Updated/Fact-Chacked on March 17, 2022 by John
I know you can take a bullet for your dog. Besides being loyal, these furry friends are incredible companions. They will make you active and cheer you up whenever you get home. And that’s why they deserve occasional treats.
Some of the ways to make your dog happy are by giving them a treat which can be an apple or taking them out to play. However, it is important to know that dogs are susceptible to various plants and vegetables.
But how do you tell what is poisonous to your furry friend? Here is a compilation of 20 plants and vegetables that are toxic to dogs.
20 Plants and Vegetables that are Toxic to Dogs
1. Unripe tomatoes
Your dog will want to taste everything that you are eating including vegetables. While it is safe for your furry friend to eat ripe tomatoes, unripe tomatoes are harmful. Tomatoes belong to the nightshade vegetable family. The green part of unripe tomatoes contains a substance that’s known as solanine.
Even though solanine is a naturally occurring chemical, it contains some pesticidal properties. In large quantities, solanine can be hazardous to your furry companion. If you don’t plant tomatoes in your garden, your dog is safe.
The problem comes in when you have tomatoes in your garden, because your dog may chew the stems and leaves of the plant. These parts of the tomato plant are also rich in solanine. Symptoms of tomatine poisoning include;
- Muscle weakness
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Cardiac effects
- Poor body coordination
2. Broccoli
Broccoli is a delicious vegetable that your dog can enjoy in moderation. Nonetheless, too much of it may be hazardous to your dog. Broccoli has isothiocyanate, which is a naturally occurring substance that can irritate your dog’s digestive tract. The effects could be mild or severe. A few bites of broccoli may not send your dog to the ICU. But if your dog replaces 25% of its caloric intake with broccoli, the outcome is likely to be deadly. With that in mind, it is better to keep this vegetable away from your dog.
3. Brussel sprouts
Brussel sprouts are delicious for both humans and dogs. Some good nutrients in these cruciferous vegetables include vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. While Brussel sprouts will not inflict any harm to humans, dogs have a different digestive system. These healthy vegetables contain isothiocyanate. This substance helps the intestines to push waste out along the gastrointestinal tract. If your dog easts Brussel sprouts in large quantities, they might experience severe diarrhea.
4. Aloe vera
Aloe vera may have some remarkable medicinal benefits to humans, but it is toxic to pets. This house plant belongs to the Aloaceae family. It contains a substance known as anthraquinone glycosides which have some laxative properties. When your dog ingests these compounds, water, and mucus production increases in the colon. Consequently, your pet may start vomiting or experiencing diarrhea. Clinical symptoms that come with aloe vera intoxication include;
- Anorexia
- Strange urine color
5. Mushrooms
Some mushroom species are toxic to humans and pets. While the mushroom sold in your local grocery store might be safe, you do not want your furry friend devouring some raw mushroom in your backyard. Moreover, It is difficult to tell which mushroom variety is safe. Besides that, mushrooms that are safe for you are not necessarily safe for your dog. Always feed your dog store-bought mushrooms, because the others could be poisonous. Some of the symptoms that your furry companion may get from eating the wrong species of mushroom include;
- Diarrhea
- Jaundice
- Disorientation
- Vomiting
- Neurological issues
- Abdomen pain
- Death
6. Onions and garlic
While onions and garlic bring out the best of your recipes, these delicious vegetables are toxic to pets. Onion and garlic contain N-propyl disulfide that is known to break down the red cells of your dog, causing anemia.
When the toxin finds its way to your dog’s red blood cells, it attaches itself to the oxygen molecules causing oxidative damages. As a result, the ability of your dog’s red blood cells to carry oxygen is critically diminished.
What’s more, is that this reaction tricks the dog’s body to think that red blood cells are fighting against it. In its defense, the dog’s immune system attacks and destroys the red blood cells. This action is referred to as hemolysis and it leads to deadly hemolytic anemia. The symptoms of onion toxication in dogs include;
- Poor appetite
- Lethargy
- Fainting
- Pale gums
- Urine that appears to be reddish
- Panting
- Elevated heart rate
- Vomiting
7. Ferns
Ferns are endearing to most botanists. They are an outstanding addition to gardens and indoor spaces. If you have dogs, you will need to ensure that you are not growing ferns. This is because some varieties of funs are harmful and toxic to dogs.
For instance, the asparagus ferns are toxin-laden. Their berries and leaves are extremely poisonous to pets. If your dog ingests these ferns, they are likely to show to manifest the following symptoms;
- Drooling
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- vomiting
8. Sago palms
When it comes to plants toxicity, sago palms are notorious. These plants have a compound known as cycasin which is extremely poisonous to pups. Although the entire plant is toxic to dogs, the seeds display a higher level of toxicity. Symptoms of a dog that has eaten sago palms include;
- Liver failure
- Multiple organ failure
- Bleeding disorders
- Bloody diarrhea
- Liver damage
9. Sweet peas
Sweet peas are beautiful plants. When you grow them for decorative purposes, these plants will not let you down. The only problem that may occur is if you keep pets. Both the Lytharus latifolious and Lytharus odaratus sweet peas species are toxic to dogs. The toxic compound in these plants is known as aminopropionitrile. This compound leads to central nervous and musculoskeletal problems. When your dog eats these plants frequently, lathyrism occurs. Other symptoms that emanate from your dog ingesting sweet peas are;
- Paralysis
- Muscle weakness
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Seizures
- Pacing
- Abdominal cramping and pain
- Face and head rubbing
- Tremors
- Vomiting
10. Daisy
Daisies ushers in spring like no other plants. In comparison to other plants we have listed here, daisies are less poisonous. However, they are still potent enough to irritate your dog. When ingested in large quantities, they could be lethal. Your furry friend is likely to exhibit minor symptoms after eating these plants. All the same, it is important to consult a vet before the situation gets out of hand.
