Plants help cozy up a living space, but pet owners should be extra
careful when choosing greenery. More than 700 plants contain toxic
substances that may harm dogs or cats if ingested. Signs of poisoning
can be mild to severe and in some cases, pets can even die. Most
houseplants have multiple names, so it's important to confirm that the
plants you own or plan to purchase are not toxic to your pet.
1. Asparagus Fern
The asparagus fern (also called emerald feather, emerald fern,
sprengeri fern, plumosa fern or lace fern) is toxic to dogs and cats.
The toxic agent in the plant is sapogenin a steroid found in a variety
of plants. If a dog or cat ingests the berries of this plant, vomiting,
diarrhea and/or abdominal pain can occur. Allergic dermatitis (skin
inflammation) can occur if an animal is repeatedly exposed.
2. Corn Plant
Corn plant (also known as cornstalk plant, dracaena, dragon tree or
ribbon plant) is toxic to dogs and cats. Saponin is the offensive
chemical compound in this plant. If the plant is ingested, vomiting
(with or without blood), appetite loss, depression and/or increased
salivation can occur. Affected cats may also have dilated pupils.
3. Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia (commonly known as dumb cane, tropic snow or exotica) is
toxic to dogs and cats. Dieffenbachia contains a chemical that is a
poisonous deterrent to animals. If the plant is ingested, oral
irritation can occur, especially on the tongue and lips. This irritation
can lead to increased salivation, difficulty swallowing and .
4. Elephant Ear
Elephant ear (also known as caladium, taro, pai, ape, cape, via, via
sori or malanga) contains a chemical similar to that in dieffenbachia,
so an animal’s toxic reaction to elephant ear is similar: oral
irritation, increased salivation, difficulty swallowing and vomiting.
5. Lilies
Many plants of the lily family are toxic to cats, and some are toxic to
dogs. Cats are the only animals in which the Easter and stargazer
lilies are known to be toxic. Generally, a cat’s first reaction to this
plant includes vomiting, lethargy and lack of appetite, but kidney
failure and even death can quickly follow if a cat is untreated. The
peace lily (also known as Mauna Loa) is toxic to both dogs and cats.
Ingestion of the peace lily or calla lily can cause irritation of the
tongue and lips, increased salivation, difficulty swallowing and .
6. Cyclamen
Cyclamen (also known as sowbread) is a pretty, flowering plant that is
toxic to dogs and cats. If ingested, this plant can cause increased
salivation, vomiting and diarrhea. If an animal ingests a large amount
of the plant’s tubers — which are found at the root, generally below the
soil — heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures and even death can occur.
7. Heartleaf Philodendron
Heartleaf philodendron (also known as horsehead philodendron, cordatum,
fiddle leaf, panda plant, split-leaf philodendron, fruit salad plant,
red emerald, red princess or saddle leaf) is a common, easy-to-grow
houseplant that is toxic to dogs and cats. This philodendron contains a
chemical that can irritate the mouth, tongue and lips of animals. An
affected pet may also experience increased salivation, vomiting and
difficulty swallowing.
8. Jade Plant
Jade plant (also known as baby jade, dwarf rubber plant, jade tree,
Chinese rubber plant, Japanese rubber plant or friendship tree) is toxic
to both cats and dogs. The toxic property in this plant is unknown, but
ingestion can cause , depression, ataxia (incoordination) and bradycardia (slow heart rate; this is rare).
9. Aloe Plant
Aloe plant (also known as medicine plant or Barbados aloe) is a common
succulent that is toxic to dogs and cats. Aloin is the toxic agent in
this plant. The bitter yellow substance is found in most aloe species
and may cause vomiting and/or reddish urine.
10. Satin Pothos
Satin pothos (also known as silk pothos) is toxic to dogs and cats. If
ingested by a cat or dog, the plant may irritate the mouth, lips and
tongue. The pet may also experience increased salivation, vomiting
and/or difficulty swallowing.
