Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants for Pets 🌱🐾 | 2025 Guide for Dogs, Cats & Horses

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, Ask A Vet Blog
Published: July 7, 2025

Many common garden and household plants pose a serious health risk to pets—even ones you wouldn’t expect! In this guide, we’ll explore which plants are toxic and which are considered safe for dogs, cats, and horses 🐶🐱🐴

🚨 What Happens If My Pet Eats a Toxic Plant?

Some plants cause mild stomach upset, while others can lead to organ failure or death. It all depends on the species and the amount ingested. Here’s what you should do:

• 📞 Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435
• 🆓 If your pet has a HomeAgain microchip, call 1-888-466-3242 for a free consultation
• 📸 Take photos of the plant your pet ingested to help with identification

🌿 How to Use the ASPCA Plant Database

The ASPCA’s plant database is a veterinarian-trusted tool that helps identify which plants are toxic or non-toxic. You can:

• 🔎 Search by plant name or appearance
• 🐾 Filter results for dogs, cats, or horses
• 📷 See photo references to assist in visual identification

🔗 Visit the ASPCA Plant List Here

🌸 Common Toxic Plants to Avoid

• ❌ Lilies (toxic to cats – kidney failure)
• ❌ Sago Palm (highly toxic – liver failure)
• ❌ Oleander (affects the heart – can be fatal)
• ❌ Azaleas (can cause coma and death)
• ❌ Castor Bean (ricin is lethal in small doses)

✅ Common Non-Toxic Plants

• ✔️ Spider Plant
• ✔️ Boston Fern
• ✔️ Marigolds
• ✔️ Zinnias
• ✔️ Snapdragons

Remember, even non-toxic plants can cause mild tummy upset if too much is eaten.

🐕 How to Keep Your Garden Pet-Safe

• 🌼 Stick with non-toxic plants whenever possible
• 🚧 Fence off garden beds or flower pots
• 🥬 Avoid fertilizers or sprays not labeled as pet-safe
• 🔍 Check your yard regularly—wild mushrooms or weeds can be dangerous

📞 When to Call for Help

If your pet is showing signs like vomiting, drooling, lethargy, or seizures after chewing a plant, don’t wait. Contact your vet or poison control immediately:

• 🐾 ASPCA Poison Hotline: 888-426-4435
• 🐾 HomeAgain Members: 1-888-466-3242 (free consult)

📲 Get Help Anytime with Ask A Vet

Download the Ask A Vet app or visit AskAVet.com to get 24/7 expert advice on pet safety, poisoning, and care. Better safe than sorry! 🐾💚