Many dog owners believe their four-legged friends are smart enough to know what is good for them. We do not always realize that not only many plants are poisonous to dogs, but also those that do not harm humans. In this article, we list poisonous plants for dogs. You can find out here which garden and room chemicals are poisonous for your dog, how they work, and what first-aid measures look like!
The ancestors of our housemates, the wolves, still had good instincts and avoided many native poisonous plants. However, many skills have been lost in our dog breeds through centuries of breeding. And not only in the great outdoors, but also in living rooms and gardens, green dangers lurk everywhere. Having imported many of our popular houseplants from other parts of the world, local pets are not at all prepared for them. It can therefore happen at any time that the dog nibbles on plants in the flower pot, in the bed or at the edge of the forest that it does not tolerate.
Puppies in particular are at risk because the younger and lighter the animal is, the more serious the poisoning will be for the organism. Dog owners should therefore get an overview of the most poisonous plants and put together an emergency plan. Of course, there is no point in panicking or not letting the dog in the garden. With the necessary basic knowledge and a few precautionary measures, however, serious poisoning can be largely avoided. And if you prepare yourself for an emergency, you can take your four-legged friend to the doctor safely and in good time should it ever become necessary.
What are poisonous plants for dogs?
The most poisonous plant native to Europe is the monkshood. Pet owners and parents should definitely ban this plant from their garden. Rhododendron and lily of the valley are among our most popular poisonous plants in the garden. The glycosides contained in lily of the valley can cause vomiting, nausea, and dizziness and, in rare cases, lead to cardiac arrest. If the dog nibbles on the flowers or leaves of the rhododendron, it can get diarrhoea, cramps and tachycardia. There are also numerous poisonous plants in the wild, from the pretty flowering plants foxglove and cyclamen to common shrubs such as broom or bryony. The very poisonous plants for dogs also include oleander, angel’s trumpet, boxwood and yew.
What plants are poisonous to dogs?
In addition to numerous indoor and garden plants, a large number of native mushrooms are also poisonous for dogs, even if mushrooms are not strictly speaking plants, but form a botanical kingdom of their own. As a precaution, dogs should therefore learn as puppies not to nibble on poisonous plants and mushrooms. There are also vegetables such as onions and garlic, which in high concentrations can cause poisoning in dogs.
Poisonous garden plants for dogs
- Blue monkshood
- boxwood
- Dipladenia (Mandevilla)
- ivy
- angel trumpet
- thimble
- lilac
- honeysuckle
- laburnum
- autumn crocus
- hydrangea
- hyacinth
- cherry laurel
- lily of the valley
- mistletoe
- oleander
- delphinium
- rhododendron
- hemlock
- Snowball (Viburnum)
- fir
- Thuja
- deadly nightshade
- tulip
- juniper
Poisonous houseplants for dogs
- agave
- amaryllis
- Aralia
- avocado
- azalea
- Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
- bow hemp
- stained leaf
- Star of Christ
- chrysanthemum
- Dieffenbachia
- Dragon Lily, Dragon Tree
- ivy
- A leaf
- elephant tree
- window leaf
- Flamingo Flower (Anthurium)
- geranium
- rubber tree
- heart leaf
- cocoa tree
- clivia
- Lily (all species)
- orchid
- passion flower
- Christmas star
- miracle shrub
- desert rose
Which houseplants are not poisonous to dogs?
Most palm species are harmless to dogs, for example the stick palm, Kentia palm and also the bamboo palm. Our common kitchen herbs are just as non-toxic as lavender, nasturtium, daisies and sunflowers. Other recommended plants for dog owners are heather, dahlia, sweet William, fuchsia, hibiscus, goldenrod, knotweed, marigold and pansy.
Toxic plants for dogs from nature
- cyclamen
- arum
- henbane
- wood anemone
- yew
- Spotted hemlock
- broom
- Hercules perennial (giant hogweed)
- crocus
- daffodils
- euonymus
- tansy
- daphne
- Datura (Datura)
- juniper
- walnut tree
- Meadow Bear Claw
- bryony
How can a dog absorb toxins from plants?
