Toxic Household Plants

When we select pretty ornamental plants for our homes and gardens, the greenhouse or store does not provide warning labels to help us know which plants could harm our pets. Unfortunately, this means we could introduce poisonous plants into our pet’s environment.

There are many plants that if eaten or contacted can cause signs of illness in pets. This list below just provides some of the most common noxious plants. Comprehensive listings of plants with toxic potential are listed elsewhere —see the links below to access more complete lists. Though some plants are more toxic than others, any listed as toxic should be avoided, since we do not have control over how much our nosy pets eat. Remember also that it takes less to poison a small pet than a large one. Puppies and kittens are also more likely to get into trouble than Old Trusty, so extra vigilance for that new pet is needed.

This listing details a few common groups of plants that should not be selected for a home with pets. If you already have them in your home, move them to a room that pets do not have access to. Don’t count on high countertops and tables to keep noxious plants out of reach —cats are mighty good at jumping up when you are not around! Large dogs are also known to knock things off tables with paws, muzzles or “happy tails,” so don’t take chances.

Rhododendron Group

Common Name: Azalea

Typical Toxicity: Serious illness occurs due to a powerful toxin, and outcomes may include death. Signs noted may include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and loss of consciousness. Azaleas are more commonly a garden plant than a household plant, but are often planted near the home or deck, and some varieties need to be brought inside during winter months in the North.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Araceae Group

• Are a large family of plants that produce toxicity quickly (within minutes to hours) and effects last for a few days if the pet survives.

Dieffenbachia Group ( in Araceae family)

Common Names: Dumb Cane, Gold Dieffenbachia, Spotted Dumb Cane

Typical Toxicity: Irritation of the mouth and throat tissues (drooling, vomiting) due to crystals of oxalate and histamine-release stimulators

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Philodendron Group (Araceae)

Common Names: Fruit Salad Plant, Ceriman (Cutleaf Philodendron), Fiddle and Split Leaf Philodendron

Typical Toxicity: Irritation of the mouth and throat tissues (drooling, vomiting) due to crystals of calcium oxalate and histamine-release stimulators

Lily Family

Common Names: Easter Lily, Tiger Lily, Red Lily, Japanese Show Lily, Asian Lily, Stargazer Lily, Wood Lily

Typical Toxicity: Toxic effects are limited to cats, and include kidney damage or failure, dullness, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Note that only a small amount of any part of the plant can lead to very serious effects!

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Another group of plants are called Lilies ([ Mauna Loa ] Peace Lily, Arum Lily, Calla Lily), but they have different toxic compounds and effects than those listed above.

Typical Toxicity: Irritation of the mouth and throat tissues (drooling, vomiting) due to crystals of calcium oxalate and histamine-release stimulators

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fern Group

Common Names: Asparagus Fern (is in the Lily Family)

Typical Toxicity: Vomiting and diarrhea if berries are eaten, weakness, and skin irritation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cycadaceae Palms

 Common names: Cycas, Zamia, Sago Palm, Queen Sago

Typical Toxicity: Bleeding in the digestive tract leading to tarry diarrhea, vomiting, thirst, liver failure, bleeding problems, and death

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dracaena Group

Common Names: Striped Dracaena, Margined Dracaena, Florida Beauty

Typical Toxicity: In cats, drooling, fast heart and pupil dilation, unsteady and weak, vomiting, breathing trouble, and off food.

Holiday Plants

These are likely to be found only for a short period of time in the home. We hear plenty about keeping the Christmas Poinsettia from pets, but Holly and Mistletoe are actually more of a concern as they are more toxic. If your pet likes to chew on plants, it is safest to keep holiday plants in a room that the pets cannot enter.

 

If you think your pet has been exposed to toxic plants, call your veterinarian immediately and take part of the plant to the hospital for identification if you are not sure what plant your pet has contacted.