If you are a dog parent but also hold space in your heart for those leafy greens that help generate more oxygen in your home as well as make it look aesthetic, then you my friend, are definitely not the only one. Unfortunately though, whilst plants are great for our homes, they can be toxic to our four-legged friends who can get bored and take out their frustrations on your beautiful plants. And so, we've come up with a list of the most common house plants to have that are also toxic for your dogs, so that you can either avoid them or make sure that they are well out of reach. (Unless of course, you can train your dog well enough not to touch the plants - we got there eventually with Rodrigo). So here's the list below of house plants that are toxic for your dog :
1. Monstera Plant
Summary: The Monstera, often referred to as the Swiss cheese plant due to its large, heart-shaped leaves with natural holes, is a popular houseplant native to the tropical forests of Central America. Belonging to the Araceae family, it's known for its easy care and rapid growth under the right conditions, making it a favorite among plant enthusiasts. The Monstera thrives in indirect sunlight and prefers humid conditions, similar to its natural habitat.
Toxicity to Dogs: Monstera plants contain insoluble calcium oxalates, making them toxic to dogs (and cats). When chewed or ingested, these crystals can penetrate the tissues in the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract, leading to immediate symptoms of irritation.
Side Effects of Toxicity:
Oral irritation, including swelling of the lips, tongue, and mouth
Excessive drooling
Vomiting
Difficulty swallowing
2. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
Summary: Dieffenbachia, commonly known as Dumb Cane, is a popular houseplant with large, attractive leaves marked by various patterns of green, white, and yellow. It's known for its ease of care and ability to grow well in low-light conditions, making it a popular choice for indoor decoration. Native to the tropical rain forests of Central and South America, it prefers moist soil and partial shade.
Toxicity to Dogs: Dumb Cane is highly toxic to dogs due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. These can cause severe burning and irritation of the mouth, throat, and stomach upon ingestion.
Side Effects of Toxicity:
Intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, and tongue
Excessive drooling
Difficulty swallowing
Vomiting
Swelling of the mouth and throat, which can lead to difficulty breathing
3. Aloe Vera
Summary: Aloe Vera is well-known for its medicinal properties, particularly its gel, which is used to treat skin conditions and burns. This succulent plant is easy to care for, requiring minimal watering and thriving in bright, indirect sunlight. It's a common household plant appreciated not only for its health benefits but also for its aesthetic appeal.
Toxicity to Dogs: While the gel inside the Aloe Vera leaves is often used for healing purposes in humans, the plant is toxic to dogs. The toxicity is due to aloin, a compound found in the plant's latex.
Side Effects of Toxicity:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Changes in urine color
4. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Summary: The ZZ Plant is known for its wide, attractive, dark green leaves and its remarkable resilience. It can thrive in low light conditions and requires minimal water, making it an ideal plant for those who seek low-maintenance indoor greenery. Native to Africa, it's well-suited to indoor environments and can grow quite large over time.
Toxicity to Dogs: The ZZ Plant is toxic to dogs due to its content of calcium oxalate crystals, similar to the Monstera and Dumb Cane plants.
Side Effects of Toxicity:
Oral irritation and swelling
Vomiting
Diarrhea
5. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia)
Summary: The Bird of Paradise is a striking plant known for its large, exotic flowers that resemble a bird's plumage. Native to South Africa, it thrives in bright, indirect light and requires regular watering. It's a popular choice for adding a tropical flair to indoor and outdoor settings.
Toxicity to Dogs: The plant contains components that are toxic to dogs, leading to gastrointestinal and other systemic effects upon ingestion.
Side Effects of Toxicity:
Nausea
Vomiting
Drowsiness
Diarrhea
6. Syngonium
Summary: Syngonium, also known as Arrowhead Plant, is a versatile houseplant that changes shape as it matures, going from a compact, bushy plant to a climbing or trailing vine. It has arrow-shaped leaves and comes in a variety of colors. It prefers humid conditions and indirect light, making it perfect for indoor cultivation.
Toxicity to Dogs: Like many other members of the Araceae family, Syngonium contains calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic to dogs.
