Which Houseplants Are Unsafe for Dogs?

Houseplants bring life, color, and fresh air into our homes—but if you share your space with a dog, some of your leafy decor could pose a serious risk. Many popular indoor plants are toxic to dogs if ingested, and even a nibble can lead to troubling symptoms or a trip to the vet. Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or new to indoor gardening, it's important to know which houseplants to avoid and how to keep your furry friend safe. In this post, we’ll break down the most common toxic houseplants for dogs and offer tips for creating a pet-safe indoor jungle.

You may also be interested in these posts: Plant Toxicity in Dogs, Hazardous Trees for Dogs, Dog-Safe Gardening: Veggies and Herbs to Keep Out of Reach

Common Houseplants That Are Toxic to Dogs 

(Toxic parts listed for each plant)

1. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)

• Toxic Parts: All parts, especially the seeds (nuts)

2. Aloe Vera

• Toxic Parts: Outer leaf and latex (gel interior is less harmful)

3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

• Toxic Parts: All parts

4. Philodendron (various types)

• Toxic Parts: All parts

5. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum / Devil’s Ivy)

• Toxic Parts: All parts

6. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)

• Toxic Parts: All parts

7. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

• Toxic Parts: All parts

8. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

• Toxic Parts: All parts

9. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

• Toxic Parts: Leaves and berries

10. Caladium (Elephant Ear, Angel Wings)

• Toxic Parts: All parts

11. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

• Toxic Parts: All parts

12. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

• Toxic Parts: All parts

13. Kalanchoe

• Toxic Parts: All parts

14. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

• Toxic Parts: Seeds and pods

15. Amaryllis

• Toxic Parts: Bulb

16. Oleander (occasionally grown indoors in containers)

• Toxic Parts: All parts

Bonus: Dog-Safe Plant Alternatives

If you’re looking to swap toxic plants for pet-friendly ones, here are some safe options:

• Spider Plant
• Areca Palm
• Boston Fern
• Prayer Plant
• Calathea
• Peperomia
• Bamboo Palm
• African Violet
• Parlor Palm

Know the Symptoms of Plant Toxicity in Dogs

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Drooling or excessive salivation
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy or weakness
• Pawing at the mouth or face (from irritation or burning)
• Trouble breathing or coughing
• Increased heart rate
• Dilated pupils
• Tremors, seizures, or uncoordinated movement
• Swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat
• Skin irritation or rashes (from contact with certain plants)

What to Do If You Think Your Dog Has Ingested a Toxic Plant:

1. Stay calm – Panic can stress your dog more.
2. Remove your dog from the source of the toxin.
3. Call your veterinarian, Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661), or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435).
4. Provide details: What your dog ate, how much, and when.

If you have a GDB dog or you are a GDB client and you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic plant, please contact your emergency vet and then reach out to our Support Center at 800.295.4050 for more information or assistance.