What Houseplants Should I Avoid If I Have a Dog?

Wayne Taylor
Written By Wayne Taylor

If you have a dog and are looking to spruce up your home with some houseplants, be sure to do your research and check for any varieties that may be toxic to your pup. Aloe vera, sago palms, ivy and lilies are just a few of the plants that should be avoided as they can be harmful to dogs if ingested. Symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, coughing and seizures can be signs that your pet has been exposed to poisonous plants, which requires immediate medical attention. It’s important to do your due diligence and make sure any houseplants you bring home are safe for your furry friend!

Common Types of Houseplants That are Toxic to Dogs

If you have a pet dog in your home, it is important to be aware of the types of houseplants that are toxic to them. Common toxic houseplants include philodendrons, aloe vera, sago palm, ivy and lilies. Dogs can be severely affected by eating or even coming into contact with these plants, so it is important to keep them out of reach.

It is also important to be aware of the symptoms of toxicity in dogs.

These can range from vomiting, diarrhea, coughing and seizures. If your dog has been exposed to a toxic houseplant, it is important to visit a vet immediately and administer activated charcoal if necessary. Having knowledge of toxic houseplants can help you keep your furry friend safe and healthy.

Philodendrons

Philodendrons are a common houseplant, but they should be avoided if you have a dog. Philodendrons can cause a range of reactions in dogs, from vomiting and diarrhea to coughing and seizures. If you have a pup at home, it’s best to stay away from this type of houseplant.

If you think your dog has come in contact with a philodendron, it’s vital to act quickly. Visit the vet immediately and, if necessary, administer activated charcoal, as this helps absorb the toxins. Doing so can help keep your pup safe and healthy.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a highly toxic plant for dogs and should be avoided if you have a pet. Ingesting Aloe Vera can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coughing and seizures, so it’s important to make sure your pup doesn’t get a hold of this plant. If your dog does consume Aloe Vera, it’s important to take them to the vet immediately and administer activated charcoal to help absorb the toxins. It’s also a good idea to keep Aloe Vera out of reach of your pup, as the leaves can be tempting for them to chew on.

Sago Palm

Sago Palm is one of the most common houseplants but unfortunately, it is a huge no-no if you have a dog in the house. All of its parts are toxic to dogs and can cause severe health issues like vomiting, diarrhea, coughing and seizures.

If you have a Sago Palm in your house, your dog should not go near it. Make sure to keep the plant away from your pup and make sure that they can’t reach it in any way. If you suspect that your dog has ingested any part of the Sago Palm plant, take them to the vet immediately and make sure to bring a sample of the plant with you.

Your vet might administer activated charcoal to reduce the absorption of the toxins. Don’t hesitate to call your vet and ask for advice if you think your dog has eaten any part of the Sago Palm.

Ivy

Ivy is a common houseplant that should be avoided if you have a pet dog. It is toxic to them, and can cause a variety of health issues if ingested. Symptoms to look out for include vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, and seizures.

If your pet does ingest ivy, it is important to visit the vet immediately, and administer activated charcoal to help absorb the toxins. Make sure to keep ivy away from your pet and out of reach, as even if just a small amount is ingested, it can cause serious health issues.

Lilies

Lilies can be extremely toxic to dogs if ingested, so it’s important to keep them away from your pet. Some signs of lily poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, and seizures. If you think your dog has come into contact with lilies, it’s important to get them to the vet as soon as possible.

The vet can provide treatment, such as administering activated charcoal, which will absorb the toxins in your dog’s stomach. It’s also important to remember that lilies are not the only plants toxic to dogs. Make sure to research any houseplants before you bring them into your home.

Symptoms to Look Out For

If you have a pet dog, you need to be careful about the type of houseplants you have in your home. Some houseplants can be toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms to look out for in case your pup gets into something they shouldn’t.

The most common signs that your pup may have ingested something toxic are vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or seizures. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take your pup to the vet immediately.

It’s also a good idea to administer activated charcoal, which can help absorb any toxins that were ingested.

In addition to being aware of the symptoms, it’s important to know which plants are toxic to dogs. Aloe Vera, Sago Palm, Ivy, and Lilies are all plants that should be avoided if you have a pet dog. Knowing these plants and watching for any signs of toxicity can help keep your pup safe and healthy.

Vomiting

If your dog vomits, it is important to act fast and contact your veterinarian immediately. Vomiting can be a sign of serious illness and should not be taken lightly.

Make sure to assess your dog’s symptoms, such as if the vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea or coughing. If your dog is having difficulty breathing, is unresponsive, or losing consciousness, seek emergency veterinary care. It’s also important to watch out for the signs of poisoning in dogs.

This can include drooling, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, and seizures.

When it comes to houseplants, some of the most common that are toxic to pets are philodendrons, aloe vera, sago palms, ivy, and lilies. If you think your dog has ingested any of these plants, visit your vet right away and consider administering activated charcoal, which can be used to bind and absorb toxins in the stomach.

It is important to be aware of the common houseplants that are toxic to dogs. If you suspect your pet has ingested something that may be poisonous, take action immediately and contact your veterinarian. Acting quickly can help your dog heal and prevent more serious effects of poisoning.

Diarrhea

If your pup is experiencing diarrhea, it is important to take them to the vet immediately. Diarrhea can be caused by a number of things, including ingesting poisonous plants, so it’s important to rule out any toxicity. Diarrhea can be caused by intestinal parasites, allergies, or dietary indiscretion.

