Which plants are most toxic for dogs?

dog toxic plants

We often think of puppies being curious and having to be closely watched because they try to eat everything they can get their chompers on, but all dogs have to be watched carefully around leaves (and flowers) too. That’s because many indoor and outdoor plants are poisonous—and sometimes deadly—to dogs.

Some common and dangerous outdoor plants include Azalea, Daffodil, Iris, Hydrangea, Rhododendron, Tulip, and Oleander.

And here are 15 common house plants poisonous to dogs

  1. Aloe vera
  2. Asparagus plant
  3. Bird of paradise
  4. Chinese evergreen
  5. Corn plant
  6. Desert rose
  7. Dumb cane
  8. Elephant ear
  9. Ivy
  10. Jade
  11. Pathos
  12. Peace lily
  13. Philodendron
  14. Sago palm
  15. ZZ plant

Ingesting the leaves and/or flowers of these plants can cause vomiting, diarrhea, heart problems, difficulty breathing, and even death. If you are not sure about the safety of a particular plant—or if you suspect that your pup has eaten part of a potentially poisonous indoor or outdoor plant—please consult with your vet or a Pet Poison Hotline.

PS You may be wondering about Poinsettias. Poinsettias have a reputation for being deadly but in reality, they are a mildly toxic plant that when eaten, can cause mild but non-fatal symptoms. While medical treatment is rarely necessary when a dog ingests a leaf from a Poinsettia plant, you should contact your veterinarian if your dog experiences any symptoms.

How to tell what your dog is feeling

dog on chair

We all wish our dogs could tell us what they’re thinking. But if you watch closely and know what to look for, you can tell how your dog is feeling; no words necessary!

Tail Wagging

A wagging tail does not always mean a dog is happy. You also have to consider the speed and direction of the wag—a long, slow, side-to-side tail sweep is usually a relaxed dog.

Also, dogs with their tails pointing down to the ground or tucked between their legs are likely feeling fear and stress. Relaxed dogs usually hold their tails in a neutral position.

Facial Expressions

Dogs yawn when they’re stressed (and just as yawning is contagious in people, dogs can “catch” yawns too)! Also, just like people, dogs will lick their lips after a delicious meal, but dogs will also do it when they feel anxious.

Have you ever seen your dog smile? Usually, when dogs bare their teeth, it serves as a warning, especially when it’s paired with a growl. But smiling dogs just displaying their front teeth are often happy dogs, especially if their bodies are loose and wiggly.

Eyes

When dogs feel stressed, they will look away and avoid eye contact. Also, when dogs have relaxed lids and they squint, it usually means they are feeling calm or happy. However, when dogs stare intently at something, it usually signals a threat.

When you take the time to learn what your dog is “saying” through body language and react accordingly, you will develop a deeper mutual bond of trust and respect with your pet.