Table of Contents
| QUESTIONS & ANSWERS |
| AUTUMN CROCUS |
| BUTTERCUP |
| DECORATIVE GRASSES |
| HONEYSUCKLE |
| IVY |
| LANTANA |
| MINIATURE ROSES |
| NORFOLK ISLAND PINE |
| READER FEEDBACK |
| REMEDIES TO CURE POISONING IN DOGS |
| TEA TREE OIL |
List of Poisonous Plants for Cats and Dogs
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by Dawn Forster for Earth Clinic, LLC
Did you know that there are actually over 700 plants that can be poisonous or toxic to your pet? That size of a number seems almost incomprehensible and makes you wonder if there are actually any plants left over that are NOT poisonous to animals!
The list included here cannot possibly begin to cover every single poisonous plant in existence, and it should also be said that some of these plants are much more toxic than others are. It is important to use your best judgment when determining whether or not these plants should remain in your home or garden. Consider your personal situation and the normal behavior of your pets. If you keep any of these plants in areas that cannot be accessed by your pet, or if you have a pet that has never bothered with getting into your plants in the past, then it is likely you shouldn't have a problem with keeping those particular species of plants in a home with pets.
The most important thing for you do to when assessing your current plant situation, is to dig a little bit deeper and find out exactly how toxic certain plants can be and how they can affect your animal.
Let's begin by looking at a list of the 10 Most Common Poisonous Plants:
Marijuana - Animals who attempt to snack on this plant can suffer serious consequences such as diarrhea, vomiting, increased heart rate, drooling, in-coordination, and even possibly seizures and coma.
Sago Palm - While the seeds and nuts of this plant are most poisonous, the entire plant is toxic. Animals ingesting parts of this plant may suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, depression, seizures and liver failure.
Lilies - Plants of the lily variety are very poisonous to cats. Even very small amounts of this plant could cause serious kidney damage.
Tulips - The toxic portion of this plant is the actual bulb, which can cause drooling, central nervous system depression, gastrointestinal irritation, cardiac issues and convulsions.
Azalea - The toxins in azalea plants can be very severe and potentially cause drooling, diarrhea, vomiting, central nervous system weakening and depression, and in some cases possibly coma or death.
Oleander - All portions of this plant are poisonous and can cause gastrointestinal irritation, hypothermia, heart problems and possibly death.
Castor Bean - Poisoning as a result of this plant can cause abdominal pain, drooling, diarrhea, vomiting increased thirst, loss of appetite and weakness. More serious cases could also lead to dehydration, tremors, seizures, twitching muscles, coma and possibly death.
Cyclamen - The most poisonous portion of this plant is located in the root. Ingestion of the plant can cause severe vomiting and gastrointestinal irritation. In some cases death has been reported as a result.
Kalanchoe - Ingestion of this plant can cause gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac rhythm and rate problems.
Yew - Poisoning as a result of the yew plant can affect the nervous system and cause in-coordination, trembling and breathing difficulties. It may also result in gastrointestinal irritation, cardiac failure and could possibly lead to death.
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The following is a list containing many other well-known and common plants that can be poisonous or toxic to pets.
Aconite - Is a garden flower whose roots, foliage and seeds can be poisonous.
Apple - The seeds of an apple can be poisonous to pets.
Arrowgrasses - These are marsh type plants whose leaves contain poisons.
Atropa Belladonna - This is a type of garden herb in which the entire plant can be poisonous to pets, especially its seeds and roots.
Autumn Crocus - This is a commonly found garden flower in which the entire plant can be poisonous.
Baneberry - This is a wildflower whose berries and roots are the poisonous portions.
Bird of Paradise - This is a garden flower whose pods are poisonous.
Black Locust - This is a tree in which the entire plant can be poisonous, especially the bark and shoots.
Bloodroot - Is a wildflower and herb whose stem and roots are most poisonous, however the entire plant is toxic.
Box - Is an ornamental shrub that is poisonous in its entirety, but especially the leaves.
Buckeye - This is a tree whose sprouts, nuts and seeds contain poisons.
Buttercup - This is a wildflower and garden herb that is poisonous in its entirety but mostly in the leaves.