11. Lillies
Lillies are not only hazardous to cats but also dogs. Your canine companion will have a problem after ingesting lilies. While not all lilies are dangerous to your furry friend, here are the most notorious species;
- Calla Lily
- Peace Lilly
- Lily of the valley
- Rail Lily
When dogs eat any of these lilies, they exhibit symptoms such as;
- Severe gastrointestinal
- Diarrhea
- Slowed heart rate
- Vomiting
- Irritation of the mouth, nose, or lips
- Drooling
- Difficulty in swallowing
The symptoms may vary depending on which species of Lillies your dog has eaten. For example, Calla Lily contains calcium oxalate crystals which cause oral irritation. Since you may not know how to differentiate the different varieties of Lillies, it’s better to keep them away from the reach of furry friends.
12. Daffodils
Your canine companion should not come anywhere near daffodils. These plants are beautiful and colorful but still dangerous to your dog. They contain toxic alkaloids. When your pup ingests some parts of these plants they cause the following symptoms;
- Excessive salivation
- Heart problems
- Tremors
- Convulsions
- Vomiting
13. Castor bean
Castor bean is an irresistible ornamental tropical plant. The downside is that it contains ricin which is a protein-rich in toxins. When a dog consumes this plant, the results are devastating. Besides excessive thirst and diarrhea, castor bean burns the dog’s throat and mouth. Ingestion of the seeds is much more dangerous because it can kill your dog.
14. Azalea
Azalea belongs to the poisonous rhododendron genus. The plant is chiefly used for ornamental purposes. Consumption of several leaves of this plant can make your dog start drooling, experience body weakness, paralysis, loss of appetite, stomach discomfort, and in some severe cases, death.
15. Marijuana
The chances of your furry friend accessing marijuana in any form are slim. Nevertheless, this plant is quite hazardous to dogs. Your dog may experience a slow heart rate after ingesting marijuana. The other effects are poor coordination, tremors, drooling, and disorientation.
16. Dieffenbachia( Dumb Cane)
Dumb cane is a popular plant that people associate with air purification. If you opt to keep it in your house, you must keep it out of reach of the pets. Some of its effects when a dog eats it include blocked airwaves as well as burning the throat and mouth.
17. Tulips
Tulips belong to the hyacinth family. They are beautiful and sweet-smelling plants but toxic to pets. These plants contain glycosides and other toxins such as Tulipalin A and Tuliposide A. The concentration of the toxins in tulips is higher in the lower stem and bulb. When dogs eat multiple tulips bulbs, the toxins present in the plant severely affect them. Clinical symptoms of tulip ingestion in small amounts are depression, vomiting, excessive salivation, and diarrhea.
If a dog ingests larger amounts of tulips, the symptoms are much worse. They include;
- Coma
- Abdominal pain
- Higher respiratory rate
- Tremors
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Increased heart rate
- Sudden death
18. Autumn Crocus
Since time immemorial, humans have used autumn crocus flowers for medicinal purposes. Unfortunately, you cannot extend these benefits to your canine. Autumn crocus can easily poison your dog. Its effects on your furry friend are as lethal as those of arsenic and the poisoning of this plant has no known cure.
>> Consider tall flowering plants to keep away from animals
19. YEW
Yew trees are incredibly pleasing. You will find them in fancy public and private gardens. Even so, their appeal should not fool you. These plants have toxins that could harm your dog. Due to their many varying toxins, the effects on a furry friend may also vary. If you suspect that your dog has ingested yew, consult your vet quickly before all the symptoms kick in.
20. Amarylis
Amaryllis plants have beautiful and colorful bulbs. These plants have somewhat mild toxins. Consumption of amaryllis in low quantities may go unnoticeable. But if your dog eats large amounts of this plant, poisoning will occur.
21. Hydrangea
Hydrangea shrubs flourish in gardens. Their bright shades of white, pink, and blue would steal the show in any environment. Regardless of that, hydrangea contains cyanide toxin that’s bad for you and your dog.
22. Caladium
Cladium comes from a family of toxic plants. It is not only poisonous to humans but also to pets such as dogs and cats. Its beauty is hard to resist and most people keep this plant in their homes for this reason. If you have dogs, this is not a safe plant to have around your home. Consumption of this caladium will leave your dog with serious irritation on the throat and mouth.
Wrapping up…
Plants make our environment more lively and vegetables are not only delicious but also contribute to our health. While most plants and vegetables are safe, others carry various types of toxins. If you have read this piece carefully, you know what plants are harmful to your dog’s health. The best way to deal with these plants is to keep away your pets from them. In case your suspect that your dog has accidentally ingested a poisonous plant, take them to your vet. Creating a safe environment for your canine companion will gift you more years of adventure and happiness.
Mary shares a passion for gardening with her husband John, though she is more focused on growing veg on their allotment at St. Margaret’s Allotments, Durham. Mary also works in the lawn care industry and manages the lawns for the Durham University campus.