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Unfortunately there are a great many things around the home, in the garden and on walks that can harm your pet.
This list 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.
Just like people animals can also have an allergy or sensitivity to specific item, it may have no connection with its general toxicity, so always be vigilant and seek help from a veterinarian if you are worried about your pet’s health.
First is a list of List of common potentially poisonous household and garden substances –as supplied by the VPIS (Veterinary Poisons Information Service). Followed by a table of plants commonly found in around the home and the environment in the UK.
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
Common name
Botanical name
Details (if known)
Aconite (roots, foliage, seeds)
Aconitum species
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting. May also affect cardiac function – increased heart rate.
African violet (leaves)
Saintpaulia ionantha
Aloe vera
Aloe vera
Diarrhoea
Amaryllis (bulbs)
Hippeastrum species
Upset stomach, hyperactivity, lethargy, coma, shock. Can be fatal.
Angels’ trumpets
Brugmansia species
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Angel wings
Caladium species
Upset stomach, oral irritation, asphyxiation, tremors, seizures, loss of balance. Can be fatal.
Apple (seeds)
Malus species
Seeds contain cyanide. Varied toxic effects.
Apple leaf croton
Apricot (kernels)
Prunus armeniaca
Kernels contain cyanide. Can be fatal.
Arborvitae
Thuja species
Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.
Arrow grasses (leaves)
Triglochin species
Bird of paradise (seeds)
Strelitzia reginae
Gastrointestinal tract affected by the plant toxins.
Bittersweet
Celastrus angulatus
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Bleeding heart (foliage, roots)
Dicentra formosa
Poisonous in large amounts, contains convulsants. May also cause dermatitis.
Bluebell
Hyacinthoides
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Box (leaves)
Buxus sempervirens
Boxwood (leaves, twigs)
Hebe odora
Upset stomach, heart failure, excitability or lethargy. May also cause dermatitis.
Bracken
Pteridium aquilinum
Thiamine deficiency, acute haemorrhagic syndrome, blindness, tumours
Broom
Cytisus species
Buckeyes (nuts & immature growths)
Aesculus species
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Burning bush
Kochia scoparia
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting. May cause a skin allergy.
Buttercup
Ranunculus species
Juice may severely injure digestive system. May also cause dermatitis.
Caladium
Caladium species
Calico bush
Kalmia species
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Calla lily (leaves)
Zantedeschia species
(as above)
Caper Spurge
Euphorbia lathyris
Asparagus fern
Asparagus setaceus
Contains a wide variety of poisons resulting in a large range of symptoms.
Autumn crocus
Crocus speciosus
Vomiting, nervous excitement. May cause dermatitis.
Avocado (fruit & pith)
Persea americana
Diarrhoea, vomiting, laboured breathing. Can be fatal.
Azalea (all parts)
Rhododenron occidentale
Nausea, vomiting, depression, difficulty breathing and coma. Can be fatal if eaten in large enough quantities.
Baby’s breath
Gypsophila paniculata
Barilla (leaves & stems)
Salsola soda
Bird of paradise (seeds)
Strelitzia reginae
Gastrointestinal tract affected by the plant toxins.
Bittersweet
Celastrus angulatus
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Bleeding heart (foliage, roots)
Dicentra formosa
Poisonous in large amounts, contains convulsants. May also cause dermatitis.
Bluebell
Hyacinthoides
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Box (leaves)
Buxus sempervirens
Boxwood (leaves, twigs)
Hebe odora
Upset stomach, heart failure, excitability or lethargy. May also cause dermatitis.
Bracken
Pteridium aquilinum
Thiamine deficiency, acute haemorrhagic syndrome, blindness, tumours
Broom
Cytisus species
Buckeyes (nuts & immature growths)
Aesculus species
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Burning bush
Kochia scoparia
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting. May cause a skin allergy.
Buttercup
Ranunculus species
Juice may severely injure digestive system. May also cause dermatitis.