Caladium - Is a houseplant that is poisonous in its entirety.
Carolina Jessamine - This is an ornamental plant whose flowers and leaves contain poisons.
Chinaberry Tree - Is a tree whose berries are poisonous.
Chockcherries - This is a wild shrub whose poisonous parts include the leaves, cherries and pit.
Christmas Rose - Is a garden flower that contains toxic leaves and rootstock.
Common Privet - Is an ornamental shrub whose leaves and berries can be poisonous.
Corn Cockle - Is a wildflower and weed whose seeds are particularly poisonous.
Cowbane - This is a wildflower and herb that is poisonous in its entirety, especially the roots.
Cow Cockle - Is a wildflower and weed whose seeds are poisonous.
Cowslip - Is a wildflower and herb whose entire plant is poisonous, especially the leaves and stem.
Daffodil - Is a garden flower whose bulbs are poisonous.
Daphne - This is an ornamental shrub that contains poisonous bark, berries and leaves.
Death Camas - This is a field herb whose poisonous parts include the leaves, stems, seeds and flowers.
Delphinium - Is a wildflower that is poisonous in its entirety, especially the sprouts.
Dumbcane - This is a houseplant and is poisonous in its entirety.
Dutchman's Breeches - Is a wild and garden flower whose roots and foliage are poisonous.
Elderberry - Is a tree whose poisonous parts include the leaves, bark, roots and buds.
Elephant's Ear - This is a houseplant poisonous in its entirety.
English Ivy - Is an ornamental vine that is completely poisonous but especially the leaves and berries.
European Bittersweet - This is a vine poisonous in its entirety but especially in the berries.
False Flax - Is a wild herb whose seeds are poisonous.
False Hellebore - Is an ornamental flower whose roots, leaves and seeds are toxic.
Fan Weed - This is a wildflower and herb whose seeds are poisonous.
Field Peppergrass - Is a wildflower and herb that contains poisonous seeds.
Flax - Is a wildflower and herb whose seedpods contain poisons.
Foxglove - This is a wild and garden flower whose leaves are poisonous.
Holly - Is a shrub containing poisonous berries.
Horsechestnut - Is a tree containing poisonous nuts and sprouts.
Horse Nettle - Is a wildflower and herb poisonous in its entirety, especially the berries.
Hyacinth - This is a wild and houseplant whose bulbs are poisonous.
Iris - Is a wild and garden flower whose leaves and roots are poisonous.
Jack-in-the-Pulpit - Is a wildflower that is entirely poisonous, especially the leaves and roots.
Jatropha - This is a tree and shrub whose seeds are poisonous.
Jerusalem Cherry - Is an ornamental plant whose un-ripened fruit and foliage are poisonous.
Jimsonweed - Is a field plant that is entirely poisonous, especially the seeds.
Laburum - Is an ornamental plant whose seeds, pods and flowers can be poisonous.
Lantana - Is a houseplant whose foliage is poisonous.
Larkspur - Is a wildflower that is poisonous only as a young plant.
Laurels - This is a type of shrub with poisonous leaves.
Lupines - Is a shrub whose seeds and pods are poisonous.
Manchineel Tree - A tree containing poisonous sap and fruit.
Matrimony Vine - An ornamental vine containing poisonous leaves and shoots.
Mayapple - A wildflower poisonous in the form of its un-ripened fruit as well as the foliage and roots.
Milk Vetch - A wildflower poisonous in its entirety.
Mistletoe - A houseplant with poisonous berries.
Monkshood - A wildflower poisonous in its entirety, especially the roots and seeds.
Moodseed - A vine whose fruit and roots are poisonous.
Morning Glory - Is a wildflower containing poisonous seeds and roots.
Mountain Mahogany - Is a shrub with poisonous leaves.
Mustards - These are wildflowers whose seeds can be poisonous.
Narcissus - This is a garden flower whose bulbs contain poisons.
Nicotiana - Is a garden flower whose leaves are poisonous.
Nightshade - Is a wildflower and vine with poisonous leaves and berries.
Oaks - Are trees with poisonous leaves and shoots.
