We all love to keep plants in and around the house, but we should consider which ones are safe for pets. Young or new pets tend to nibble and taste plants as they explore and become familiar with their environment, but some garden and house plants are toxic. Symptoms may range from a mild upset stomach to a severe toxic response that can lead to death. It is important to know which plants are safe, as even common plants can be deadly.
Identifying toxic plants
Plant toxicities can be organized into four classes:
- Major Toxicity: May result in serious illness or death if ingested.
- Minor Toxicity: May result in vomiting or diarrhea if ingested.
- Oxalates: Contain juice or sap with oxalate crystals that can irritate the skin, mouth and/or throat, cause swelling, difficulty breathing, pain, and/or an upset stomach
- Dermatitis: Contact with thorns or sap may result in a skin rash.
If you suspect a poison–related emergency, contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888–426–4435.
Amaryllis Amaryllis spp.
Toxicity class: Minor Toxicity, Dermatitis
Autumn crocus Colchicum autumnale.
Toxicity class: Major Toxicity, Dermatitis
Bay laurel (sweet bay) Laurus nobilis
Toxicity class: Minor Toxicity
Caladium Caladium spp.
Toxicity class: Oxalates, Dermatitis
Calla lily Zantedeschia aethiopica
Toxicity class: Oxalates, Dermatitis
Cardinal flower Lobelia spp.
Toxicity class: Major Toxicity, Dermatitis
Castor bean Ricinus communis
Toxicity class: Major Toxicity
Cyclamen Cyclamen spp.
Toxicity class: Minor Toxicity, Dermatitis
Daffodil (bulb) Narcissus spp.
Toxicity class: Minor Toxicity, Dermatitis
Daylily Hemerocallis spp.
Toxicity class: Major Toxicity (for cats)
Dieffenbachia (dumbcane) Dieffenbachia seguine
Toxicity class: Oxalates
Easter lily, Oriental lily Lilium spp.
Toxicity class: Major Toxicity, Minor Toxicity, Dermatitis (for cats)
Elephant ear Colocasia esculenta
Toxicity class: Oxalates, Dermatitis
English ivy Hedera spp.
Toxicity class: Minor Toxicity, Dermatitis
Foxglove Digitalis purpurea
Toxicity class: Major Toxicity
Hyacinth Hyacinthus spp.
Toxicity class: Minor Toxicity, Dermatitis
Jade Plant (Chinese rubber plant, Japanese rubber plant) Crassula argentea
Toxicity class: Minor Toxicity, Dermatitis
Laburnum (golden chain tree) Laburnum anagyroides
Toxicity class: Minor Toxicity
Mother-in-law’s tongue (snake plant) Sansevieria trifasciata
Toxicity class: Minor Toxicity, Dermatitis
Mistletoe Phoradendron spp.
Toxicity class: Minor Toxicity, Dermatitis
Oleander Nerium oleander
Toxicity class: Major Toxicity, Dermatitis
Philodendron Monstera deliciosa
Toxicity class: Oxalates, Dermatitis
Rhododendron azalea Rhododendron spp.
Toxicity class: Major Toxicity
Sago palm Cycas revoluta
Toxicity class: Major Toxicity
Schefflera Schefflera actinophylla
Toxicity class: Minor Toxicity, Dermatitis
Yew Taxus spp.
Toxicity class: Major Toxicity
Conclusion
Keep toxic plants out of your pet’s reach or use fencing to keep pets away. This is not a complete list of plants that can be potentially harmful to your pets. For more information on plants that could be harmful to pets, check out toxic and non-toxic plants from the ASPCA or poisonous plants for dogs and cats from the Veterinary Partner website.
If you suspect a poison-related emergency, contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
