Guide to Plants That Are Toxic to Dogs
Poisons and toxins are substances that cause damage or disturb the function of the body’s tissues, organs, or processes. Depending on the poison, clinical signs may be minimal, severe, or sometimes fatal.
Poisoning in dogs can be a medical emergency. If you think your dog has eaten something potentially dangerous, seek immediate veterinary advice.
Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published October 2025 | Review date October 2028 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet
Common Plants That Are Toxic to Dogs
Many common house and garden plants can be dangerous for dogs if ingested: plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, oleander, yew, lilies and certain bulbs like daffodils and tulips are particularly toxic, causing mainly stomach issues but if severe such as seizures can be fatal to your pet.
Azaleas: contains the potent neurotoxin grayanotoxin that disrupt cell membranes and can affect muscle and nerve function.
Rhododendrons: all parts of the plant containing a neurotoxin that can cause symptoms like vomiting, weakness, and abnormal heart rhythms, potentially leading to coma or death in severe cases.
Oleander: ingestion of any part of the oleander plant can lead to serious consequences such as abnormal heart rhythm and rate, life-threatening high potassium level, guts signs (nausea, drooling, vomiting), or nervous system signs (tremors, seizures).
Yew: all parts of the yew plant are toxic to dogs, except for the fleshy red part of the berry, which surrounds the highly poisonous seed. Ingestion of yew can be fatal, causing symptoms like tremors, seizures, difficulty breathing, and heart failure.
Lilies: most types of lilies are toxic to dogs, and while less severe than for cats, ingestion can still cause stomach upset, dehydration, and potentially affect the kidneys
Certain bulbs like daffodils and tulips: can cause symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. Daffodils also contain the substance lycorine and can lead to more severe issues such as seizures, low blood pressure, and an irregular heart rate. Tulips, on the other hand, can cause difficulty breathing in severe cases.
Signs of Poisoning in Your Dog and What to Do
Symptoms of poisoning in dogs ca n be varied, but often include:
Behavioural changes (lethargy or agitation)
Other signs like tremors, difficulty breathing or pale gums and sometimes seizures
What to do if you suspect poisoning
If you suspect your dog has swallowed something poisonous, take immediate action and follow these steps:
Stay calm: remaining calm helps you make good decisions and will keep your dog relaxed too.
Contact your vet or your emergency out-of-hours vet: It’s extremely helpful for your vet if you can provide an idea of when and how much of the toxic substance your dog ate and the packaging if you have it.
Follow the instructions given by your vet: Your vet will advise whether you should treat your dog at home or take them to the clinic. Treatment for poisoning usually involves your vet giving your dog an 'emetic', a medication to make them sick, followed by activated charcoal to absorb any remaining toxins. In severe cases, your dog may spend the night at your vet on a drip to flush the system of any remaining toxins. You should never try and make your dog vomit yourself, as this can cause more harm if not done correctly. Your vet may provide you with a dedicated ‘poison line’ to call for advice in these situations.
Plants – Poisoning Prevention Tips
Secure potential poisons: keep all potentially toxic substances, including out of your dog's reach. Store them in locked cabinets or containers.
Supervise your dog: constant supervision, especially outdoors, can help prevent your dog from ingesting harmful substances.
Educate yourself: learn about poisonous plants and foods that are harmful to dogs. Avoid or remove these plants from your garden or house.
Keep rubbish bins secure: secure rubbish bins to prevent your dog from accessing potentially harmful food or waste.