Philodendrons - Are houseplants poisonous in their entirety.
Pokeweed - Is a field plant containing poisonous roots, seeds and berries.
Poinsettia - Is a houseplant with poisonous leaves, flowers and stems.
Poison Hemlock - This is a field plant containing poisonous leaves, stems and fruit.
Potato - A garden plant whose shoots and sprouts can be poisonous.
Rattle Box - Is a wildflower that is entirely poisonous.
Rhododendron - Is an ornamental shrub whose leaves are poisonous.
Rhubarb - A garden plant with poisonous leaves.
Rosary Pea - Is a houseplant whose seeds are poisonous.
Skunk Cabbage - This is a marsh plant whose entire plant is poisonous but especially the roots and leaves.
Smart Weeds - Are wildflowers containing poisonous sap.
Snow-on-the-Mountain - This is a wildflower whose sap is poisonous.
Sorghum - Is a type of grass whose leaves are poisonous.
Star of Bethlehem - Is a wildflower poisonous in its entirety.
Velvet Grass - A variety of grass whose leaves are poisonous.
Wild Black Cherry - Is a tree with poisonous leaves and pits.
Wild Radish - A wildflower with poisonous seeds.
Wisteria - Is an ornamental plant containing poisonous seeds and pods.
Woody Aster - A wildflower whose entire plant is poisonous.
Yellow Jessamine - An ornamental vine that is entirely poisonous.
Yellow Pine Flax - A wildflower poisonous in its entirety but especially in the seedpods.
NOTE: If you suspect that your pet has been poisoned, contact the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. This is 24 hour a day hotline. (Note that in some cases a consultation fee may be charged to your credit card.)
This list has been compiled using the following sources:
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Toronto Humane Society
St. John's Poison Resource Center
Humane Society of the United States
DISCLAIMER
* Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional veterinary prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your veterinarian before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your Veterinarian can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your pet's unique needs or diagnose your pet's particular medical history.
06/10/2009: Shannon C. from Phoenix, AZ writes: "I think it is important to note that Automn Crocus is not an actual "crocus" which is confusing because some crocus bulbs due come up in the fall. here is the wikipedia link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colchicum_autumnale which includes a photo for distinction."
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1 QUESTION
[QUESTION] 09/11/2009: Marcia from USA writes: "Buttercup - poisonous to dogs? Formerly my Border terrier was grass grazer, but lately she has turned to buttercup leaves. Of course, I stop her. However, is there something missing in her diet that makes her look for this plant?"
11/01/2009: Alimorg from Stoke-on-trent, England replies: "My border terrier also likes to eat buttercup leaves and I was wondering the same thing about something missing in her diet. I try to stop her from eating the leaves but she has never shown any ill effects from doing so! Let's hope someone can throw somw light on this - she seems to ignore other plants."
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1 WARNING!
1 SIDE EFFECT
[WARNING!] 07/07/2008: Debra from Union, NE writes: "Poisonous Plants to Dogs:
Since ponds have become so popular, I'm trying to find a list of decorative grasses that can be used around dogs. My neighbor's 2 bichon puppies became very ill from chewing on one of the following plants: Feather Reed, Miscanthus, Blue Oat, Big Twister, Bee Balm, & Japanese Blood Grass. I've been trying to get info on these plants & have become frustrated trying to find a straight forward simple answer. And for any plant nurseries out there - you should have a list available to all of your customers & ask if they have pets BEFORE you recommend plants.
Thanks for any information you can share with me."
[SIDE EFFECTS] 10/05/2008: Louise Fennell from Herne Bay Kent, England replies: "Our dog Mindie a cavalier spaniel is currently staying overnight at our vets after she ate miscanthus sinensis, she has been constantly vomiting and poorly. We did not know at first what had caused this problem but reading your site has helped us detect the cause and inform the vet of our info regarding the grass. We are still waiting to hear if she is ok but thank you for this valuable information."
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1 QUESTION
[QUESTION] 06/03/2009: Paul from Ridgewood, New Jersey writes: "Is honeysuckle poisonous to cats? My wife recently brought in cuttings from a Yellow Honeysuckle (Lonicera Flava) and a Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera Japonica). I noticed one of our cats eating the leaves. Can this make him sick?"
