Common Plants That Are Poisonous To Dogs

While they may be nice for the local gardening competition or your budding Instagram account focused on all things floral, there are many common plants that are poisonous to dogs. The walkers at Rover-Time know all about which plants to steer clear of. Here you’ll learn which plants to avoid and what to do if your dog accidentally eats something poisonous.

A Short List of Common Poisonous Garden Plants in the Midwest:

Most of these have to be ingested but some are passed through contact alone.

• Lilies (extremely toxic for cats, but some varieties are harmful to dogs)
• Chrysanthemums
• Rhododendron/Azalea
• Tulips
• Daffodils
• Lily of the Valley (toxin can linger on hands and noses, be sure to always use gloves to avoid ingestion)
• And many, many more…

Poisoning Symptoms:

common signs of poisoning in dogs:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive drooling

More serious signs Of POisoning in dogs:

• Low blood pressure
• Loss of coordination
• Heart palpitations
• Convulsions
• Seizures

What to do if you think your dog may have eaten a poisonous plant:

• Call your vet or after-hours hospital immediately to determine what the best next step is.
• Be as clear as possible about what they ate and where.
• Be sure to mention which part, how much, etc. The more info, the better. Not all parts of certain plants are toxic, some being more or less than others.

Prevention is Key!

• Keep your eyes open and make note of which areas to avoid if your neighbors (or yourself) are the green thumb type.
• If your canine enjoys eating street treats, keep a close eye on them whenever you’re near plants you think may be toxic.
• Try to keep your dog out of flower beds. We know, they look cute when surrounded by flowers (we love it too) but it’s always best to avoid a possibly dangerous situation. Plus, most dogs aren’t exactly good at tiptoeing and your neighbor will no doubt appreciate their untrampled tulips.
• Keep an eye on any unusual plants the dog may be sniffing in case they may be toxic. Some toxins can be transmitted through touch.

With this information in mind, you and your dog can enjoy all the flora and fauna of spring and summer from afar. Don’t worry, there are still lots of chances to take spring and summertime photos of your furry friend, just maybe avoid dancing among the daffodils.

Brock Casper is the Southwest Region Team Manager for Rover-Time and has been part of the RT team for over two years. When he isn’t working he enjoys reading, playing video games, watching horror films, and going on walks with his dog, Loki.  He lives in Cleveland with his partner, Laurel, dog Loki, and cat Coltrane.