9 Popular Houseplants That Are Toxic to Dogs

Many houseplants can be hazardous or toxic to dogs. Houseplant lovers often feel frustrated when their cherished plants are harmed by their dogs, not realizing that some of these plants can be harmful or even deadly to their pets. Knowing which plant varieties to avoid is crucial for preventing such unfortunate events.

If you have a dog, be extra cautious with the following trendy houseplants.

Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

Sorry to say, but one of the Internet’s most famous houseplants—the fiddle leaf fig—is toxic to dogs if ingested. Loved by both interior decorators and houseplant aficionados, the fiddle leaf fig features a thin trunk and large fiddle-shaped leaves.

Ingesting fiddle leaf fig foliage can cause painful skin and gastrointestinal irritation for your dog. If your dog tends to chew on plants, it’s best not to bring a fiddle leaf fig into your home.

Philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum)

Philodendrons are a large genus of tropical plants cherished by indoor gardeners for their stunning foliage and easy care. Popular varieties include the heartleaf philodendron, philodendron 'Brasil,' and philodendron 'Micans.'

Although they are harmless to the touch, philodendrons are toxic to dogs and cats if ingested. Symptoms of philodendron poisoning include oral irritation, swelling, vomiting, trouble breathing, and excessive drooling.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) have surged in popularity recently because they can thrive in almost complete darkness, making them excellent low-light plants. ZZ plants grow from rhizomes and require infrequent watering, which makes them overall low-maintenance houseplants.

Unfortunately, ZZ plants are toxic to dogs and cats if eaten and can cause symptoms typical of calcium oxalate poisoning, such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

Aloe vera, known for its many medicinal uses for humans, can paradoxically be quite toxic if ingested by dogs. This species of succulent, native to Western Asia, is widely cultivated for its medicinal and agricultural benefits. Aloe is also a relatively low-maintenance plant that propagates easily, making it a common houseplant.

While Aloe vera is harmless to humans, it is toxic to dogs if ingested and can cause symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, and gastrointestinal issues.

Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

Bird of paradise plants (Strelitzia) are tropical houseplants native to South Africa. They became popular as houseplants due to their large foliage and stunning orange and blue flowers that resemble birds in flight. Interestingly enough, the most famous part of a bird of paradise plant—the flower—is also the most toxic.

Symptoms of bird of paradise poisoning include gastrointestinal irritation resulting in nausea and vomiting as well as drowsiness. With timely veterinary care, dogs suffering from bird of paradise poisoning can make a full recovery.

Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)

Commonly known as dumb canes, Dieffenbachia are beautifully variegated tropical plants that range in size from less than a foot tall to four or five feet tall, depending on the variety. Popular cultivars include D. picta 'Camilla' and D. amoena 'Tropic Snow.'

Dieffenbachia is toxic to both cats and dogs if ingested. Symptoms of Dieffenbachia poisoning include oral irritation and swelling, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.

Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)

Sago palms are native to tropical regions of Japan and are popular as houseplants in their bonsai form. They have thick green palm leaves supported by a shaggy trunk and are slow-growing, usually remaining fairly small, especially when grown indoors.

Sago palms are extremely toxic to both humans and animals, causing liver failure and even death if ingested. Early symptoms of sago palm poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. If you have a dog at home, sago palms are a crucial houseplant to avoid.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Distinguished by their white flowers and dark, glossy leaves, peace lilies make excellent houseplants. When properly cared for, they can bloom up to twice a year, with the flowers lasting several months at a time.

Unfortunately, peace lilies are poisonous to both dogs and cats, especially the 'Mauna Loa' variety. This large cultivar, which can grow up to two feet tall, causes irritation in the contacted area and will induce vomiting in animals if ingested.

Alocasia (Alocasia macrorrhizos)

Alocasia is a genus of flowering perennials native to tropical and subtropical Asia and Australia. Although they can be temperamental houseplants requiring adequate light, water, and humidity, their stunning leaves make them popular nonetheless.

Unluckily, Alocasia contains calcium oxalate crystals, making them toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if ingested. Symptoms include oral irritation, burning of the lips and mouth, swelling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing and breathing.

While these nine houseplants are toxic to dogs, many houseplant enthusiasts manage to keep both plants and pets by understanding their dog's behavior and tendencies. As a pet owner, it's up to you to decide which plants your dog will ignore and which ones they may take an interest in.