EC: Honeysuckle is mentioned on various forums as being toxic to cats, but no varieties are listed.
http://dcn.davis.ca.us/vme/DrSue/poisplnt.html#h
List of good links to other sites with extensive databases: http://amby.com/cat_site/plants.html
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1 QUESTION
[QUESTION] 04/16/2009: Kathy Novak writes: "I have a planter that has Ivy in it. I called the flower company that sent it and asked what kind of ivy it is. The reason being I have four cats in my house and I know that some ivys are poisonous. After searching on line I think I have it narrowed down to an ivy called Hedera a. Gloire de Marengo. I can't find any information on whether or not this is toxic to cats. I have it up high now so they can't get at it. But eventually I will need to put the plant where it can get sun. Thanks so much!"
EC: Here are photos from a google search if anyone is interested to see what this type of ivy looks like: http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&um=1&sa=1&q=Hedera+a.+Gloire+de+Marengo&btnG=Search+Images&aq=f&oqq
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1 QUESTION
[QUESTION] 05/24/2009: Christina from Columbia, SC writes: "Hi, I have a lantana bush in my backyard. My dog eats the leaves and then throws up, I noticed that you all say they are poisonous. Is she just eating them to make herself throw up? Also, my backyard is filled with azaleas, wisteria, wild black cherry, and a huge yew tree. Should I worry about these plants around my dog...she never eats those but the lantana and she also eats camelia flowers...when she eats the lantana she vomits then she's ok. What should I do?"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 04/24/2007: Tracey from Houston, Texas writes: "To Cat Lovers, Our newly kitten ate rose petals from my potted miniature rose bush and started coughing up blood non stop. We rushed him to the emergency room and the doctor stated the petals were eating away his stomach lining. Luckily, they pumped his stomach and were able to treat him back to health. My cat spent 48 hours in the hospital w/ an iv and $1200 later was able to come home. I do not see roses listed on any site as poisonous. They are highly toxic. Please add roses to your list so more cat lovers will know. Thanks!"
05/18/2009: Chris from New York, NY replies: "Roses are an edible flower, our cat loves rose petals, not to mention that roses are used in drinks and other foods. I would have to guess that your cat was sickened by some kind of spray (either a leaf food or a pesticide) on the roses, as is very common with roses purchased at nurseries that don't specify if they do or do not use pesticides. also, many many professional gardeners use sprays as a matter of habit. You should certainly ask your vet what they think, but i also hope it helps you not be afraid of roses in the future."
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12/01/2008: Norma Gutierrez from Camden, New Jersey writes: "please tell us if the norfolk island plants are poisonous for cats? "
EC: Here's a thread from a garden site with mention of a Norfolk Island Pine as being non-toxic to pets: http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/houseplt/msg0806512216955.html
Also: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Are_Norfolk_Island_Pines_safe_for_pets
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1 YEA
1 WARNING!
10/20/2008: Kathy from Bay City, MI writes: "Poison plants for dogs: I do not know the proper name for umbrella plant but my puppy is eating the leaves; will she get sick? It is a very large house plant. Thanks."
EC: Is it a Cyperus alternifolius (aka Umbrella Palm)? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyperus_alternifolius
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[WARNING!] 08/30/2008: Jeffery from Austin, Texas writes: "Please use botanical names for plants, as well as the very changeable common names. Is your "Bird of Paradise" a Ceasalpinia or a Strelitzia for example. As a Landscape Designer this is invaluable information. Mistaken common names could be deadly! Thank You for your consideration."
EC: Good point. Unfortunately, that list was compiled a few years ago by a writer in Canada. We'll try to find out Dawn's resources.
