What plants are toxic to dogs and cats? The full list is growing but data says exposures are dropping
You spotted your cat chewing on a leaf or caught your dog digging around the garden, and now you’re wondering if what they got into could make them sick.
It’s a worry that sends thousands of pet owners searching for answers every year. And with hundreds of common plants posing real risks to animals, knowing which ones to avoid and what to do in an emergency matters more than you might think.
How many pets are exposed to toxic plants each year?
In 2025, ASPCA Poison Control received calls about more than 376,000 items pets were exposed to. Toxic plants accounted for 7.5% of those cases, which amounts to roughly 28,000 exposures. Dogs made up a significant share, with more than 12,900 plant-related calls on their own.
Plants and fungi ranked as the sixth most common exposure category, behind OTC medications, food and drink, human prescription medications, chocolate and veterinary products.
What are the most common toxic plants for dogs?
Azaleas were the number one canine toxic plants exposure reported in 2025. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and cardiac failure.
Other widely reported plants toxic to dogs include sago palms, foxgloves, bluebells, crocuses, yew, hydrangea and oleanders. Spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils are also a frequent concern. Susanne Heartsill, DVM, DABVP, U.S. Director at Ceva Animal Health, told USA Today that while exposures to ivy, aloe and spring bulbs typically cause mouth and gastrointestinal irritation, bulb ingestion can be more serious.
What plants are toxic to cats?
Many of the same plants that are toxic to dogs are also feline toxic plants. Azaleas, lilies, sago palms, foxgloves, oleanders and tulips all pose serious risks to cats.
The ASPCA’s searchable database lists 428 plants toxic to cats and 416 plants toxic to dogs. Other plants that are toxic to both species include lily of the valley, cyclamen, lantana, hosta, peony, geranium, chrysanthemum, gladiola, hyacinth, kalanchoe and bird of paradise.
Which houseplants are toxic plants for cats and dogs?
Many popular houseplants contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, tiny needle-like structures found in their leaves and stems. When a pet chews on one of these plants, the crystals irritate the mouth and cause pain, drooling, vomiting and loss of appetite. In rare cases, large amounts can lead to throat swelling and difficulty breathing.
Some of the most common toxic plants for dogs and cats in this category include pothos, peace lilies, philodendrons, ZZ plants, dumb cane, calla lilies, Chinese evergreen, elephant ear, Swiss cheese plant and flamingo plant. Other indoor plants to watch for include jade plant, snake plant, begonia and poinsettia.
Why are pets more at risk than people from plants that are toxic?
Pets interact with their environment differently than humans do. Lance Wheeler, an emergency and critical care specialist at Texas A&M University Small Animal Teaching Hospital, told Campus Insights Media that dogs and cats face greater exposure because they walk directly on treated surfaces and then groom themselves, which can lead to ingesting harmful substances.
Wheeler added that pets are naturally curious and explore with their paws and mouths, especially during warmer months when they spend more time outdoors around plants, fertilizers and pesticides.
What should I do if my pet eats a toxic plant?
Seek veterinary care immediately. If your pet is vomiting, drooling, showing weakness or having trouble swallowing or breathing, head directly to a veterinary hospital.
Bring the plant or flower with you so the vet can identify it. Remove the plant from your pet’s reach to prevent further exposure. You can also contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661, both available 24/7.
Don’t assume your pet is fine just because they appear normal. Wheeler cautioned that symptoms may not show up for hours or even days after exposure, and it’s always best to contact a veterinarian as early as possible.
How can I keep my pets safe from toxic plants?
Start by identifying which toxic plants are already in your home and yard. Remove them when possible, or use barriers, playpens or elevated stands to keep pets away.
Supervise your animals outdoors, especially in unfamiliar areas. When walking your dog, keep them from sniffing or chewing plants along trails and sidewalks. During holidays, be extra cautious with seasonal plants like poinsettias, lilies and tulips that are commonly gifted or displayed.
When replacing a plant, choose pet-safe alternatives. Spider plants, Boston ferns, orchids and areca palms are all non-toxic options.
The good news is that overall toxic plant exposures continue to decline, according to the ASPCA. Awareness is working, but staying informed remains the best way to protect your pets.
The video “Toxins in the home and yard that can affect pets,” featuring Lance Wheeler, an emergency and critical care specialist at Texas A&M University Small Animal Teaching Hospital, was first published on Campus Insights Media.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
