Houseplants bring life and beauty inside, clean the air and boost our spirits!
But did you know over 700 plants (indoor and outdoor) are considered
toxic to dogs and cats? In the blog post below, we’ll take a
closer look at which toxic plants you need to avoid having
in your home with a cat, dog or rabbit.

Even some of the most popular houseplants are toxic to your cat and dog. Sometimes, even brushing against the plant or getting the juices on the skin can create itchiness, rashes and more.

Next, let’s look at 39 common, but toxic houseplants if you have pets.

Avoid these Toxic Plants in Your Home

Baby’s Breath Flowers
  • Aloe Vera (the gel is considered edible and safe for topical use)
  • Arrow-Head Vine
  • Asparagus Fern
  • Autumn Crocus
  • Azalea
  • Baby’s Breath and Ivy
  • Begonia
  • Chrysanthemum
  • Crocus
  • Cyclamen
  • Daisy
  • Dracaena (including Corn Plant, Dragon Tree, Money Tree and Lucky Bamboo)
Jade Plant
  • Elephant’s Ear (aka Caladium, Alocasia or Angel’s Wing)
  • English Ivy
  • Flowers with bulbs (including the Daffodil, Narcissus, Amaryllis, Hyacinth and Tulip)
  • Foxglove
  • Geranium
  • Holly (including the American, English, Japanese and Christmas)
  • Hops
  • Hydrangeas
  • Iris
  • Ivy (vine)
  • Jade Plant
  • Lilies (including Asian, Easter, Calla, Day, Japanese Show, Lily of the Valley, Peruvian and Tiger)
  • Marijuana
  • Mistletoe
  • Oleander
  • Peace Lily (not a true member of the Lily family)
  • Peony
  • Philodendron and its close relation the Dieffenbachia (aka Dumb Cane)
  • Pothos (aka Devil’s Ivy)
A red Yew Bush or Tree
The Red Yew Bush/Tree
  • Rhododendron
  • Rhubarb
  • Rubber Tree
  • Sago and Cardboard Palm
  • Shamrock
  • Snake Plant (aka mother-in-law’s tongue)
  • Spider Plant
  • Yew tree/shrub


NOTE: For many years, poinsettias have been vilified as “toxic” to pets. But any adverse reactions are usually low-level and do not require medical treatment


AKC: Trees that are Poisonous to Dogs


Signs of Illness: Dogs and Cats

Since pets often get into trouble when we’re not looking, it’s important to know what symptoms may indicate potential poisoning especially if you have any toxic plants in your home or garden.

Look for these signs:

  • Lethargy
  • Drooling and hypersalivation
  • Seizures and tremors
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Blood pressure spikes
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and irritation
  • Swelling of the mouth, throat and tongue
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Itchiness
  • Black, tar-like stool
  • Renal failure

If you see your pet display any of these symptoms, call your vet immediately for medical assistance. You can also call:

  • Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) or the
  • Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 (a $75 fee applies).

How to Identify Toxic Houseplants

Unless you are a professional horticulturist, it can be difficult, if not almost impossible, to know which plants pose a serious risk to your pets.

The ASPCA Logo

Fortunately, the ASPCA has developed extensive and illustrated lists on their website to correctly identify both toxic and non-toxic plants for dogs, cats and horses! You can search by the pet, by scientific name or by the commonly known name of the plant.

Apps can also help identify toxic plants right on your smartphone. Just go to your favorite app store and type in “apps for toxic plants for pets.”


NOTE: Some of these plants listed in this blog post can also make humans and small children sick! Always do your homework before bringing home new plants to proactively protect your family and family pets.


Pet-Friendly Houseplants for Indoors


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