Which Plants Are Toxic to Dogs – Dangerous Plants in Your Home and Garden

Rhododendron, Lilac, Ivy: Toxic to Dogs?

As soon as the sun comes out, we head outside to the garden or balcony. Always by our side: your dog. A little sniffing here, digging there – oh, and what's that? An ivy tendril! A quick tug, a bit of chewing, maybe even a leaf or other plant parts swallowed.

It quickly raises concern: Is ivy toxic to dogs? Should I be worried? Do we need to go to the vet or can we wait and see?

Which Plants Are Toxic to Dogs – With Pictures

Whether in the garden, in the forest, on a meadow or on the balcony: toxic plants are more widespread than you might think. The good news: many dogs never get the idea to nibble on any greenery. The bad news: some dogs do try things. Puppies in particular are curious and therefore at risk.

The tricky part: dogs have no natural instinct for what harms them. They explore the world with their mouths and noses, sometimes trying things that aren't good for them.

It's worth taking a closer look at the plants in the immediate surroundings and keeping a close eye on your dog – especially if they show interest in plants.

Which plants are toxic to dogs in the garden and on the balcony:

Cherry Laurel

Contains prussic acid, particularly dangerous in larger quantities

Ivy

Can cause restlessness, vomiting and diarrhoea

Hydrangeas

Mildly toxic, can cause gastrointestinal complaints

Rhododendron

Affects the nervous system, can cause serious symptoms

Yew

Can be fatally toxic even in small amounts

Oleander

Very toxic, affects the heart and circulation

Lilac

Mildly to moderately toxic depending on variety

Geraniums

Can cause skin and stomach irritation

Tansy

Contains essential oils that can have toxic effects

Japanese Anemone

Can cause irritation and discomfort

Nuts, Acorns and Fallen Fruit

Fruits and nuts can be dangerous for dogs. Walnuts are particularly problematic: even slightly mouldy walnuts form mycotoxins (fungal toxins) that can cause severe neurological symptoms in dogs such as tremors and convulsions.

Hazelnuts are problematic for dogs for three reasons: they are high in fat (stomach problems, weight gain), can form toxic substances when mouldy, and whole nuts – especially for small dogs – pose a choking hazard.

Acorns contain tannins that are toxic to dogs and can cause digestive problems even in small amounts – in larger quantities they can even lead to kidney failure and liver damage. Since oak trees are common in many gardens and parks, it's worth being especially watchful in autumn.

With fallen fruit such as apples or plums, the core is the main problem: it contains prussic acid compounds. Unripe or fermenting fruit can also cause stomach problems, leading to diarrhoea and vomiting.

Here's how to stay safe:

• Regularly collect fallen fruit, acorns and fallen nuts before your dog finds them
• Be vigilant on walks, especially in autumn
• Contact your vet if your dog has eaten nuts, acorns or large amounts of fallen fruit

What is safe or toxic for dogs to eat can easily be looked up in our Food A–Z.

Toxic Plants for Dogs: Symptoms

If your dog has nibbled on a toxic plant, different symptoms of poisoning can appear – depending on the plant and the amount ingested.

Typical symptoms of poisoning:

• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Heavy drooling
• Restlessness or lethargy
• Tremors or convulsions
• Problems with circulation or breathing

Some symptoms appear quickly, others only after a delay. In severe cases, poisoning can be fatal.

When should you go to the vet?

• If your dog shows clear symptoms
• If you know or suspect that a toxic plant was eaten
• If your dog is unusually quiet or noticeably restless

Checklist: Immediate Measures in Case of Dog Poisoning

• Stay calm, even if it's difficult
• Secure or identify the plant
• Observe your dog (behaviour, symptoms)
• Do not induce vomiting without veterinary advice
• Do not give charcoal tablets without veterinary advice
• Contact your vet as quickly as possible

Caution: Giant Hogweed

Keep well away from this plant: giant hogweed contains phototoxic compounds. If your dog comes into contact with the plant sap and then goes into the sun, severe irritation can occur – similar to burns. This applies to both humans and dogs.

Even brief contact can be enough; in rare cases, even the vapours of the plant are sufficient.

Possible symptoms include skin irritation ("burns"), coughing or breathing difficulties, nausea, fever, and sometimes circulatory problems.

The plant can be recognised by its size (up to 4 m), white umbel flowers, large serrated leaves and a reddish spotted stem. It grows preferably along roadsides, meadows and waterways.

Non-Toxic Plants for Dogs: A List

You want your garden to bloom and wonder: are roses toxic to dogs? No, you don't have to give up rose blooms – they are safe for your dog. Besides roses, there are plenty of non-toxic plants, including hardy non-toxic plants that are perfectly safe for dogs. Even as a dog owner you can enjoy flowers in your garden.

Non-toxic plants for dogs: list of popular garden plants

• Sunflowers
• Nasturtiums
• Catnip
• Cockscomb
• Forget-me-nots
• Daisies and ox-eye daisies
• Marigolds
• Lavender
• Herbs such as parsley, sage and basil
• Bamboo
• Roses

With these plants you can create a green haven – for you and your dog. This list is not exhaustive either. When planning new planting, check with your local garden centre which plants pose no danger to your dog in your own garden.

Summary: Relaxed in the Garden and Nature

Do you know whether and where potentially toxic plants grow in your garden? And do you know whether your dog likes to nibble on greenery? If so, you're well prepared for a carefree garden season. Off into the green!