List of Dog Toxic Flowers

If you enjoy gardening or have some plants in pots outside your home, be aware that certain plants can be harmful to your dog if they eat them. Many common shrubs, trees, and flowers found in gardens and the wild can pose a danger to your furry friend. We have put together a comprehensive List of Dog Toxic Flowers to help you watch out. We also talked about Flowers and Bulbs that are Toxic to Dogs and Shrubs that are Toxic to Dogs. As well as Trees that are considered Toxic for Dogs and Other things that are Toxic for Dogs.

Flowers and Bulbs that are Toxic to Dogs

Autumn Crocus

These plants bloom in the fall and are very dangerous for dogs because they have colchicine. Colchicine can cause severe problems like stomach bleeding, intense vomiting, damage to the kidneys and liver, and also even difficulty breathing. Symptoms may not show up right away, so it’s crucial to get your dog to the vet if they’ve eaten any part of this plant.

Begonia

These tubers are often used in pots. Thus, if dogs eat them, it can lead to irritation in the mouth and trouble swallowing.

Chrysanthemum

These common flowers have substances like lactones and pyrethrin, causing irritation in the intestines. While not deadly, eating any part of the plant can result in vomiting, diarrhea, lots of drooling and skin rashes. As well as difficulty coordinating movements.

Daffodil

If your dog eats any part of the daffodil plant, especially the bulb, it can lead to serious problems. They can be intense vomiting, drooling, shaking, difficulty breathing, seizures, and also heart issues.

Foxglove

Every part of these tall and attractive flowers, including the seeds and petals, is highly harmful to dogs. If they eat any of it, it can result in heart failure and even death. There’s more to see in this post on List of Dog Toxic Flowers

Geranium

Dogs should avoid all types of this common potted plant because they are toxic. Symptoms of poisoning include being tired, low blood pressure, skin rashes, and loss of appetite.

Iris

If your dog ingests any part of the iris plant, it can cause skin irritation, excessive drooling, diarrhea, vomiting, and sluggishness.

Lily

There are many types of lilies, and it’s tough to remember which ones can be harmful to pets. Some, like daylilies, can be very toxic to cats but might only upset a dog’s stomach. Others, like the calla lily, release a substance that can burn and irritate a dog’s mouth and stomach, leading to symptoms that can range from mild to severe.

Lily of the Valley

If a dog eats this plant, symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, a decrease in heart rate, and irregular heartbeats.

Tulip and Hyacinth

While the blb is the most toxic part, all parts of these flowers, which bloom early in the season, can be harmful to dogs, causing irritation in the mouth and esophagus. Common symptoms include lots of drooling and vomiting. If a dog eats many bulbs, it might lead to an increased heart rate as well as irregular breathing. With proper care from a vet, dogs usually recover without further issues.

Shrubs that are Toxic to Dogs

Azalea and Rhododendron

These plants are often used in gardens and can be found in nature, but they are extremely dangerous for dogs. Even eating a few leaves can lead to serious problems like vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, paralysis, shock, coma, and even death.

Holly

There are different types of holly, like American holly, English holly, Japanese holly, and Christmas holly. While some are less harmful than others, it’s safest to keep your dog away from any kind. Eating the leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and harm to the stomach because of the plant’s prickly leaves. Symptoms may include lip-smacking, drooling, and head shaking.

Hydrangea

These plants have a high amount of harmful substances in their flowers and leaves. If a dog eats the leaves or flowers, it can lead to tiredness, diarrhea, vomiting, and other stomach issues.

Ivy

Ivy is a common part of many landscapes, even though it’s a vine, not a shrub. Some types of ivy plants have leaves that can be harmful to dogs, causing excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, a swollen mouth and tongue, and difficulty breathing if ingested. Keep reading to see more shrubs in our List of Dog Toxic Flowers.

Oleander

This popular decorative shrub is toxic to both humans and dogs in all its parts. If your dog eats the flowers or leaves, it can lead to severe vomiting, an abnormal heart rate, and even death. Watch out for signs like trembling, drooling, seizures, and weakness.

Peony

These beautiful flowering plants have a toxin called paeonol in their bark. Eating large amounts may cause vomiting as well as diarrhea.

Sago Palm

Often used as an ornamental shrub in moderate climates, this plant is considered highly toxic to dogs. Every part, especially the seeds, can lead to acute liver failure if ingested. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, reduced appetite, and also nosebleeds. Just a few seedpods can be dangerous.

