DOGS TRUST LIST OF

POISONOUS PLANTS,
GARDEN AND HOUSEHOLD
SUBSTANCES

IMPORTANT INFORMATION – please read

Dogs Trust assumes no liability for the content of the following list. This does not represent a
complete list of all poisonous plants and is only intended as a guide. Please contact your
veterinary surgeon for advice or treatment immediately if you think your pet has eaten any of the
following plants and is showing a bad reaction. Your pet may also have a sensitivity or allergy to a
plant that is not on the list, so always be vigilant and seek help if you are worried about your pet’s
health.

Common name Botanical name Details (if known)

Aconite (roots, Aconitum Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting. May
foliage, seeds) species also affect cardiac function – increased heart rate.
African violet Saintpaulia
(leaves) ionantha
Aloe vera Aloe vera Diarrhea
Hippeastrum Upset stomach, hyperactivity, lethargy, coma,
Amaryllis (bulbs)
species shock. Can be fatal.
Brugmansia
Angels’ trumpets Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
species
Caladium Upset stomach, oral irritation, asphyxiation, tremors,
Angel wings
species seizures, loss of balance. Can be fatal.
Apple (seeds) Malus species Seeds contain cyanide. Varied toxic effects.
Apple leaf croton
Prunus
Apricot (kernels) Kernels contain cyanide. Can be fatal.
armeniaca
Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin
Arborvitae Thuja species
allergy.
Arrow grasses Triglochin
(leaves) species
Asparagus Contains a wide variety of poisons resulting in a
Asparagus fern
setaceus large range of symptoms.
Crocus Vomiting, nervous excitement. May cause
Autumn crocus
speciosus dermatitis.
Avocado (fruit & Persea Diarrhea, vomiting, laboured breathing. Can be
pith) americana fatal.
Nausea, vomiting, depression, difficulty breathing
Rhododenron and coma. Can be fatal if eaten in large enough
Azalea (all parts)
occidentale quantities.

Gypsophila
Baby’s breath
paniculata
Barilla (leaves &
Salsola soda
stems)

1
Bird of paradise
Strelitzia reginae Gastrointestinal tract affected by the plant toxins.
(seeds)
Celastrus
Bittersweet Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
angulatus
Bleeding heart Poisonous in large amounts, contains convulsants.
Dicentra formosa
(foliage, roots) May also cause dermatitis.
Bluebell Hyacinthoides Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Buxus
Box (leaves)
sempervirens
Boxwood (leaves, Upset stomach, heart failure, excitability or lethargy.
Hebe odora
twigs) May also cause dermatitis.
Pteridium Thiamine deficiency, acute haemorrhagic
Bracken
aquilinum syndrome, blindness, tumours
Broom Cytisus species
Buckeyes (nuts & Aesculus
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
immature growths) species
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting. May
Burning bush Kochia scoparia
cause a skin allergy.
Ranunculus Juice may severely injure digestive system. May
Buttercup
species also cause dermatitis.
Caladium
Caladium
species
Calico bush Kalmia species Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Zantedeschia
Calla lily (leaves) (as above)
species
Euphorbia
Caper Spurge
lathyris
Lobelia
Cardinal flower
cardinalis
Castor bean Ricinus May cause dermatitis. A single Rosary Pea or
(leaves and seeds) communis one/two Castor bean seeds can be fatal.
Monstera Causes diarrhea and oral irritation if eaten. May
Ceriman
deliciosa cause dermatitis.
Chenille Plant Acalypha hispida
Cherry (kernels) Prunus species Kernels contain cyanide.
Prunus
Cherry laurel Harmful if eaten in quantity.
laurocerasus
China Berry Melia azedarach
Chinese evergreen Aglaonema
Christmas rose
Helleborus niger Harmful if eaten in quantity.
(leaves, roots)
Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum
May cause dermatitis.
(leaves & stems) species
Cineraria Senecio species
Clematis Gastrointestinal tract and nervous system affected
Clematis
armandii by plant toxins. May cause dermatitis.
Similar toxic effects to that of chocolate –
Cocoa husks or
hyperactivity, increased heart rate. Can kill if
mulch
enough is eaten.
Corn cockle Agrostemma
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
(seeds) species
Dracaena
Corn plant
species
Anemone
Crocus
species