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[YEA] 05/21/2007: Sherri from Mohave Valley, Arizona writes: "Please add to your list of poisonous plants the following: Ferns, Asparagus Fern, Austalia Nut, Emerald Feather (aka Emerald Fern), Lace Fern, Plumosa Fern. I am a veterinary technician in Mohave Valley, Arizona. We recently had a 4 month old puppy in that had ingested Asparagus Fern from the family indoor garden. This puppy became quite ill. These are listed as toxic plants at: housepetmagazine.com/poisonous_plants_dogs.htm. This puppy was presented to us with vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. a blood chemistry profile indicated an elevated ALT. The puppy is still recovering. It is still unknown if there will be lasting damage to the liver. Sincerely"
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REMEDIES TO CURE POISONING IN DOGS
[YEA] 01/27/2008: Wayne from palm springs, california writes: "Hydrogen peroxide. For a dog that has ingested a poisonous substance where vomiting will be the solution to expel the toxin, put 1 tsp' [3%] HP in the mouth. Take the dog OUTSIDE and throw a pinch of salt in its mouth. The entire contents of the stomach will be immediately expelled."
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[YEA] 06/13/2007: Angela from Leitchfeld, kentucky writes: "re: curing poisioning and stomach toxins: I had a full size male doberman pinscher, was poisoned with antifreeze. Tried to take him to the vet, and would not take him said there was nothing they could do. Well being he was my baby i didn't give up. Someone told me to cook bacon, take the grease, a raw egg, and a lemon lime soda, mix it together and force him to eat it, granted he threw up alot, it was bright neon green, but i kept feeding it to him until it was no longer green, then feed him pedialight for dehydration, he lived and is fine today, it seems to force any toxin that is in their system out."
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3 WARNINGS!
[WARNING!] 03/31/2007: Christine from Cairo, Egypt writes: "Ditto the comment on tea tree oil for dogs. In frustration I used a direct tea tree oil on my pyrenees for fleas. It actually paralyzed his motor functions. I thought he might die before I got him to the vet."
EC: Odd, we have used Tea Tree oil on our dogs for minor skin irritations many times for years without any issues or side effects.
09/15/2009: Celleste from Penang, Malaysia replies: "re: Use of tea tree oil for dogsDid you use the oil diluted or undiluted? What problems did you use it for? Sometimes when my dog gets insect bites, I wanted to apply tea tree oil on him, but was worried that I'd poison him. :D I'd really appreciate your feedback on this. Thank you."
02/12/2010: Yvette from Lake Panasoffkee, Florida replies: "I have used tea tree oil to treat both myself and my Labrador for years. The oil has always been diluted approximately 1/4 ounce to 4 to 5 ounces of water for use on the dog to treat skin irritations. It worked, relieving itching, scaling and allowing hair to grow back. I usually apply the oil full strength to my skin for insect bites and cuts. To date, I have not had any reactions.
I personally use tea tree oil shampoo with no problems. I have bathed the Lab with tea tree shampoo (dog version)with no problems.
I did use tea tree shampoo on another dog and found that it did seem to irritate and redden her skin, particularly the underbelly area, and caused her to scratch until she broke the skin. But, then, this dog is extremely sensitive and reacts even to Oatmeal shampoo.
Have never used tea tree oil on cats and never will, simply because cats tend to lick their fur and I don't think ingesting the oil is a good idea."
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[WARNING!] 08/08/2006: S from Wichita, KS writes: "RE: Tea tree oil Tea tree oil is toxic to cats! Cats have died just from being bathed with it."
[WARNING!] 04/27/2009: Mary from Stavanger, Norway replies: "Tea Tree Oil is an absolute no-no for cats. And Pointsettia should be upgraded to extremely dangerous: our cat was on a drip for two days following ingestion of a small bit of dried up leaf. Apparently grapes (and raisins) are also deadly - we once had a cat who was passionate about fruit cake! This last info comes from FAB - the British charity dedicated to Feline welfare (fabcats.co.uk) where you will find lots of useful information on 'cat management' - and poisons."
03/04/2010: Jaxomsride from Leeds, England replies: "We have used tea tree oil as a topical application to treat wounds and to bathe our cats in order to treat fleas. The tea tree oil has always been dilute and has never had any harmful effect on them.
On the other hand my husband who has been sensitised to it does react badly if he comes in contact with it. It might be the cats who have found it "toxic" have either been given it in its concentrated form, or like my husband have had an extreme allergic reaction."
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