10 Outdoor Plants To Be Aware of That Are Toxic to Dogs

When I adopted my furry, barking kid, one of the first things I learned about her was that she loves to chew on anything that doesn’t run away from her. She chewed on toys, shoes, socks, pizza; you name it.

I knew that flowering plants like poinsettia were poisonous to dogs, but I was floored when I discovered other common outdoor flowering plants were also toxic. Bulbed flowers, like tulips and daffodils, are particularly hazardous to dogs. 

Pet parents must know what flowering dangers lurk outside, even in their gardens. Call an animal poison control center hotline or your veterinarian immediately if your pet ingests any part of a toxic plant. 

1. Tomato

Dogs can safely eat ripe tomatoes, but green, unripe tomatoes and the actual plant are toxic to dogs. Unripe tomatoes and plants contain chemicals that can cause weakness, severe nausea and vomiting, and a slower heartbeat. 

2. Hyacinth

This fragrant flowering plant has a toxin that irritates dogs’ mouths, esophagi, and stomachs. Hyacinth poisoning can cause tremors, severe nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs. The entire plant is toxic, but the bulbs contain the highest amount of poison. 

3. Azalea and Rhododendron

The entire azalea and rhododendron plant are toxic, and even ingesting a few leaves can negatively affect a canine’s cardiovascular, digestive, and central nervous systems. Azalea and rhododendron toxicity can cause irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, coma, and even lead to death. 

4. Daisy

While some types of daisies are safe for dogs, many common flower varieties have varying toxicity levels. If eaten, daisies can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, poor coordination, excessive drooling, and allergic skin reactions. 

5. Daffodil

A popular spring flower, daffodils are toxic for dogs. The bulbs contain the highest concentrations of toxins, making them the most poisonous part of the plant.

Dogs should avoid drinking water from a vase of daffodils because it is also toxic. Signs of daffodil poisoning include extreme fatigue, abdominal pain, instability, convulsions, irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a severe drop in blood pressure.  

6. Tulip

Like daffodils, the bulb is the most poisonous part of this spring flower. Milder signs of tulip poisoning in dogs include mouth irritation, excessive drooling, nausea, and diarrhea. Rare but more severe symptoms include trouble breathing and heart problems.

7. Hydrangea

A colorful shrub commonly found in gardens, hydrangea contains a cyanide derivative, with higher amounts of the poison found in the flowers and leaves of the plant. Signs of toxicity in dogs include depression, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. Cyanide intoxication is a rare diagnosis. 

8. Calla Lily and Amaryllis

Calla lily and amaryllis are among the more dangerous variations of lilies for dogs. Ingesting calla lilies can cause tremors, mouth irritation, vomiting, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing. 

Dogs ingesting amaryllis, also known as the belladonna lily, experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, excessive drooling, anorexia, and depression. 

9. Iris

Every part of the iris plant is toxic, but the underground stems are the most dangerous to dogs. Irises have several chemical compounds that are poisonous for dogs and can cause skin irritation, lethargy, excessive salivation, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea when ingested. 

10. Morning Glory

Generally speaking, morning glory plants and their seeds are poisonous. However, the Ipomoea violacea and Ipomoea carnea species of morning glory are a particular threat to dogs. Eating the flowers can lead to vomiting, and ingesting large quantities of the seeds can cause hallucinations. 

Other popular flowering plants toxic to dogs include autumn crocus, bird of paradise, eucalyptus, and jade. While this list is not all-inclusive, many flowering plants are safe around dogs.

These include climbing and trailing begonias, Brazilian orchids, camellias, garden marigolds, and hibiscus, making it possible to have a beautiful garden while keeping your pet kids safe.   

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This originally appeared on Planet Natural.

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