Pet Poisoning Emergency
If your pet has ingested a toxic plant, contact emergency services immediately.
Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and bring a sample of the plant with you to the vet.
ASPCA Poison Control
Pet Poison Helpline
Most Dangerous Houseplants for Pets
These common houseplants pose serious health risks to cats and dogs and should never be in homes with pets.
Lilies (All Varieties)
Extremely toxic to cats. Even small amounts of pollen can cause kidney failure. All parts of the plant are dangerous, including water from lily vases.
Sago Palm
All parts are highly toxic, with seeds being the most dangerous. Can cause liver failure, seizures, and death in both cats and dogs.
Oleander
Contains cardiac glycosides that affect the heart. Even dried leaves are dangerous. Can cause heart arrhythmias and death.
Azaleas & Rhododendrons
Contains grayanotoxins that affect the nervous system. Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and heart problems.
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
Contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate mouth pain and swelling. Can interfere with breathing and swallowing.
Philodendron
Similar to Dieffenbachia, causes oral irritation, drooling, and difficulty swallowing. Very common houseplant.
Pothos (Devil's Ivy)
Popular hanging plant that causes oral irritation and digestive upset. Often mistaken for safe trailing plants.
Peace Lily
Despite its name, not a true lily but still toxic. Causes mouth pain, drooling, and digestive issues.
Snake Plant
Contains saponins that cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Popular for its air-purifying qualities but unsafe for pets.
Aloe Vera
While beneficial for humans, the latex in aloe leaves causes digestive upset in pets, including diarrhea and lethargy.
Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant)
Trendy houseplant containing calcium oxalate crystals. Causes oral pain, drooling, and difficulty swallowing.
ZZ Plant
Low-maintenance plant that can cause stomach upset and skin irritation. Contains calcium oxalate crystals.
Signs of Plant Poisoning in Pets
Recognizing symptoms early can save your pet's life. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs.
Immediate Symptoms (0-2 hours)
- Drooling or excessive salivation
- Pawing at mouth or face
- Difficulty swallowing
- Mouth, tongue, or lip swelling
- Vomiting or retching
- Loss of appetite
Digestive Symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive thirst
- Changes in urination
Neurological Symptoms
- Lethargy or weakness
- Depression or listlessness
- Tremors or seizures
- Difficulty walking
- Confusion or disorientation
- Abnormal behavior
Severe Emergency Signs
- Difficulty breathing
- Heart rhythm changes
- Collapse or unconsciousness
- Severe dehydration
- Kidney or liver failure signs
- Coma
Protecting Your Pets: Prevention Guidelines
- Research every plant before bringing it home - check multiple sources including the ASPCA database
- Keep all plants elevated and out of reach, even "safe" ones
- Consider your pet's personality - some cats and dogs are more likely to chew plants
- Remove dropped leaves, flowers, and berries immediately
- Never leave cut flowers or bouquets where pets can access them
- Be cautious with outdoor plants near windows or patios where pets spend time
- Train pets to avoid plants using positive reinforcement techniques
- Provide safe alternatives like cat grass or pet-friendly chew toys
- Keep emergency vet numbers and poison control contacts easily accessible
- Take photos of any plants in your home for quick identification in emergencies
Choose Beautiful, Pet-Safe Plants Instead
You don't have to sacrifice beauty for safety. Our entire collection features stunning plants that are completely safe for cats and dogs, all verified against ASPCA databases.
Shop Pet-Safe PlantsFrequently Asked Questions
Sources & Research
This guide is based on authoritative veterinary and toxicological sources to ensure accuracy and pet safety.
1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
"Plants Non-Toxic to Dogs" and "Plants Non-Toxic to Cats" databases.
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/dogs-plant-list
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/cats-plant-list
2. Pet Poison Helpline
"Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats" - Comprehensive toxicity database.
https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poisons/
3. Merck Veterinary Manual
"Plants Poisonous to Animals" - Veterinary toxicology reference.
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/poisonous-plants
4. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
"Household Hazards for Pets" - Professional veterinary guidance.
https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/household-hazards
5. Clinical Veterinary Toxicology
Plumlee, K.H. (2004). Clinical Veterinary Toxicology. Mosby Publishing.
Comprehensive veterinary reference on plant toxicology and treatment protocols.
6. Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care
Various peer-reviewed studies on plant toxicity, symptom recognition, and emergency treatment in companion animals.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14764431
Last updated: July 2025. Information compiled from veterinary and toxicological sources. Always consult your veterinarian for pet health concerns.