Caladium
Caladium species
Calico bush
Kalmia species
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Calla lily (leaves)
Zantedeschia species
(as above)
Caper Spurge
Euphorbia lathyris
Cardinal flower
Lobelia cardinalis
Castor bean (leaves and seeds)
Ricinus communis
May cause dermatitis. A single Rosary Pea or one/two Castor bean seeds can be fatal.
Ceriman
Monstera deliciosa
Causes diarrhoea and oral irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis.
Chenille Plant
Acalypha hispida
Cherry (kernels)
Prunus species
Kernels contain cyanide.
Cherry laurel
Prunus laurocerasus
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
China Berry
Melia azedarach
Chinese evergreen
Aglaonema
Christmas rose (leaves, roots)
Helleborus niger
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Chrysanthemum (leaves & stems)
Chrysanthemum species
May cause dermatitis.
Cineraria
Senecio species
Clematis
Clematis armandii
Gastrointestinal tract and nervous system affected by plant toxins. May cause dermatitis.
Cocoa husks or mulch
Similar toxic effects to that of chocolate – hyperactivity, increased heart rate. Can kill if enough is eaten.
Corn cockle (seeds)
Agrostemma species
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Corn plant
Dracaena species
Crocus Anemone species
Croton
Codiaeum species
Crown vetch
Coronilla varia
Cuckoo pint
Arum maculatum
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting. May cause a skin allergy.
Crowfoot
Anunculus species
Cycads
Encephalartos species
Cyclamen
Cyclamen species
Gastrointestinal tract affected. Convulsions and paralysis.
Daffodil (bulbs)
Narcissus species
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea. May also cause dermatitis. Can be fatal.
Daphne
Daphne species
Gastrointestinal tract and kidneys affected. May cause dermatitis.
Datura
Brugmansia species
Deadly nightshade
Atropa belladonna
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Delphinium (seeds, young plants)
Delphinium species
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Devil’s fig
Solanum hispidium
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia species
Causes diarrhea and oral irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis. Tremors, seizures, loss of balance, asphyxiation. Can be fatal.
Dragon tree
Dracaena species
Vomiting and diarrhoea.
Dumb cane
Dieffenbachia amaena
Causes diarrhoea and oral irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis. Tremors, seizures, loss of balance, asphyxiation. Can be fatal.
Dwarf morning glory
Convolvulus tricolor
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Easter lily
Lilium longiflorum
(Especially poisonous to cats).
Echium
Echium species
Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.
Elder (leaves, root, bark)
Sambuccus species
Elderberry
Sambucus canadensis
Nausea and vomiting.
Elephant ears
Bergenia species
Intense burning, irritation and swelling of the mouth and throat. If tongue swells enough to block air passage can be fatal.
English ivy (berries & leaves)
Hedera helix
Gastrointestinal tract affected. May cause dermatitis.
European spindle
Euonymus europaeus
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
False hellebore (roots, seeds, leaves)
Veratrum album
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Flannel flower
Phylica plumosa
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Flax
Linum usitatissimum
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Foxglove (leaves, seeds)
Digitalis species
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Fritillary
Fritillaria species
Fruit salad plant
Monstera deliciosa
Causes diarrhoea and oral irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis.
Gaultheria
Gaulthera mucronata
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Geranium
Geranium species
German ivy (berries & leaves)
Delairea odorata
Gastrointestinal tract affected. May cause dermatitis.
German primula
Toxic if eaten. May cause skin allergy.
Glory lily
Gloriosa superba
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Golden chain (seed capsules)
Laburnum
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Granny’s bonnets
Aquilegia vulgaris
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Heavenly bamboo
Nandina domestica
Hellebores
Helleborus species
Heliotrope
Heliotropum arborescens
Hemlock
Tsuga species
Henbane
Hyposcyamus niger
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus species
Holly (berries)
Ilex species
Upset stomach, tremors, seizures, loss of balance.
Horse chestnut (nuts, leaves)
Aesculus hippocastanum
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Hurricane plant (bulb)
Monstera deliciosa
Varied toxic effects. Causes diarrhoea and oral irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis.
