Which plants are toxic to dogs? A UK guide for gardens and homes

Most dogs leave plants alone, but puppies and curious dogs often explore with their mouths. Some of the UK's most popular garden and house plants are poisonous to dogs. This guide, based on advice from UK vets' charities including Blue Cross, PDSA and Dogs Trust, lists plants to look out for.

Which garden plants are poisonous to dogs?

These common garden plants appear on UK vets' charities' lists of plants that are toxic to dogs. Where a particular part is known to be most dangerous, we include it.

This is not a complete list. Blue Cross points out that some plants that haven't been identified as toxic could still harm dogs, and most plants will upset a dog's stomach if they eat enough.

Which plants are the most dangerous?

Most toxic plants cause mild problems, such as vomiting or diarrhoea. PDSA names these as able to cause much more serious symptoms: autumn crocus, azalea and rhododendron, cotoneaster, cordyline and dracaena, daffodil, dumbcane, horse chestnut, oak, peace lilies, potato plants and yew.

Blue Cross adds that eating even a small amount of rhododendron or azalea can make a dog very unwell, and that smaller dogs and puppies are more likely to be seriously affected.

Spring bulbs

Spring is when many owners plant and dig, and bulbs often carry the highest concentration of toxins. Blue Cross says daffodil poisoning can cause vomiting, sleepiness, wobbliness and even fits. Tulips can irritate the mouth and stomach, and severe cases can affect the heart and breathing.

Lilies: a special danger to cats

PDSA lists lilies among plants to avoid for pets. They are especially dangerous to cats. PDSA explains that all parts of a lily can be highly toxic to cats and can cause kidney damage, which can be fatal. A cat can be poisoned just by grooming lily pollen off its fur. If you have a cat as well as a dog, keep lilies out of your home and garden.

Which house plants are toxic to dogs?

Dogs Trust and PDSA list these indoor plants among those that can be poisonous to dogs:

• Aloe vera
• Amaryllis
• Cordyline and dracaena
• Dumbcane (Dieffenbachia)
• Peace lily
• Poinsettia
• Sago palm
• Snake plant (mother-in-law's tongue)
• Swiss cheese plant
• Weeping fig
• Yucca

Keep house plants and cut flowers where your dog can't reach them, and check bouquets for lilies.

Signs of plant poisoning in dogs

You won't always see your dog eat a plant. Blue Cross and PDSA list these signs:

• Drooling
• Vomiting or diarrhoea, sometimes with bits of plant in it
• Not eating
• Low energy
• Drinking or weeing more
• Pale gums
• Rashes, red skin, mouth ulcers or swollen lips and gums
• Twitching, tremors or seizures
• Struggling to breathe
• Collapse

What to do if your dog eats a poisonous plant

1. Call your vet straight away. Don't wait for symptoms if you saw your dog eat something.
2. Note the details. Blue Cross suggests writing down what your dog ate, when, how much, and any symptoms.
3. Don't make your dog sick unless your vet tells you to.
4. Go to the vet immediately if your dog is collapsing, fitting or struggling to breathe.

Animal PoisonLine, run by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service, is a 24-hour phone line for pet owners. Check its website for current charges and how the service works before you need it. If your dog already has serious signs such as collapse, fits or breathing problems, contact your vet immediately.

How to keep your dog safe from poisonous plants

• Learn what is in your garden and home, and check any new plant before you buy it.
• Remove dangerous plants, or fence them off so your dog can't get over or under.
• Cover newly planted bulbs with mesh until they are growing.
• Clear away clippings, fallen berries, conkers and acorns.
• Supervise your dog in the garden, and watch what they pick up on walks.

Dogs Trust suggests rosemary, sage, calendula, cornflowers and sunflowers as more dog-friendly choices, but any plant can upset a dog's stomach if eaten in quantity.