8 Common Houseplants That Can Be Dangerous to Dogs and Cats
Both dogs and cats need to stay clear of these dangerous plants.
We love our pets, and we love our plants, but they can’t always coexist safely. There are a handful of common plants that can be harmful to pets, from pothos to lilies. A curious cat or dog can unfortunately become ill or suffer other devastating health effects if they ingest certain plants, so it’s best to keep these out of your home if you have pets.
If you don’t know about the plants that can be dangerous to dogs or cats, you might think nothing of putting that bouquet of hydrangeas on the coffee table or adding a new aloe plant to the windowsill. But unfortunately, these and other plants can cause issues for your pet if they decide to take a nibble.
If you believe your pet has eaten something dangerous, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control's 24-hour emergency poison hotline at (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply). The ASPCA also has more info on the plants, foods, and household products to keep away from your pets.
Ahead, learn more about the plants that can be harmful to your pets. or more pet safety tips, read up on the things vets wish you’d stop buying for your pets.
Lilies
These classic Easter flowers have beautiful blooms and a strong scent, but they are also one of the most dangerous plants to cats. They are considered highly toxic and can induce rapid liver failure and death even if just a little bit of the plant is ingested. Lilies can be toxic to dogs as well, they but are most dangerous to cats.
Aloe
This plant is known for its soothing properties on sunburn, insect bite, and other minor maladies. But in both dogs and cats, it can cause vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea. However, according to the ASPCA, the gel itself is considered edible.
RELATED: The Most Common Choking Hazards for Pets and How to Avoid Them
Azalea
These brightly-colored flowers aren’t houseplants but decorative outdoor shrubs. Azaleas can cause diarrhea, weakness, and even coma and cardiac failure in both dogs and cats. If you have outdoor pets, make sure this plant isn’t in your yard.
Pothos
This is a classic houseplant because it’s so resilient and fast-growing. Pothos grow long, trailing vines which are tempting for pets to nibble and can cause oral irritation and inflammation. Ingesting pothos typically isn’t life-threatening to pets, but common symptoms include drooling, vomiting, and stomach upset.
Sago
These leafy palms are a common choice for landscaping and are incredibly dangerous to cats and dogs. The ASPCA reports that up to 50% of cases of ingestion of this plant prove fatal to pets. It can cause blood clotting disorders, liver failure, and vomiting. All parts of the plant, including the seeds, are highly toxic.
Hydrangeas
These pastel-hued, bulb-shaped flowers are a staple of the Northeast. But they hide a surprising secret: Hydrangeas contain cyanide. It’s most common that this plant will only cause stomach upset rather than full cyanide poisoning in cats and dogs if the amount ingested is minor. But the risks are more serious to smaller animals, so it’s overall best to keep pets away.
Daffodils
These cheery flowers are a sure sign of spring, but they are best left alone if you have pets. The bulbs are the most poisonous part of the plant, and ingesting a large amount of it can cause convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors and cardiac arrhythmias.
Oleander
Usually a landscaping or ornamental plant, oleander bushes have small flowers in bright colors like pink or yellow. Eating parts of the oleander plant can cause drooling, cardio issues, tremors, and even death in both cats and dogs.
14 Houseplants That Can Boost Wellbeing
The Best Cat-Friendly Houseplants For Pet Parents
The Best Plant Humidifiers
How to Keep Your Dracaena Healthy, per Plant Pros
