Plants can make a great addition to your decor, but if you have a dog, there are a few types you should avoid keeping in your home. Some houseplants are poisonous to dogs and can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases can be fatal. Even if you don’t think your dog will be interested in plants, you never know what they might get into when you’re not home or even when you’re not looking.
Here are 8 houseplants that are poisonous to dogs, and an alternative plant you can use instead:
1. Aloe
Although the inside of an aloe plant can be used as a topical treatment on dogs, they should never chew on the plant itself. Doing so exposes them to a toxin called anthraquinone glycosides, which can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
Alternative: Haworthia
2. Jade Plant
Jade plants can cause vomiting, slow heart rate, and even depression.
Alternative: Christmas Cactus
3. Philodendron
Philodendron produces a toxin in its leaves called calcium oxalate that can irritate a dog’s mouth and result in swelling, burning and difficulty breathing.
Alternative: Areca Palm
4. Epipremnum Aureum (“Pothos” or “Devil’s Ivy”)
Like Philodendron, Epipremnum Aureum produces calcium oxalate that can cause severe swelling and burning.
Alternative: Spider Plant
5. Cycas Revoluta (“Sago Palm”)
The Sago Palm, from its roots to its leaves are extremely poisonous to dogs and cats as well. It produces a toxin called cycasin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and in extreme cases cause seizures, lethargy, and liver failure
Alternative: Parlor Palm
6. Zamioculcas Zamiifolia (“ZZ Plant”)
Can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Calcium oxalate crystals in the plant can also cause mouth swelling and respiratory problems.
Alternative: Cast Iron Plant
7. Caladium (“Elephant Ear”)
Similar to philodendron, Caladium’s toxins can mouth swelling, burning, difficulty breathing, and in worst cases death.
Alternative: Peperomia Caperata
8. Dracaena Fragans (“Corn Plant”)
The main symptom of a dog who has ingested a Corn Plant is vomiting, sometimes with blood in it. This is caused by steroidal saponin, which can also cause loss of appetite and depression.
Alternative: Money Tree