2
 Colchicum
autumnale
Codiaeum
Croton
species
Crown vetch Coronilla varia
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting. May
Cuckoo pint Arum maculatum
cause a skin allergy.
Anunculus
Crowfoot
species
Encephalartos
Cycads
species
Cyclamen Gastrointestinal tract affected. Convulsions and
Cyclamen
species paralysis.
Narcissus Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. May also cause
Daffodil (bulbs)
species dermatitis. Can be fatal.
Gastrointestinal tract and kidneys affected. May
Daphne Daphne species
cause dermatitis.
Brugmansia
Datura
species
Atropa
Deadly nightshade Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
belladonna
Delphinium (seeds, Delphinium
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
young plants) species
Solanum
Devil’s fig Harmful if eaten in quantity.
hispidium
Causes diarrhea and oral irritation if eaten. May
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia cause dermatitis. Tremors, seizures, loss of
species
balance, asphyxiation. Can be fatal.
Dracaena
Dragon tree Vomiting and diarrhea.
species
Causes diarrhea and oral irritation if eaten. May
Dieffenbachia
Dumb cane cause dermatitis. Tremors, seizures, loss of
amaena
balance, asphyxiation. Can be fatal.
Dwarf morning Convolvulus
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
glory tricolor
Lilium
Easter lily (Especially poisonous to cats).
longiflorum
Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin
Echium Echium species
allergy.
Elder (leaves, root, Sambuccus
bark) species
Sambucus
Elderberry Nausea and vomiting.
canadensis
Intense burning, irritation and swelling of the mouth
Elephant ears Bergenia species and throat. If tongue swells enough to block air
passage can be fatal.
English ivy Gastrointestinal tract affected. May cause
Hedera helix
(berries & leaves) dermatitis.
Euonymus
European spindle Harmful if eaten in quantity.
europaeus
False hellebore
(roots, seeds, Veratrum album Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
leaves)
Flannel flower Phylica plumosa Harmful if eaten in quantity.

3
 Linum
Flax Harmful if eaten in quantity.
usitatissimum
Foxglove (leaves,
Digitalis species Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
seeds)
Fritillary Fritillaria species
Monstera Causes diarrhea and oral irritation if eaten. May
Fruit salad plant
deliciosa cause dermatitis.
Gaulthera
Gaultheria Harmful if eaten in quantity.
mucronata
Geranium
Geranium
species
German ivy Gastrointestinal tract affected. May cause
Delairea odorata
(berries & leaves) dermatitis.
German primula Toxic if eaten. May cause skin allergy.
Glory lily Gloriosa superba Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Golden chain
Laburnum Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
(seed capsules)
Aquilegia
Granny’s bonnets Harmful if eaten in quantity.
vulgaris
Nandina
Heavenly bamboo
domestica
Helleborus
Hellebores
species
Heliotropum
Heliotrope
arborescens
Hemlock Tsuga species
Hyposcyamus
Henbane Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
niger
Hibiscus Hibiscus species
Holly (berries) Ilex species Upset stomach, tremors, seizures, loss of balance.
Horse chestnut Aesculus
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
(nuts, leaves) hippocastanum
Hurricane plant Monstera Varied toxic effects. Causes diarrhea and oral
(bulb) deliciosa irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis.
Hyacinthus Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin
Hyacinth (bulbs)
orientalis allergy.
Hydrangea
Hydrangea
species
Iris (roots) Iris species Severe digestive upset. May cause dermatitis.
Ivy (entire plant) Hedera helix Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Arisaema Causes burning to the mouth. Can cause
Jack in the pulpit
species hallucinations.
Euonymus
Japanese spindle Harmful if eaten in quantity.
sieboldianus
Japanese yew Taxus species
Jessamine (berries Digestive disturbance. Gastrointestinal tract and
Cestrum species
& sap) nervous system affected. Can be fatal.
Jerusalem Cherry
Solanum Gastrointestinal tract affected. May cause
(immature
pseudocapsicum dermatitis.
growths)
Jimson weed Datura Abnormal thirst, distorted sight, delirium,
(Thorn Apple) stramonium incoherence, coma. Can be fatal.
Narcissus
Jonquil (bulb)
species

