Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats 2025 🌿🐾: Top Toxic Offenders & What to Do in an Emergency
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Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats 2025 🌿🐾: Top Toxic Offenders & What to Do in an Emergency
By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, Ask A Vet Blog
Published: July 7, 2025
Plants brighten up our homes and gardens—but not all are pet-friendly! 🐶🐱 Whether you're decorating your living room or tending to your backyard, it's vital to know which common plants can cause anything from mild GI upset to life-threatening conditions in dogs and cats. 🌸
🚫 Common Poisonous Plants to Avoid
- Lilies (Lilium spp.) – Extremely toxic to cats; causes severe kidney failure even in small amounts. 🐱❌
- Cannabis (Cannabis sativa) – Causes drooling, vomiting, incoordination, seizures, and coma in pets. 🚬
- Sago Palm (Cycas Revoluta) – Just one seed can cause vomiting, liver failure, seizures, and death. 🌴
- Tulip & Narcissus Bulbs – Highly toxic bulbs cause GI upset, drooling, and heart problems. 🌷
- Azalea/Rhododendron – Can lead to vomiting, weakness, coma, and heart failure. 🌺
- Oleander (Nerium oleander) – Affects heart rhythm, causes vomiting, hypothermia, and can be fatal. 🌿❤️
- Castor Bean (Ricinus communis) – Contains deadly ricin; causes seizures, tremors, and death. 🫘☠️
- Cyclamen – The root is especially toxic, causing violent vomiting and fatal reactions. 🌸
- Kalanchoe – Can disrupt heart rhythm and induce vomiting or diarrhea. 🌼
- Yew (Taxus spp.) – Leads to heart failure, trembling, and death. 🌲
- Amaryllis – Causes vomiting, tremors, and abdominal pain. 🌹
- Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale) – Can lead to shock, bone marrow suppression, and organ failure. ❄️
- Chrysanthemums – Contains pyrethrins; causes drooling, vomiting, and loss of coordination. 🌻
- English Ivy (Hedera helix) – Leads to stomach upset, pain, and diarrhea. 🍃
- Peace Lily – Causes intense burning in the mouth, drooling, and vomiting. 🕊️
- Pothos – Irritates the GI tract and mouth, leading to swelling and pain. 🌿
- Schefflera – Like Peace Lily, causes burning, vomiting, and drooling. 🌳
🧪 Common Symptoms of Plant Toxicity
- 🤢 Vomiting & diarrhea
- 🐾 Drooling or pawing at the mouth
- 😴 Lethargy or collapse
- 🚫 Appetite loss
- ❤️ Abnormal heart rhythms
- 🧠 Seizures or coma in severe cases
⚕️ What to Do If Your Pet Eats a Toxic Plant
- 📞 Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
- 🌿 Bring a plant sample (leaf, flower, or label) with you.
- 💨 Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed—it could worsen the situation depending on the plant.
- 💧 Offer water to dilute ingestion if advised by a vet.
🌱 Non-Toxic Alternatives for Pet-Safe Homes
- 🪴 Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum)
- 🌿 Areca Palm
- 🌸 African Violets
- 🍀 Prayer Plant (Maranta)
- 🌼 Boston Ferns
TIP: Always check plant labels and cross-reference with the ASPCA’s full plant list before purchasing!
📱 Emergency Pet Poison Resources
- 📞 ASPCA Poison Control: 888-426-4435
- 📱 HomeAgain Poison Hotline: 1-888-466-3242
- 🆘 Download the Ask A Vet App for 24/7 access to vet guidance
🐾 Final Word from Dr Duncan Houston
Our homes and gardens should be safe sanctuaries for our pets. 🌼 With a little plant knowledge, you can keep your furry companions protected year-round. When in doubt—keep it out! And for trusted, instant support, visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet App today. 💚🐕🐈
