Dogs will be dogs, so chewing on plants, even exotic plants in your house and garden, is all in a days work for your lovable canine friend. Most plants have some degree of toxicity for a dog, however what part of the plant is poison or toxic will vary from species to species. Knowing what plants are poisonous to dogs and which ones are safe is sometimes complicated, but by checking with your nursery, vet and breeder you can get a good general idea.

In most cases consuming plants will not result in your dog becoming fatally ill from the poison or toxin. In most situations the dogs will show signs of vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sores in or on the mouth or lesions on the skin that are actually an allergic reaction to the plant. In rare situations the dog can become seriously and potentially fatally ill after eating a plant, often these are more exotic plants, which can make treatment very difficult. If you do suspect that your dog's illness or reaction is due to consuming some type of plant, be sure to know the name and species of the plant or bring it with you to the vet.

Poison and Houseplants

The following is a list of exotic plants and common house plants that have been reported to have toxic effects on dogs:

• Pothos
• Most varieties of Lilies including Peace Lilies
• Dieffenbachia
• Philodendron
• Most species of Ivy
• Asparagus Fern and Boston Fern
• Dracaena
• Corn Plant
• Mother-in-law's Tongue

Most flowering species that are raised indoors such as tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, cyclamen, chrysanthemums, poinsettia, kalanchoe, and amaryllis are also considered to have some parts that are poison to dogs. In most cases the bulbs are the most problematic while the leaves, stems and flowers are less likely to cause a significant reaction.

Exotic plants in the house that are not known should always be considered toxic or poison until their safety can be verified. Keep the plants up high enough the dog cannot jump up or pull the plant down by a vine or trailing piece.

Poison and Garden Plants

Dogs that are outside are most likely to come in contact with a poison from a garden plant. Puppies are far more at risk than older dogs, however the following garden plants are potentially problematic for any dog:

• Tomatoes
• Onions
• Outdoor Ivy and Fern varieties
• Avocado trees
• Some nut trees
• Chinaberry trees
• Yew
• Azalea
• Lily of the Valley
• Oleander
• Jerusalem Cherry
• Sago Palm
• Yucca

This is only a very partial list of the most common garden and yard plants that can lead to reactions from poison within the bark, leaves or stems. As with houseplants, all outdoor exotic plants should be considered toxic until researched.

The Department of Agriculture in most areas will offer extensive information on poisonous plants, plus they will often be able to identify unknown plants and let you know what plants are poisonous to dogs and other pets. Knowing what common plants, exotic plants or their parts contain poison or may cause reactions within your dog is important in both landscaping and keeping your dog safe.