Side Effects of Toxicity:
Oral irritation
Pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips
Excessive drooling
Vomiting
7. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Summary: The Jade Plant is a succulent with thick, glossy leaves and a woody stem, resembling a miniature tree. It's a popular houseplant due to its ease of care, requiring minimal water and thriving in bright light. It's often associated with good luck and prosperity.
Toxicity to Dogs: The Jade Plant is considered toxic to dogs, although the specific toxic compounds are not well-understood.
Side Effects of Toxicity:
Vomiting
Lethargy
Depression
Incoordination
8. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
Summary: The Sago Palm is a popular ornamental plant with a rugged trunk and feather-like leaves, resembling a small palm tree. Despite its name, it is not a true palm but a cycad, a type of plant with ancient origins. It's often used in landscaping and as a houseplant.
Toxicity to Dogs: The Sago Palm is one of the most dangerous plants for dogs due to its severe effects on the liver and potentially fatal outcomes. Immediate veterinary attention is required if ingestion is suspected, as the prognosis improves significantly with early and aggressive treatment.
Side Effects of Toxicity for Sago Palm:
Vomiting, often with blood
Diarrhea, possibly with blood
Increased thirst (polydipsia)
Increased urination (polyuria)
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes due to liver damage)
Seizures
Liver failure, which can be fatal
9. Asparagus Fern
Summary: The Asparagus Fern, which is not a true fern but a member of the lily family, is characterized by its delicate, feathery leaves and can add a touch of greenery to any space. It prefers bright, indirect light and requires consistent moisture. While it's a popular ornamental plant for both indoor and outdoor settings, it's also known for its ability to spread and sometimes become invasive in certain climates.
Toxicity to Dogs: The Asparagus Fern is toxic to dogs. The plant's sap contains sapogenin, a toxic steroid compound, and the berries can be particularly harmful if ingested.
Side Effects of Toxicity:
Dermatitis (skin irritation) from contact with the plant's sap
Vomiting
Diarrhea if berries are ingested
Abdominal pain
10. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Summary: The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue, is renowned for its upright, sword-like leaves with vibrant yellow or white edges. It's an extremely hardy plant that thrives on neglect, making it ideal for those new to gardening or often away from home. It prefers low to moderate light and requires infrequent watering.
Toxicity to Dogs: Snake Plants are toxic to dogs due to their content of saponins, which can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Side Effects of Toxicity:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Mouth irritation
11. Devil's Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
Summary: Devil's Ivy, also known as Pothos or Golden Pothos, is a popular houseplant with heart-shaped leaves that are often variegated with yellow, white, or pale green. It's extremely easy to grow and can thrive in a wide range of lighting conditions, making it a staple in many homes and offices. It's also praised for its air-purifying qualities.
Toxicity to Dogs: Like many plants in the Araceae family, Devil's Ivy contains calcium oxalate crystals, making it toxic to dogs when ingested.
Side Effects of Toxicity:
Oral irritation
Pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips
Excessive drooling
Vomiting
Difficulty swallowing
12. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Summary: The Fiddle Leaf Fig is a trendy indoor plant, adored for its large, glossy, violin-shaped leaves and its ability to make a bold statement in any room. It requires bright, indirect light and prefers a consistent watering schedule, allowing its soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Originating from the tropical regions of Africa, it's a bit more demanding in terms of care but well worth the effort for its decorative impact.
Toxicity to Dogs: The Fiddle Leaf Fig is toxic to dogs due to the presence of ficin and psoralen, which can cause irritation and digestive upset.
Side Effects of Toxicity:
Irritation of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract
Excessive drooling
Vomiting
Diarrhea
If just like me, you're a plant lover with over 10 plants in your house that are all part of this list, and you're growing worried about your dog potentially getting poisoned from eating one of them, worry not. There are creative ways that you can place your plants away from your pooch, whilst also keeping that aesthetic look (if not even have it further improved). You can either place these plants at the top of cabinets or furniture that you already have (Especially with hanging plants like photos), you can hang them using handmade macrame plant hangers, or you can buy plant stands to elevate the plants from the floor just enough to be out of reach. In the end, both plants and dogs can live together in harmony ! Did we miss any plants in our list or do you have any stories to share with your fellow dog parents ? Let us know in the comment section below !
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