Burning sensation in mouth when eaten
Jimson Weed
Datura stramonium L
Abnormal thirst, distorted sight, delirium, incoherence, coma caused by the alkaloids atropine, scopolamine and hyoscyamine. May contain toxic levels of nitrates.
Lacy Tree Philodendron Diarrhoea upon ingestion also causes dermatitis when touched. Burning sensation in mouth when eaten
Larkspur Digestive upset, nervousness, depression. Cardiovascular system affected by alkaloids including delphinine. Plant also causes dermatitis
Lily of the Valley
Convallaria majalis
Irregular heart beat and pulse accompanied by digestive upset and mental confusion caused by the glycosides convallarin and convallamarin
Mistletoe Gastrointestinal tract affected by toxalbumins, may also cause dermatitis........If ingested a few berries can be fatal to a puppy
Mushrooms Varied Toxic Effects
Pothos Diarrhoea upon ingestion also causes dermatitis when touched. Burning sensation in mouth when eaten
Ragwort Senecio jacobaea
And
Ben Weed
Causes kidney failure and liver damage and is irreversible. Minute dose's fatal, often wrongly diagnosed. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids cause hepatic veno-occlusive disease (Budd-Chiari syndrome) in humans
Note: In UK this plant is notifiable to MAFF due to its toxicity to livestock. If you have it on your land, please dig it up and dispose of it by burning. Do not leave it lying around as its toxicity increases. It must be dug up as the seeds can stay in the ground for a number of years. 

A number of dogs die by eating a small amount whilst grazing on long grass. If you ensure that your lawns etc are kept free of the weed, and keep a check on dog grazing, the plant is obvious so it can be done easily.
Stinging Nettle
urtica dioica
Stinging hairs release active irritant substances into skin...........In very extreme cases – trembling, vomiting, difficulty in breathing and weakness
Water Hemlock
(Cicuta maculata) 
violent painful convulsions, Death caused by the convulsant cicutoxin
White Bryony
(bryonia dioica)
possible increase in body temp rapid respiratory and heart rates
Wild Cherry tree gasping, excitement, prostration
Contains a compound that releases cyanide when eaten
Wisteria digestive disturbance. Dizziness, dry mouth and mydriasis develop within one hour, followed by abdominal cramping, salivation and vomiting. Foliage is more fatal than berries, Death can be sudden without warning or symptoms

Additional Information
 

Veterinary toxicologists at the Animal Poison Control Centre are currently investigating cases where dogs have developed kidney failure after ingestion of large quantities of grapes and raisins. The veterinary toxicologists are attempting to determine the causative agents or disease processes. Pet owners whose dogs have ingested large quantities of grapes or raisins, should call their vet immediately!


"STRANGE FRUIT? REPORTS ON CASES OF CANINE KIDNEY FAILURE FROM GRAPES AND RAISINS
 

In response to reports of dogs developing kidney failure after eating large amounts of grapes or raisins, the Animal Poison Control Centre  conducted a review of all related cases in its database. Veterinary toxicologists found that all of the companion dogs developed vomiting within six hours of ingestion; the estimated amounts of grapes or raisins eaten ranged from nine ounces to two pounds. Other commonly reported signs included diarrhoea, anorexia, lethargy and abdominal pain, and all of the dogs developed evidence of kidney dysfunction. 'Whether the ingested grapes were purchased fresh, didn't seem to matter, nor did the brand eaten' Clinical signs lasted for several days--sometimes even weeks. And after aggressive treatment, which included intravenous fluids and medications, half of the dogs recovered, while the others died or had to be euthanised.

At present, the exact role of grapes or raisins in these cases--what exactly is the toxic component--is still unclear. But a dog who has ingested large amounts can now be diagnosed and treated successfully. The first line of defence is decontamination, and the dog should be hospitalised and placed on IV fluids. If the blood work appears normal after three days, it's unlikely that kidney failure will occur; if there is evidence of renal failure, more aggressive treatment--including fluids, medication and possibly dialysis--is called for.

If you suspect that your dog has ingested large quantities of raisins or grapes--or any other potentially dangerous substance--Call Your Vet!

ARE TOO MANY GRAPES AND RAISINS BAD FOR DOGS?

Several dog owners said that they would no longer give their pets the occasional grape or raisin as a treat. There are many people who have decided to do the same thing, but no one has reported poisoning from their pets ingesting the occasional single grape or raisin. The affected dogs involved ingestion of 2 ounces to 4.4 ounces."

One dog-owner was concerned that the few slices of banana he regularly shares with his basenji at breakfast could be harmful to her. Not to worry--"Bananas are okay.

An 11-year-old dog, who has had fresh fruit and veggie snacks--including grapes, lettuce and carrots--throughout his life. "After all the years of giving him grapes as treats, could he still possibly get kidney dysfunction?" there haven't been any reports of dogs developing long-term effects from small ingestion of grapes--one or two as treats, ....over the years."

 There has been one case of kidney failure in a cat who ate raisins.

For more information on poison prevention, visit APCC online.

Note: Contact your Vet Immediately if you think your pet has eaten chocolate or any part of these plants. This list is not exhaustive and your pet may have a sensitivity or allergy to a plant that is not on the list.

Researched and Produced by ©1998 Kavishi Shar-Pei