Hyacinth (bulbs)
Hyacinthus orientalis
Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.
Hydrangea
Hydrangea species
Iris (roots)
Iris species
Severe digestive upset. May cause dermatitis.
Ivy (entire plant)
Hedera helix
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Jack in the pulpit
Arisaema species
Causes burning to the mouth. Can cause hallucinations.
Japanese spindle
Euonymus sieboldianus
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Japanese yew
Taxus species
Jessamine (berries & sap)
Cestrum species
Digestive disturbance. Gastrointestinal tract and nervous system affected. Can be fatal.
Jerusalem Cherry
(immature growths)
Solanum pseudocapsicum
Gastrointestinal tract affected. May cause dermatitis.
Jimson weed (Thorn Apple)
Datura stramonium
Abnormal thirst, distorted sight, delirium, incoherence, coma, can be fatal.
Juniper
Juniperus species
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe species
Depression, rapid breathing, teeth grinding, ataxia, paralysis
Kale
Brassica oleracea
Haemolytic anaemia, goitre, possible reduced fertility
Kingcup
Caltha palustris
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Laburnum (leaves, seeds)
Laburnum anagyroides
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Lantana
Lantana camara
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Larkspur (young plants & seeds)
Delphinium species
Digestive upset, nervousness, depression. Cardiovascular system affected. May cause dermatitis. Can be fatal.
Laurel
Prunus species
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Lenton rose
Helleborus orientalis
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Leopard lily
Belamcanda species
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting. May cause a skin allergy.
Leyland cypress
Cupressocyparis leylandii
Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.
Lily
Lilium species
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Lily of the valley (leaves, flowers, roots)
Convallaria species
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Lily of the valley bush
Pieris japonica
Lobelia
Lobelia species
Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.
Locust
Robinia species
Nausea and weakness
Lupin (leaves, seeds)
Lupinus species
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
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, roots, foliage)
Podophyllum peltatum
Severe diarrhoea. Nervous system affected.
Meadow rue
Thalistrum delavayi
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Mezereon
Daphne mezereum
Milkweed
Ascepias syriaca
Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.
Mistletoe (berries)
Phoradendron flavescens
Gastrointestinal tract affected. May cause dermatitis. If eaten by a puppy, a few berries can be fatal.
Monkshood
Aconitum napellus
Digestive upset and nervous excitement. Cardiovascular system affected.
Morning glory (seeds, roots)
Ipomea species
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Moroccan broom
Cytisus battandieri
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Mother-in-law’s tongue (leaves)
Dieffenbachia amaena
Causes diarrhoea and oral irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis. Tremors, seizures, loss of balance, can be fatal
Mountain laurel
Kalmia latifolia
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Naked ladies
Colchium species
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Narcissus
Narcissus (bulbs)
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea. May cause dermatitis. Can be fatal.
Needlepoint ivy (berries & leaves)
Gastrointestinal tract affected. May cause dermatitis.
Nerine
Nerine bowdenii
Nightshades
Solanum species
Intense digestive disturbances. Can be fatal.
Oak tree (foliage & acorns)
Quercus species
Affects kidneys. Symptoms appear after several days.
Oleander
Nerium oleander
Affects the heart, produces severe digestive upset, extremely poisonous. May cause dermatitis. Can be fatal.
Onion
Allium species
Causes anemia. Onions should not be fed to dogs in any form.
Paspalum (seeds)
Paspalum species
Dermatitis
Pasque flower
Pulsatilla vulgaris
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Peace lily
Spathiphyllum species
Gastrointestinal tract affected. May cause dermatitis.
Peach (stones & leaves)
Prunus persica
Contain cyanide.
Pencil cactus
Opuntia leptocaulis
Peony (roots)
Paeonia species
Peruvian lily
Chlidanthus fragans
Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.
Philodendron
Philodendron species (leaves)
Causes diarrhoea and oral irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis.
Pineapple broom
Cytisus battandieri
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Poinsettia (leaves, stems & sap)
Euphorbia pulcherrima
Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, delirium. Sap can cause irritation and if rubbed in eyes, blindness. May also cause dermatitis.
