Common Houseplants That Could Be Dangerous for Your Dogs or Cats

That lush indoor garden brightening your living room could be hiding a serious risk. Many of the most popular houseplants — from trendy peace lilies to hardy snake plants — contain compounds that are toxic to cats and dogs. Knowing which plants pose a threat, and what warning signs to watch for, could help you protect your four-legged family members.

Here’s a guide to nine common indoor plants that are poisonous to pets, along with the symptoms every pet owner should recognize.

Aloe Vera

It’s a medicine cabinet staple for humans, but aloe vera can spell trouble for pets. Vet Radar writes, “Aloe vera is celebrated for its healing properties for humans, but it’s not as friendly to our four-legged friends. The plant contains compounds that can lead to gastrointestinal distress if ingested by dogs. Aloin, a bitter yellow substance found in the latex of aloe leaves, is the primary culprit.”

Sago Palm

Don’t let the name fool you — this plant is far more dangerous than it looks. Southern Cross Pet Insurance warns: “Sago isn’t actually a palm, but a cycad. Cycads can be lethally poisonous to dogs due to a toxin called cycasin, which causes abdominal pain, seizures, coma and liver failure. Over in Australia, the sago palm is one of the Animal Poisons Helpline’s most reported dog poisonings.”

Of all the plants on this list, sago palm stands out for its potential to be lethal, making it one to remove from any pet-friendly home immediately.

Snake Plant

Valued for being nearly impossible to kill, snake plants are one of the most common houseplants around. But pet owners should be aware of the risks. Vet Radar notes: “These houseplants are known for their low maintenance and air-purifying qualities, making them common choices for pet owners. However, they can still cause mild toxicity in dogs, resulting in symptoms like vomiting and drooling if ingested.”

Jade Plant

Southern Cross Pet Insurance also says, “Also known as a money plant because it’s said to enhance wealth, this cute succulent could end up costing you money. We don’t know what’s in jade plants that makes them so bad for cats and dogs. But they can cause vomiting, depression and incoordination if consumed.”

The fact that the specific toxin in jade plants remains unknown underscores an important point: not all plant dangers are fully understood, which is all the more reason to exercise caution.

Devil’s Ivy

This trailing vine is a decorating favorite, but it carries a hidden danger. Vet Radar writes, “These lush green houseplants are a favorite choice for indoor decoration. However, they hide a potentially harmful secret: calcium oxalate crystals. These microscopic crystals, when chewed or swallowed by dogs, can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing.”

Lilies

Southern Cross Pet Insurance warns: “Peace lilies have recently surged in houseplant popularity thanks to their air-purifying qualities. While they may be practical and on-trend houseplants, it’s best to avoid them if you have pets, especially cats. All members of the lily family are highly toxic to cats and can cause organ failure. Be mindful if you’re gifted a bouquet with lilies, too.”

Cat owners should take special note: lilies are particularly dangerous for felines and can cause organ failure.

Oleander

VCA Animal Hospital says that, “Oleander, also known as Nerium, is more commonly found in outdoor gardens, but some gardeners bring them inside for the winter. These plants contain cardiac glycosides, which can cause drooling, diarrhea, abdominal pain, abnormal heart rhythm and neurologic signs.”

Chrysanthemum

According to VCA Animal Hospital ,“Chrysanthemums contain several toxic components that can cause illness in pets if ingested, such as vomiting and incoordination.” Luckily, they say that symptoms are mild for most if your pet only eats a small amount.

Hyacinth

VCA Animal Hospital notes that, “The toxins in this spring-blooming perennial are concentrated in the roots and bulbs. Chewing on the bulbs can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, profuse drooling and burns to the mouth. Tulips also belong to the same plant family and can cause similar symptoms if the bulbs are ingested.”

Pet owners who enjoy spring-blooming flowers should be especially careful about where they store bulbs, since the roots and bulbs carry the highest concentration of toxins.

How to Spot Plant Poisoning in Your Pet

Knowing the warning signs of plant toxicity is just as important as knowing which plants to avoid. According to GuideDogs.com, pet owners should watch for these symptoms of plant toxicity in dogs:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Drooling or excessive salivation
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy or weakness
• Pawing at the mouth or face (from irritation or burning)
• Trouble breathing or coughing
• Increased heart rate
• Dilated pupils
• Tremors, seizures, or uncoordinated movement
• Swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat
• Skin irritation or rashes (from contact with certain plants)

Keeping Your Pets Safe

The simplest way to reduce risk is to identify the plants already in your home and check whether they pose a danger. If you have any of the nine plants listed above, consider moving them to a spot your pet cannot reach — or replacing them with pet-safe alternatives altogether. If you suspect your pet has chewed on or ingested any part of a toxic plant, recognizing the symptoms listed above and acting quickly could make a critical difference.

This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.