11 Plants That Can Kill Your Dogs

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If you are a dog owner, you understand that dogs are simply always investigating. They like to lick, bite, and chew on anything that comes in their way, be it your shoes or your plants in the compound. Although it is entertaining to observe them as they play around the compound or garden, some plants are dangerous to their health.

On the same note, it is important to know which plants are dangerous to your dog to avoid the worst happening. Here they are.

Oleander

Oleander is an ornamental shrub most commonly seen in gardens; however, you should be warned, its flowers are rather delicious. This plant also has toxic effects on the heart and stomach, and fatal effects if consumed. Signs of oleander poisoning include salivation, vomiting, and/or diarrhea, and lethargy. If you think your dog has ingested oleander, you should go to your veterinarian without delay.

Azalea

Azaleas are one of the most used landscape plants due to the beauty of their flowers. However, these beauties contain grayanotoxins that are very dangerous for the heart and nervous system of your dog. Even the smallest parts of a leaf can cause drooling, vomiting, and serious heart problems. In case your dog has consumed any part of the azalea plant, you should rush him to the vet.

Foxglove

Foxglove has nice, tall, bell-shaped flowers, and these plants are toxic and can even be fatal to dogs. Digitalis, found in the plant, can lead to heart arrhythmias, drooling, vomiting, and possibly death. It is better to view this plant from a distance if your dog is one of those that are always in the garden.

Lily of the Valley

Lily of the Valley is one more lovely plant that is safe for humans but toxic for dogs. This plant is toxic because it contains cardiac glycosides and can cause changes in the rhythm of heartbeats, vomiting, and diarrhea. All parts of the plant are poisonous, so it is advisable to avoid these flowers for your pet.

Yew

Although yews are some of the most beautiful trees you could have in your garden, they are highly poisonous to dogs. Parts of the plant, especially the leaves and seeds, contain neurotoxins that can induce seizures, respiratory arrest, and death. Dogs are highly sensitive to this plant, and death can occur from eating just a few berries; your dog should not have any access to yew trees or shrubs.

Sago Palm

Who knew that sago palm, that resembles an ordinary houseplant, is actually lethal? All portions of the sago palm plant are poisonous, with a special emphasis on the seeds. Ingestion can lead to liver failure, vomiting, diarrhea, and death. It may be several days before symptoms develop, so if you have a sago palm in your home, monitor your pup.

Tomato Plant

Although tomatoes are good for dogs when they are ripe, all other parts of the plant, including the stem and the leaves, contain toxic solanine. They contain solanine, which, if ingested, can cause gastrointestinal problems and drowsiness. Make sure your tomatoes are not within the reach of your dog so that, just in case something happens, it won’t be fatal.

Chrysanthemum

Lucky Plants to Fill Your Home with Positive Energy — Image by Sridhar Rao via Wikimedia Commons

It is common to find chrysanthemums being used in fall Halloween decor, yet this flower is toxic to dogs. These flowers contain pyrethrins, which cause vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rash and irritation if ingested by your dog through chewing. If you have these flowers around you, better watch out.

Rhododendron

Rhododendron plants are admired for their flowers in a cluster, but their flowers are poisonous for dogs and can cause severe health problems. Rhododendron poisoning manifests through vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. In case you have rhododendrons in your compound, then you should avoid your dog getting near them.

Aloe Vera

While aloe vera is considered a wonder plant for treating people, the same cannot be said about dogs. Aloe has saponin and anthraquinone, which causes vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in dogs. This pretty plant is popular among many people and can be poisonous to your pet.

Peace Lily

They are easy to find in homes and are usually placed in vases, but it is important not to let your dog have access to a peace lily because ingesting the plant will make your dog sick. It has calcium oxalate crystals, which, if ingested, lead to oral irritation, excessive salivation, and difficulty in swallowing. Although they make perfect interior design pieces, do not take them home if you have a curious dog.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.