4
 Juniperus
Juniper
species
Kalanchoe Depression, rapid breathing, teeth grinding, ataxia,
Kalanchoe
species paralysis
Brassica Haemolytic anaemia, goitre, possible reduced
Kale
oleracea fertility
Kingcup Caltha palustris Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Laburnum (leaves, Laburnum
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
seeds) anagyroides
Lantana Lantana camara Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Digestive upset, nervousness, depression.
Larkspur (young Delphinium
Cardiovascular system affected. May cause
plants & seeds) species
dermatitis. Can be fatal.
Laurel Prunus species Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Helleborus
Lenton rose Harmful if eaten in quantity.
orientalis
Belamcanda Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting. May
Leopard lily
species cause a skin allergy.
Cupressocyparis Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin
Leyland cypress
leylandii allergy.
Lily Lilium species Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Lily of the valley
Convallaria
(leaves, flowers, Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
species
roots)
Lily of the valley
Pieris japonica
bush
Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin
Lobelia Lobelia species
allergy.
Locust Robinia species Nausea and weakness
Lupin (leaves,
Lupinus species Harmful if eaten in quantity.
seeds)
Mallow Lavatera species Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Maple Tree Acer species
Marijuana Cannabis sativa Contains hallucinogens.
Marsh marigold Caltha palustris Harmful if eaten in quantity.
May apple (apples, Podophyllum
Severe diarrhea. Nervous system affected.
roots, foliage) peltatum
Thalistrum
Meadow rue Harmful if eaten in quantity.
delavayi
Daphne
Mezereon
mezereum
Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin
Milkweed Ascepias syriaca
allergy.
Gastrointestinal tract affected. May cause
Phoradendron
Mistletoe (berries) dermatitis. If eaten by a puppy, a few berries can
flavescens
be fatal.
Aconitum Digestive upset and nervous excitement.
Monkshood
napellus Cardiovascular system affected.
Morning glory
Ipomea species Harmful if eaten in quantity.
(seeds, roots)
Cytisus
Moroccan broom Harmful if eaten in quantity.
battandieri
Mother-in-law’s Dieffenbachia Causes diarrhea and oral irritation if eaten. May
tongue (leaves) amaena cause dermatitis. Tremors, seizures, loss of

5
 balance, asphyxiation. Can be fatal.
Mountain laurel Kalmia latifolia Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Colchium
Naked ladies Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
species
Narcissus Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. May cause dermatitis.
Narcissus
(bulbs) Can be fatal.
Needlepoint ivy Gastrointestinal tract affected. May cause
(berries & leaves) dermatitis.
Nerine Nerine bowdenii
Nightshades Solanum species Intense digestive disturbances. Can be fatal.
Oak tree (foliage & Affects kidneys. Symptoms appear after several
Quercus species
acorns) days.
Affects the heart, produces severe digestive upset,
Oleander Nerium oleander extremely poisonous. May cause dermatitis. Can be
fatal.
Causes anemia. Onions should not be fed to
Onion Allium species
dogs in any form.
Paspalum
Paspalum (seeds) Dermatitis
species
Pulsatilla
Pasque flower Harmful if eaten in quantity.
vulgaris
Spathiphyllum Gastrointestinal tract affected. May cause
Peace lily
species dermatitis.
Peach (stones &
Prunus persica Contain cyanide.
leaves)
Opuntia
Pencil cactus
leptocaulis
Peony (roots) Paeonia species
Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin
Chlidanthus
Peruvian lily allergy.
fragans
Philodendron Causes diarrhea and oral irritation if eaten. May
Philodendron
species (leaves) cause dermatitis.
Cytisus
Pineapple broom Harmful if eaten in quantity.
battandieri
Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, delirium. Sap can
Poinsettia (leaves, Euphorbia
cause irritation and if rubbed in eyes, blindness.
stems & sap) pulcherrima
May also cause dermatitis.
Conium Nervous system affected. May cause dermatitis.
Poison hemlock
maculatum Can be fatal.
Poison ivy (leaves, Toxicodendron Poisonous. Can cause severe blistering dermatitis if
bark & fruit) radicans they come into contact with skin.
Poison oak
(leaves, bark & Toxicodendron May cause dermatitis.
fruit)
Toxicodendron Poisonous. Can cause severe blistering dermatitis if
Poison sumac
vernix they come into contact with skin.
Phytolacca
Pokeroot Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
americana
Phytolacca
Pokeweed Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
americana
Poppy (unripe
Papaver species Harmful if eaten in quantity.
seedpod)
Potato (green skin Solanum
& sprouts) tuberosum

