Plants poisonous for dogs, and other dangers

We all do everything we can to keep our four-legged friends safe and happy, whether that be taking them for long walks, looking after their grooming needs or making sure they stay away from toxic foods.

But did you know, you also need to keep your tufty-pawed pal safe around plants too? At Canine Cottages, we love dog roses, dogwood and dog violets, but there are a whole host of plants that are poisonous to dogs, with many well-loved outdoor plants and houseplants being toxic to our canine friends.

A pet-friendly outdoor space or garden can allow your dog to explore, relax and enjoy themselves. With some help from our pals at Battersea, we’ve rounded up the main poisonous plants for dogs, both inside and outside, to help keep your beloved bow-wow safe at home and on holiday. We’ve also pointed out some useful tips on what to do if your dog gets stung by a bee or a wasp when outside, in addition to other dangers to be aware of, so that your holiday with your pet can go ahead without a hitch. For more ways to care for your canine, click the button below.

Skip to:

• Garden plants that are poisonous to dogs
• Garden plants that are safe for dogs
• Houseplants that are poisonous to dogs
• Houseplants that are safe for dogs
• What to do if your dog eats something poisonous
• What to do if your dog is stung by a bee or a wasp

Garden plants that are poisonous to dogs

Many garden plants are poisonous to dogs, so it’s worth noting that this is not a definitive list – if you think your pup has come across any plants that are harmful to dogs, the best thing to do is call your vet for advice. One of the most asked questions when it comes to garden plants and dogs, is ‘are tomato plants poisonous to dogs?’ – the answer is yes, because the leaves and stems contain solanine which can cause nausea, vomiting and drowsiness, among other symptoms.

This list of plants dangerous for dogs includes seasonal favourites like foxgloves, buttercups and many spring bulbs.

Not all of the plants listed below are immediately toxic to dogs; many will cause your curious canine lesser problems ranging from drooling and lethargy to gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhoea. However, to be on the safe side, it’s best to keep your dog away from the following garden plants (click to expand). On a side note, if your dog is is a bit too enthusiastic with digging in the garden, check out our article 'Why do dogs dig'?

Garden plants that are safe for dogs

With so many plants being poisonous for dogs, you might be thinking about retiring your green fingers in favour of keeping your dog safe.

However, if you’re looking to establish a dog-friendly garden, the good news is there are so many dog-friendly plants that you can use to create a veritable Eden for pets, including cheerful classics such as roses, sunflowers and marigolds.

Brighten up your garden with these dog-friendly plants you can safely pop into your garden (click to expand).

Houseplants that are poisonous to dogs

It’s not only your garden where you need to be aware of poisonous plants; many common houseplants are toxic to dogs too.

If your four-pawed pal ingests one of these plants, symptoms can range from allergic reactions such as a swollen tongue or lips to more serious issues such as kidney failure, paralysis or a coma. Once again, if your dog has consumed any houseplant and you are unsure if it’s toxic, consult your vet as soon as possible.

Here are some common houseplants that are poisonous to dogs that you should be aware of (click to expand).

Houseplants that are safe for dogs

If you dream of living in a house that looks more like a jungle, there are plenty of dog-friendly houseplants that can brighten up your home while still allowing you to protect your pup from consuming anything toxic.

This list of paw-friendly houseplants includes favourites such as ferns, Chinese money plants and palms, as well as more trendy greenery like a string of turtles and polka dot plants – so there’s something to suit every style!

Here are some house plants that are safe for dogs (click to expand).

What to do if your dog eats something poisonous

We asked our friends at Battersea for advice on what to do if you think your dog has eaten something poisonous.

Kristina Otowski-McNicol, one of Battersea’s senior nurses, advises:

“If you are concerned that your dog may have eaten something that may be harmful to them, it’s important to get them to a vet as soon as possible. 

“Even if your dog isn’t showing serious symptoms, some poisonous plants or food may have symptoms that you can’t see or may cause issues later.

“If you’re taking your dog on holiday, it's worth doing some research on local veterinary practice locations just in case something was to happen while you’re away from home.”

What to do if your dog is stung by a bee or a wasp

Dogs are curious and often like to explore their surroundings with their nose and mouth. This can mean it’s easy for them to get stung by insects like bees and wasps when outside. In most cases, they’ll typically experience some light swelling and localised pain and irritation. But it’s also important to follow some simple steps to help your dog and prevent any complications.

Remove the sting: Use a bank card or something similar to scrape away and remove the sting. Don’t pull or squeeze it out as this can release more venom and irritate your dog even more.

Soothe the area with a cloth: Hold a damp tea towel or cloth over the affected area to help reduce any swelling. It’s likely that the sting will irritate your dog, so try to keep them calm and cool throughout.

Look out for signs of an allergic reaction: Some dogs may be allergic to the venom that is injected by the bee or wasp sting, causing a severe reaction which can be fatal. In this scenario, it’s very important to get your dog treated immediately by a vet.

Canine Care

Not only do we believe that every dog should be able to go on holiday with their beloved owners, but we love our four-legged friends so much that we’ve created a series of content to help you have a happy hound.

We’ve partnered with some top canine experts such as Battersea, Beaphar, and PawAid to find out the best tips and tricks for looking after your waggy-tailed wonder. Click the button below to read all our Canine Care blogs.