10 Household Plants That Are Toxic to Dogs
Keep Your Pup Safe: Know Which Plants to Avoid
Houseplants bring life, color, and fresh air into your home — but not all plants are safe for your four-legged family members. Many common indoor plants can be harmful (or even deadly) to dogs if chewed or ingested.
At Good Boy Billie, your dog’s health and happiness always come first. That’s why we’ve created this helpful guide to 10 popular houseplants that are toxic to dogs — plus the symptoms you should look out for.
Whether you’re new to plant parenting or have a thriving indoor jungle, it’s always worth double-checking that your space is safe for curious pups. Let’s dive in!
1. Sago Palm
Toxic parts: All parts of the plant
Why it's dangerous:
The Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) is a popular decorative plant with feather-like leaves. Unfortunately, every part of this plant contains cycasin — a toxin that can cause severe liver damage in dogs. Even small ingestions can be fatal.
Symptoms of poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Liver failure
- Seizures
- Potentially fatal outcomes
If you suspect your dog has ingested any part of a Sago Palm, seek immediate veterinary care.
2. Peace Lily
(Also known as Spathiphyllum)
Toxic parts: Leaves and flowers
Why it's dangerous:
Peace Lilies are beautiful and easy to care for — but they contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause intense irritation when chewed or swallowed by dogs.
Symptoms of poisoning:
- Oral irritation
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
3. Aloe Vera
Toxic parts: Gel contains saponins and anthraquinones
Why it's dangerous:
While Aloe Vera is a beloved plant for its skin-soothing properties in humans, it’s a different story for dogs. Certain compounds in the gel can cause gastrointestinal distress and other symptoms if ingested.
Symptoms of poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Tremors
4. Snake Plant
(Also known as Sansevieria or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue)
Toxic parts: All parts
Why it's dangerous:
Snake Plants are popular for their resilience and air-purifying qualities, but they contain saponins that can irritate a dog’s digestive system.
Symptoms of poisoning:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
5. Dumb Cane
(Also known as Dieffenbachia)
Toxic parts: All parts
Why it's dangerous:
Dumb Cane contains oxalate crystals, which can cause severe oral irritation and swelling. Even small exposures can be very painful for dogs.
Symptoms of poisoning:
- Intense oral irritation
- Drooling
- Swelling of mouth or tongue
- Difficulty swallowing
6. Pothos
(Also known as Golden Pothos or Devil’s Ivy)
Toxic parts: All parts
Why it's dangerous:
Another plant that contains insoluble calcium oxalates, Pothos can cause significant oral and digestive issues if your dog chews on it.
Symptoms of poisoning:
- Oral Irritation
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Difficulty swallowing
7. Philodendron
Toxic parts: All parts
Why it's dangerous:
Like Pothos and Dumb Cane, Philodendrons also contain calcium oxalates. Even a small nibble can cause painful symptoms for your pup.
Symptoms of poisoning:
- Oral pain
- Swelling
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
8. ZZ Plant
(Also known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Toxic parts: All parts
Why it's dangerous:
The hardy ZZ Plant is a popular choice for homes and offices — but it's toxic to dogs. Its sap contains compounds that can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms.
Symptoms of poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Skin irritation
9. Oleander
Toxic parts: All parts
Why it's dangerous:
Oleander is highly toxic to dogs and should never be kept indoors or in the yard if you have pets. Its cardiac glycosides can severely affect the heart.
Symptoms of poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
Oleander poisoning can be life-threatening — seek emergency veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected.
10. Lilies
(Certain types harmful to dogs)
Toxic parts: Leaves, flowers, pollen
Why it's dangerous:
While certain lilies are extremely toxic to cats, some varieties can also be harmful to dogs. Ingesting lilies or even licking pollen off their fur can lead to gastrointestinal upset and more serious symptoms.
Symptoms of poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
Because it's not always easy to tell which types are safe, it's best to avoid bringing lilies into homes with dogs.
Safer Alternatives to Try
Want to green up your space without worrying about your pup? 🌿 Here are some beautiful, pet-friendly houseplants you can enjoy instead:
- Spider Plant
- Areca Palm
- Parlor Palm
- Calathea
- Boston Fern
- African Violet
These options can help you keep your home both beautiful and safe for your furry friend!
Final Thoughts
Dogs are naturally curious, and sometimes that curiosity leads them to explore places they shouldn’t — including your houseplants. Even a small nibble of certain plants can result in serious health issues.
By choosing pet-safe plants, you can create a beautiful home without compromising your pup’s safety. Before bringing any new plant into your space, take the time to research whether it is safe for dogs.
If your dog ingests any part of a toxic plant:
- Immediately remove any plant material from your dog's mouth.
- Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinarian.
- Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison control, such as the ASPCA Animal Control Center at (888) 426-4435, as soon as possible.
- Monitor your dog closely for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, or difficulty breathing, and seek emergency care if symptoms develop.
Remember, prevention is always the best strategy. When in doubt, look up any plant before adding it to your home.
For more tips and resources on keeping your dog safe and happy, be sure to explore our website. From fun dog mom hats to paw-sitive stickers and more, our Good Boy Billie products help you celebrate life with your pup—while keeping their well-being top of mind. Visit Good Boy Billie to see what’s new!