Poison hemlock
Conium maculatum
Nervous system affected. May cause dermatitis. Can be fatal.
Poison ivy (leaves, bark & fruit)
Toxicodendron radicans
Poisonous. Can cause severe blistering dermatitis if they come into contact with skin.
Poison oak (leaves, bark & fruit)
Toxicodendron
May cause dermatitis.
Poison sumac
Toxicodendron vernix
Poisonous. Can cause severe blistering dermatitis if they come into contact with skin.
Pokeroot
Phytolacca americana
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Pokeweed
Phytolacca americana
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Poppy (unripe seedpod)
Papaver species
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Potato ( green skin and sprouts)
Solanum tuberosum
Prickly poppy
Argemone mexicana
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Primrose (leaves)
Primula vulgaris
Upset stomach. May cause dermatitis.
Privet (leaves)
Ligustrum species
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Ragwort
Senecio species
Causes kidney failure and liver damage which is irreversible. Minute doses fatal, often wrongly diagnosed.
Raisins
Causes kidney failure. Can be fatal.
Rape
Brassicus napus
Haemolytic anaemia, blindness, damage to nervous system, digestive disorders, breathing problems
Red-ink plant
Phytolacca americana
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Rhododendron
Rhododendron species
Nausea, vomiting, depression, difficulty breathing and coma. Can be fatal.
Rhubarb (leaves)
Rheum species
Large amounts of raw or cooked leaves can cause convulsions and coma. Can be fatal.
Rosebay
Rhododendron aureum
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Rose periwinkle
Catharanthus roseus
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Rue
Ruta graveolens
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting. May
Sago palm
Cycas revoluta
Can be fatal
Savin
Juniperus sabina
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Schefflera
Brassaia actinophylla
Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.
Silkweed
Asclepias species
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Snowdrops
Galanthus species
Solomon’s seal
Polygonatum
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Spider plant
Chlorophytum species
May cause vomiting and salivation.
Spruce Tree
Picea species
Spurge
Euphorbia species
Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.
Squill
Scilla species
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Star-of-Bethlehem (bulbs)
Ornithogalum species
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Starflower
Smilacina stellata
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
St Johns Wort
Hypericum perforatum
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
String of pearls/beads
Senecio rowleyanus or herreianus
Sweet pea (stem)
Lathyrus odoratus
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Swiss cheese plant
Monstera deliciosa
Causes diarrhoea and oral irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis.
Taro vine
Monstera deliciosa
Causes diarrhoea and oral irritation if eaten. May cause dermatitis.
Tiger lily
Lilium
(Especially poisonous to cats)
Tobacco plant (leaves)
Nicotiana
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Tobira
Pittosporum tobira
Tomato plant (green fruit, stem & leaves)
Lycopersicon lycospersicum
Tulip
Tulipa species
Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy.
Umbrella plant
Schlefflera species
Toxic if eaten, causing vomiting, diarrhoea.
Varnish tree
Toxicodendron vernicifluum
Poisonous. Can cause severe blistering dermatitis if they come into contact with skin.
Walnut (green hull juice)
Juglans nigra
Water hemlock
Cicuta maculata
Violent painful convulsions. Can be fatal.
Wax tree
Toxicodendron succedaneum
Poisonous. Can cause severe blistering dermatitis if they come into contact with skin.
Weeping fig
Ficus species
Wild cherry tree (twigs & foliage)
Prunus avium
Gasping, excitement, prostration. Can be fatal.
Windflower
Anemone species
Harmful if eaten in quantity.
Wisteria (pods, seeds)
Wisteria
Nausea, repeated vomiting, stomach pains, severe diarrhoea, dehydration and collapse.
Wolfsbane
Aconitum septentrionale
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Woody nightshade
Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
Yarrow
Achillea species
Yew (berries & foliage)
Taxus species
Dizziness, dry mouth and mydriasis develop within one hour, followed by abdominal cramping, salivation and vomiting. Foliage is more fatal than berries, death can be sudden without warning or symptoms.