Trees that are considered Toxic for Dogs

Black Walnut

While the tree itself is not harmful, the nuts that fall to the ground can be dangerous for dogs. They quickly start to rot and produce mold, leading to digestive issues and even seizures when ingested.

Chinaberry

Every part of this tree, including the berries, leaves, bark, and flowers, contains toxins that can cause various problems in dogs. This can range from vomiting and diarrhea to weakness, a slow heart rate, seizures, and shock.

Fruit trees

The fruits of trees like plums, apricots, peaches, and avocados have pits, and the seeds of cherries and apples contain toxins that can make your dog sick and pose a choking hazard. Even if they only eat the fruit, consuming too much can result in diarrhea.

Horse Chestnut (Buckeye)

This tree has a substance called saponin, which can make dogs vomit, have diarrhea, and dilated pupils. It also affects the central nervous system, possibly leading to convulsions and coma.

Japanese Yew

All types of Japanese Yew trees, whether small or large, contain harmful toxins that can be deadly for dogs. Symptoms include shaking, vomiting, breathing difficulties, and seizures. Even though they look festive with their green leaves and red berries, it’s not safe to have them as decorations in homes where dogs live.

Other nut trees

In general, nuts are not safe for dogs. It’s best to prevent your dog from eating nuts from almond, pecan, hickory, walnut, or other nut trees. Consuming them can lead to stomach problems and blockages in the intestines.

Other things that are Toxic for Dogs

It’s not just plants that can be risky for your dog during walks or playtime in the garden. Here are some other things to be cautious about:

Compost and grass clippings

These can have harmful molds or bacteria. Make sure to keep any compost in a secure bin.

Fungi and mushrooms

Often found in autumn, especially in warm, damp conditions. While not all types are dangerous, some can be life-threatening if your dog eats them. It’s safest to steer clear of them entirely.

Pesticides, weed killers, and fertilizers

These products often contain substances that can be toxic to pets. Avoid spraying areas your dog frequents and use barriers or covers to keep them away from treated areas. Keep reading this post on List of Dog Toxic Flowers for more.

Grass Seeds

Grass seeds can easily stick to your dog’s skin, especially in their paws, armpits, and ears. This can cause irritation, infection, and even spread to other body parts, creating potentially serious issues. Grass seeds are not only a risk when you’re replanting your lawn but are also common in fields with tall grass, especially during spring and summer.

What to do if your dog ingests a Toxic Plant

If you think your dog has eaten something harmful, take these steps:

Contact your vet, AKC Vetline, or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) for accurate advice.

Try to figure out what the dog ate by collecting a sample, taking a photo, or saving the vomit in a plastic bag.

When you talk to the vet or helpline, provide as much information as possible, including the suspected plant, when it happened, your dog’s weight, and any symptoms they’re showing.

Do not make your dog vomit unless the vet advises it. Different plant poisons need specific treatments, and inducing vomiting can make some cases worse.

Don’t believe the myth that dogs instinctively avoid harmful plants. While it might be true for wild animals, dogs can’t tell safe from unsafe plants. Keep reading for more List of Dog Toxic Flowers.

Signs of Plant Poisoning in Dogs

Drooling

Refusing to eat

Being tired or low on energy

Throwing up or having diarrhea – especially if there are chewed-up plant parts in it

Drinking or urinating more than usual

Developing rashes

Having red skin

Getting mouth sores

Pale gums

Experiencing twitching or seizures

Collapsing

Plants that are Safe for Dogs

It’s not easy to make a list of plants that are completely safe for dogs. Even though we know some plants are harmful, it’s hard to guarantee that a plant won’t cause problems if your pet eats or chews it. Identifying plant species can be tough, and most plants can be troublesome if your pet consumes a lot of them.

To be on the safe side, it’s best to keep all indoor plants out of your pet’s reach so they don’t try to eat or nibble on them when you’re away. Also, keep an eye on your dog when they’re in the garden or on walks to make sure they haven’t come across any plants that could be harmful to them.

Conclusion

In summary, recognizing and avoiding toxic flowers is essential for safeguarding our dogs. While a comprehensive list may be challenging, understanding common hazards empowers responsible pet care. Quick identification of symptoms and seeking prompt veterinary help are crucial in minimizing risks. Creating a safe environment and staying informed are key steps in ensuring the well-being of our beloved canine companions.