Your vet will be able to provide the best treatment for your pup, and maybe even give you some tips on how to keep them away from certain plants in the future.

When it comes to houseplants and dogs, prevention is key. Be sure to do your research and keep your pup away from any plants that may be toxic to them. If you notice that your pup has been nibbling on something they shouldn’t, make sure to contact your vet right away. Diarrhea can sometimes be a sign of toxicity, so it’s important to make sure your pup is getting the proper care and attention.

Coughing

If your dog is coughing, it’s important to be aware that some common houseplants can be dangerous. Aloe vera, sago palms, ivy and lilies are all toxic to dogs and can cause severe symptoms.

If your pup is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it’s important to get to the vet right away. If your dog has gotten into one of these plants, you should also administer activated charcoal to help reduce the impact of the toxins.

This is a substance that binds to toxins in the stomach and intestines, preventing them from being absorbed into the bloodstream. It is important to note, however, that activated charcoal will not be effective if your pup has already absorbed the toxins.

It’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid having any of these plants in your home if you have a pet dog. If you do have any of these plants in your home, make sure to keep them out of reach of your pup. You should also watch for any signs of illness, as this can indicate that your pup has been exposed to a toxic houseplant.

Seizures

If you have a dog and a houseplant in the same home, it’s important to be aware of which plants could be a health hazard. Seizures can be a symptom of your dog ingesting a toxic plant.

The signs of a seizure can vary greatly and can include uncontrollable shaking and trembling, loss of consciousness, and rigidness or uncontrolled jerking of the body. If your dog is having a seizure, the best thing you can do is take them to the vet immediately. It’s important that you act quickly and get your pup the help they need.

It’s also important to know what plants to avoid in the first place. Common plants that can be toxic to dogs include philodendrons, aloe vera, sago palms, ivy, and, lilies.

Even if the plant is nontoxic to humans, that doesn’t necessarily mean it won’t have an adverse effect on your pet.

To be absolutely sure, you should check the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center website for a complete list of plants that are toxic to animals. If you suspect your pet has been exposed to a toxic plant, the first action you should take is to call your vet. Depending on the type of plant ingested, your vet may administer activated charcoal, a substance that can help to prevent the absorption of toxins in the stomach. If the toxins have already been absorbed into your dog’s system, your vet may prescribe medication or provide fluids to help flush out the toxins from your pup’s system.

Treatment

If your dog experiences any of the symptoms of toxicity listed above, it is important to take them to the vet immediately. Don’t waste any time – the sooner you can get your pet professional help, the better.

Be sure to take the plant or a sample of it with you, so that the vet can accurately diagnose the issue. Once at the vet, the doctor will likely administer a dose of activated charcoal to your pet, which is a common treatment for plant toxicity.

The charcoal helps reduce the amount of poison that is absorbed by the body and also helps reduce gastrointestinal irritation. Once your pup has been treated, be sure to get rid of the houseplant that caused the issue, and do some research to avoid any future problems. It’s important to take the time to learn which plants are toxic to dogs so that you can keep your pets safe in the future.

Visit the Vet Immediately

If your dog has ingested a toxic houseplant, it is important to visit the vet immediately. Time is of the essence in this situation, as the sooner your pet receives treatment, the better.

You should also keep a sample of the plant in a paper bag or plastic container in the event the vet needs it to diagnose the toxicity. Bringing the plant to the vet can help the vet determine the best course of action and the best way to treat your pup.

Another step you can take is administering activated charcoal. This should help absorb some toxins, but it is important to note that this should only be done in consultation with your vet.

Activated charcoal should not be given as a substitute for veterinary treatment, as it is not a cure for plant poisoning. It’s also important to ensure your dog does not become dehydrated. Give your pup plenty of fresh water, and if your pup is unable to keep it down, visit the vet immediately.

Administering Activated Charcoal

If your pet has ingested any of the dangerous plants mentioned above, it is important to act quickly. Take them to the vet immediately.

You should administer activated charcoal, which can help treat the symptoms of plant toxicity. Activated charcoal is an absorbent substance that traps toxins from the digestive system, so that they can be eliminated before they are absorbed into the bloodstream.

Make sure to follow the instructions on the package and the advice of the vet for the best results. When administering activated charcoal to your pet, it is important to note that it may cause some mild side effects such as nausea and vomiting.

Be sure to monitor your pet for any signs of distress and contact your vet as soon as possible if you are concerned. Activated charcoal can also interfere with some medications, so make sure to talk to your vet before giving it to your pet. With the right treatment, your pet should be able to recover quickly and safely.

Wrapping Up

When it comes to having a pet dog and houseplants, it pays to be extra careful. Certain houseplants can be toxic for dogs, so it’s important to be aware of which ones may pose a danger. Aloe vera, sago palms, ivy and lilies are among the houseplants that should be avoided in a home with a pet.

If your pup does eat something toxic, look for signs of vomiting, diarrhea, coughing and seizures. If you suspect your dog may have ingested something toxic, don’t hesitate to take them to the vet right away.

Administering activated charcoal can also help to reduce the risk of serious health complications. When in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution.

Doing your research on the types of plants that are safe to have around your pet can help you to avoid any potential problems in the future. You can also look into pet-safe plants or artificial plants to create a pet-friendly atmosphere in your home. Taking the time to be aware of potential dangers can help to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.