Most dog owners know to keep chocolate and grapes far out of reach, but garden plants can pose just as serious a threat to your pup’s health. Whether you’re pottering in the garden, walking in the countryside, or sprucing up the house with cut flowers, it’s vital to know which plants are toxic to dogs.

Here are 15 common plants that are poisonous to dogs, what symptoms to watch for, and what to do in an emergency.

1. Daffodils

These bright spring flowers are highly toxic to dogs—especially the bulbs. Ingesting daffodils can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, abdominal pain, and even heart problems.

2. Tulips

Another spring favourite, tulips contain toxins concentrated in the bulbs. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

3. Foxglove

Beautiful but dangerous, foxglove contains cardiac glycosides, which affect the heart. It can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, heart arrhythmias, seizures, and even death.

4. Azaleas and Rhododendrons

These popular shrubs are toxic in even small amounts. Ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, weakness, and heart failure.

5. Lilies

While lilies are most dangerous to cats, some types (especially peace lilies and calla lilies) can also upset your dog’s stomach, causing vomiting or drooling.

6. Autumn Crocus

Unlike spring crocus, autumn crocus contains highly toxic compounds that can cause severe vomiting, internal bleeding, liver and kidney damage, and respiratory failure.

7. Yew

All parts of the yew tree (except the fleshy part of the berries) are extremely toxic to dogs. Symptoms include tremors, difficulty breathing, and sudden death due to cardiac failure.

8. Oleander

Even small amounts of this ornamental shrub can cause fatal heart problems. Ingestion may lead to vomiting, slowed heart rate, or death.

9. Sago Palm

All parts are toxic, but the seeds are especially deadly. Ingesting even one seed can lead to vomiting, seizures, liver failure, and death.

10. Hydrangea

Hydrangeas contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy if ingested in large quantities.

11. Ivy (Hedera helix)

Common English ivy is toxic to dogs if ingested. It can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, and diarrhoea.

12. Bluebells

Found in woodlands and gardens, bluebells can trigger vomiting, diarrhoea, and confusion if eaten.

13. Castor Bean Plant

Highly poisonous, this plant contains ricin—a deadly toxin. Ingestion can result in drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain, convulsions, and death.

14. Wisteria

Wisteria seed pods are the biggest threat. They can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and depression in dogs who chew on them.

15. Laburnum

This attractive yellow-flowered tree is extremely toxic. It can lead to vomiting, seizures, and coma.

What Should I Do If My Dog Eats a Toxic Plant?

1. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Time is critical with plant poisoning.

2. Remove any remaining plant material from your dog’s mouth. Try to identify the plant if possible.

3. Call your vet immediately. You can also contact the Animal PoisonLine (UK) on 01202 509000.

4. Keep packaging or a photo of the plant to show your vet what was ingested.

5. Don’t induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a professional.

Tips to Prevent Plant Poisoning

• Supervise your dog in unfamiliar gardens, parks, or woods.

• Avoid planting toxic species in your own garden.

• Keep bulbs out of reach indoors and in garden sheds.

• Consider dog-safe alternatives like marigolds, sunflowers, snapdragons, or roses.

• Use raised beds, fencing, or decorative borders to discourage digging.

Final Thought

Many plants we consider beautiful or harmless can be dangerous to our dogs. A little knowledge goes a long way—by learning which plants to avoid and how to respond in an emergency, you can help keep your four-legged friend safe and sound, whether they’re sunbathing in the garden or sniffing around on a woodland walk.