Plants that are Dangerous for Pets

Holy cow. We didn't realize that so many of the plants in our house and our yard (and our neighbors' yards) were toxic for our dog! I mean, we aren't that worried...she doesn't make it a habit of eating everything in sight, but this information is good to have on hand. What do we have in our house and our yard is toxic for our pooch? Here's the list:

  • Sago Palm - toxic if eaten, especially the seeds

  • Jade Plant - toxic if eaten

  • Amaryllis - toxic if eaten, bulbs are more toxic than foowers or leaves

  • Aloe Vera - toxic if eaten

  • Weeping Fig - mild toxicity if eaten

  • Philodendron - Leaves are toxic if eaten

  • Begonia - toxic if eaten

  • ZZ Plant - toxic if eaten

  • Calla Lilly - toxic if eaten

  • Kalanchoe - poisonous if eaten

  • Dumb Cane - toxic if eaten

  • Snake Plant - poisonous if eaten

  • Azalea and Rhododendron - toxic if eaten

  • Spring bulbs (daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, and iris) - all toxic, in varying levels

  • Lily - all harmful, especially if the bulbs are ingested

  • Elephant's ear - poisonous if eaten

  • Chrysanthemum - poisonous if eaten

  • English Ivy - poisonous if eaten

  • Lantana - poisonous if eaten

  • Zonal Geranium - toxic if eaten

  • Hellebore - toxic if eaten

  • Hydrangea - toxic if eaten

  • Daylily - mildly toxic if eaten

  • Foxglove - highly poisonous if eaten

After looking at this list, we realized that we have have 18 of the 24 plants within reach of our dog. Fortunately, she has no interest in any of them. Unfortunately, because she is young, we often find ourselves shouting, "WHAT ARE YOU EATING?!" Typical for owners of puppies or any rescue under 3 years old.

With this knowledge, we are changing out our garden as soon as possible for plants that are edible for humans and animals. We have planted boysenberry, grapes, squash, tomato, eggplant, fava beans, and nasturtiums. Not only are we happy that we are keeping our beautiful pet safe, but we will be feeding ourselves with the new plants. Next year, we will be growing ground cherry, lettuce, mint, potato, radish, and parsley.

Wish us luck!

Home ImprovementCecilie Korst//