6
 Argemone
Prickly poppy Harmful if eaten in quantity.
mexicana
Primrose (leaves) Primula vulgaris Upset stomach. May cause dermatitis.
Ligustrum
Privet (leaves) Harmful if eaten in quantity.
species
Causes kidney failure and liver damage which is
Ragwort Senecio species irreversible. Minute doses fatal, often wrongly
diagnosed.
Raisins Causes kidney failure. Can be fatal.
Haemolytic anaemia, blindness, damage to nervous
Rape Brassicus napus
system, digestive disorders, breathing problems
Phytolacca
Red-ink plant Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
americana
Rhododendron Nausea, vomiting, depression, difficulty breathing
Rhododendron
species and coma. Can be fatal.
Large amounts of raw or cooked leaves can cause
Rhubarb (leaves) Rheum species
convulsions and coma. Can be fatal.
Rhododendron
Rosebay Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
aureum
Catharanthus
Rose periwinkle Harmful if eaten in quantity.
roseus
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting. May
Rue Ruta graveolens
cause a skin allergy.
Sago palm Cycas revoluta Can be fatal
Savin Juniperus sabina Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Brassaia Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin
Schefflera
actinophylla allergy.
Asclepias
Silkweed Harmful if eaten in quantity.
species
Galanthus
Snowdrops
species
Solomon’s seal Polygonatum Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Chlorophytum
Spider plant May cause vomiting and salivation.
species
Spruce Tree Picea species
Euphorbia Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin
Spurge
species allergy.
Squill Scilla species Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Star-of-Bethlehem Ornithogalum
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
(bulbs) species
Smilacina
Starflower Harmful if eaten in quantity.
stellata
Hypericum
St Johns Wort Harmful if eaten in quantity.
perforatum
Senecio
String of
rowleyanus or
pearls/beads
herreianus
Lathyrus
Sweet pea (stem) Harmful if eaten in quantity.
odoratus
Monstera Causes diarrhea and oral irritation if eaten. May
Swiss cheese plant
deliciosa cause dermatitis.
Monstera Causes diarrhea and oral irritation if eaten. May
Taro vine
deliciosa cause dermatitis.

7
Tiger lily Lilium (Especially poisonous to cats)
Tobacco plant
Nicotiana Harmful if eaten in quantity.
(leaves)
Pittosporum
Tobira
tobira
Tomato plant
Lycopersicon
(green fruit, stem &
lycospersicum
leaves)
Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin
Tulip Tulipa species
allergy.
Schlefflera
Umbrella plant Toxic if eaten, causing vomiting, diarrhea.
species
Toxicodendron Poisonous. Can cause severe blistering dermatitis if
Varnish tree
vernicifluum they come into contact with skin.
Walnut (green hull
Juglans nigra
juice)
Water Dropwort Oenanthe
Rapid-onset violent convulsions. Can be fatal
(Hemlock) crocata
Water hemlock Cicuta maculata Violent painful convulsions. Can be fatal.
Toxicodendron Poisonous. Can cause severe blistering dermatitis if
Wax tree
succedaneum they come into contact with skin.
Weeping fig Ficus species
Wild cherry tree
Prunus avium Gasping, excitement, prostration. Can be fatal.
(twigs & foliage)
Anemone
Windflower Harmful if eaten in quantity.
species
Wisteria (pods, Nausea, repeated vomiting, stomach pains, severe
Wisteria
seeds) diarrhea, dehydration and collapse.
Aconitum
Wolfsbane Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
septentrionale
Woody nightshade Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Yarrow Achillea species
Dizziness, dry mouth and mydriasis develop within
one hour, followed by abdominal cramping,
Yew (berries &
Taxus species salivation and vomiting. Foliage is more fatal than
foliage)
berries, death can be sudden without warning or
symptoms. Can be fatal.

8
 List of common potentially poisonous household and garden substances –as supplied by
the VPIS (Veterinary Poisons Information Service)

Anticoagulant rodenticides
 difenacoum
 bromadiolone
 brodadiolone
 coumatetralyl
Ibuprofen
 Nurofen
 Advil
Metaldehyde
 Slug bait
Human oral contraceptives (very low toxicity)
Chocolate / theobromine
Diclofenac sodium (a similar drug to Ibuprofen)
Salbutamol
 Ventalin inhalers
Alphachloralose rodenticides
Paraquat
Wallpaper paste (very low toxicity)
Borax / Boric acid ant killer gels
Bonemeal
Glyphosate based herbicides
Asprin
Cannabis
Batteries
Bendiocarb
 powder ant killers
White spirit / barbecue lighter fluid
Antifreeze
Loperamide
 anti-diarrhoea drugs
Bleach
Pyrethrin-based insecticides
Creosote
Temazepam

For more information about Dogs Trust, to become a member, sponsor a long-term resident or
help us in our campaigns please call 020 7837 0006 or write to:
Dogs Trust, 17 Wakley Street, London EC1V 7RQ.
www.dogstrust.org.uk Registered Charity No. 227523

Dogs Trust © 2004. This site and its graphics are copyrighted. All rights reserved. You may print this factsheet for your
own information and photocopy it if multiple copies are required. You may not sell it, reproduce it on the Internet, or
reprint it in any publication without permission from Dogs Trust Legal Department.