Chew Test Where to Learn About Poisonous Plants for Dogs
Many household plants are toxic to our beloved pooch, and it is our job to know most of them. The most reliable information on the subject comes from the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). They have an extensive database of over 400 plants toxic to dogs that you should have on your web browser bookmark.
Another great resource on dog poison plants is the Pet Poison Helpline, a 24-hour animal poison control service available throughout the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean. They assist in treating a potentially poisoned pet for both pet owners and vets. Pet Poison Helpline’s search function on this page will give you information on almost any plants toxic to dogs that comes with a helpful toxicity level.
Be aware of the multiple factors affecting toxicity; dog breed, weight, age, and amount of toxin consumed. A small puppy only needs to ingest a small amount of toxin to be at risk, while a larger dog could experience mild symptoms after ingesting the same amount of toxin.
15 Household Plants Toxic to Dogs
Peace Lily – Many common indoor and outdoor plants, most often belonging to the Araceae family, contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. The Peace Lily is one of them. Chewing or biting into these plants will release the crystals causing tissue penetration and irritation to the mouth. Unusual symptoms are drooling, pawing at the mouth, decreased appetite, and vomiting. Peace Lily is considered mild to moderately toxic to dogs.
Sago Palm – This ornamental plant is common in tropical/subtropical climates and is incredibly poisonous to dogs. All parts of the Sago Palm are toxic to dogs, with the seeds having the highest concentration of the cycasin toxin. Vomiting and diarrhea occur within 15 minutes to 2 hours after ingestion. Seizures, tremors, and severe liver failure have been observed within 2-3 days after ingestion. Symptoms may include seizures, lethargy, and liver failure in extreme cases. Contact your vet immediately if you think your dog has ingested any part of this plant.
Dumbcane – This green and white ornamental contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing or biting into these plants will release the crystals causing tissue penetration and irritation to the mouth. Unusual symptoms are drooling, pawing at the mouth, decreased appetite, and vomiting. Dumbcane is considered mild to moderately toxic to dogs.
Aloe Vera – This medicinal plant is mild to moderately toxic to dogs. While the gel of Aloe Vera isn’t harmful to dogs, the white sap around the gel near the skin is. If a dog ingested quite a bit of it, you could see a mild upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Asparagus Fern – The delicate, feathery foliage makes this plant an attractive feature in floral arrangements. Ingestion may irritate the dog’s gastrointestinal tract. The berries are exceptionally high in toxin concentration and would cause vomiting and diarrhea after ingestion. Skin irritation is also possible following dermal exposure. This plant is considered mildly toxic to dogs.
Philodendron – Many Philodendron species exist, and they also contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in the leaves that can irritate a dog’s mouth, resulting in swelling, burning, and occasionally difficulty breathing. Philodendron is considered mildly to moderately toxic to dogs.
Elephant Ear – Like other plants toxic to dogs in the Araceae family, the Elephant Ear contains sharp calcium oxalate crystals in its leaves that can irritate a dog’s mouth and gastrointestinal tracts. It is considered mildly to moderately toxic.
Corn Plant – This plant contains unknown steroidal saponins that may cause drooling, vomiting, weakness, and incoordination.
Pothos – Also a part of the Araceae family, it contains sharp calcium oxalate crystals in its leaves that can irritate a dog’s mouth and gastrointestinal tracts.
Jade Plant – is considered mild to self-solving. Symptoms after ingestion include mild gastrointestinal distress. In a few cases, lethargy and stumbling gait have been . All parts of the Jade Plant is toxic to dogs, but the leaves and stems are most accessible for dogs.
Poison Ivy – Skin contact with the Poison Ivy’s sap on its leaves can result in contact dermatitis or even gastrointestinal irritation. Thankfully, our pooch’s skin is protected by their coat. The sap poses more risk to owners when they pet their dog and get the sap on their skin. Wear gloves and wipe your dog down with a clean towel after a hike to prevent this.
Bird of Paradise – Ingestion typically results in oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia.
Lantana – A type of liver toxin called Triterpenoids is found in all parts of the Lantana. When ingested, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and liver failure in rare cases for dogs.
Tulip – The highest toxin concentration is in the bulb of this world-famous flower. Symptoms may include vomiting, profuse drooling, or even diarrhea, depending on the amount consumed. Most cases occur after the owner had just planted the flowers in their garden or the dog had access to a bag full of bulbs.
Oleander – This dog poison plant contains naturally-occurring poisons that affect the heart, specifically cardenolides or bufadienolides. These poisons are called cardiac glycoside toxins, and they interfere directly with electrolyte balance within the heart muscle. The level of poisoning varies with the part of the plant and the amount ingested. All parts of the plant are generally considered toxic – even the water in the vase has been reported to cause toxicosis. Symptoms include abnormal heart rhythm and rate, electrolyte abnormalities, nausea, drooling, vomiting, tremors, and seizures.
Recognize the Serious and Common Poisonous Plants for Dogs First
The ASPCA dog poison plants list is extensive, and you shouldn’t try to remember all of it. Focus on remembering and recognizing the few plants considered very toxic to dogs like Sago Palm and Oleander. Then expand your knowledge to common ornamental plants, then move on to mild to moderately poisonous ones. Use the search function to check the plants in your home and garden and make notes on the poisonous varieties on your mobile phone. Unless the plants are consumed in large amounts, your dog should be safe if you contact your vet and get treatment as soon as possible.
References:
ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