In most cases, a dog comes into contact with the poison by nibbling on the flowers, leaves, or roots of the plant, or by swallowing parts of it. Ingestion through the mouth is particularly dangerous because the poison gets into the stomach and from there into the bloodstream to be distributed throughout the body. And the further the poison has spread, the more difficult it becomes to treat.
There are also plants that transmit their poison when touched. This includes, for example, the Bärenklau. With very few poisonous plants, the poison can get into the dog’s body when the scent is inhaled, but then the amount ingested is usually so small that the poisoning is harmless. Even if a plant, such as nettle, reacts to contact with an injection, the effect is usually very weak.
These symptoms can occur with plant poisoning
The many plant toxins with their different modes of action can cause numerous different symptoms. In most cases, however, the body first tries to expel the poison, so vomiting and diarrhea are the first signs of many cases of poisoning. Blood in the urine or stool can also indicate poison intake. The dog often notices that something is wrong with him and behaves unusually. He may become restless and pacing, but depending on the type of toxin, he may become listless and apathetic.
Stomach pain and loss of appetite are also typical of many plant toxins. Poisoning often leads to increased saliva production, which rarely shows up as foam at the mouth. Discolored mucous membranes in the mouth that appear pale or bluish are common. If the poison has already been able to spread throughout the body, circulatory problems, shortness of breath, tremors and cramps can also occur. This can be accompanied by tachycardia or cardiac arrhythmia. The dog may stagger or fall. In the worst case, organ failure or respiratory arrest can occur, and the four-legged friend can die from the poisoning.
How do plant toxins work in dogs?
Most plant toxins affect either the respiratory system, the nervous system or the digestive tract of the dog. Shortness of breath, diarrhea and an increased heart rhythm are among the most common symptoms of the respective mode of action.
Common toxic effects in dogs
Some poisonous plants, such as the cherry laurel, contain glycosides, which are converted into hydrocyanic acid in the organism together with water. This affects breathing and can sometimes cause respiratory arrest.
Other poisonous plants contain nerve toxins such as theobromine in the tropical cacao tree. However, it also occurs in our native holly, the Christmas thorn. This substance, which is related to caffeine, has a stimulating effect on the nervous system and, in high doses, can lead to heart failure. While humans have enzymes that help break down theobromine, dogs lack them, causing them to break down the venom much more slowly. For this reason, dogs are also not allowed to eat chocolate-containing cocoa. Even half a bar of dark chocolate can be deadly for small dog breeds like the Yorkshire terrier.
Is Poisoning Fatal in Dogs?
Whether the poisoning ends fatally depends on the type and amount of the ingested toxin. In addition, the faster the right measures are taken, the higher the chances of success of the treatment. The particularly dangerous parts of plants for dogs include all parts of monkshood, cocoa beans and grapes.
First-aid measures after poisoning
Anyone who notices that their four-legged companion has eaten poisonous parts of plants should take their dog to the vet as soon as possible. Antidotes are now available to veterinarians for some venoms, but not for many. The doctor will therefore usually give the dog medication that leads to the excretion of the toxins, either through vomiting or via the faeces. He also initiates measures to stabilize the dog’s weakened circulation. In addition, he can supply the body with additional liquid through infusions so that the toxins are flushed out more quickly.
As long as the toxins have not yet entered the stomach, giving the dog charcoal tablets (activated charcoal) will help. Their effectiveness is all the higher, the sooner they are administered after the poison has been ingested. They bind the toxins, thus inhibiting their effects on the organism and are then excreted again together with the toxins. The dosage depends on the weight of the dog, he should get one gram of activated carbon per kilo body weight. In order to always be prepared for emergencies when you are out and about or at home, it is advisable to weigh out an individual emergency dose for each dog and have it ready.
If the poisoning is more advanced and the dog is unconscious, it must be placed in the recovery position so that it cannot choke on its vomit. Dog owners should never try to make the dog vomit alone, as it could suffocate if you try to do so. Also, the method that works in humans, using a finger in the throat to induce vomiting, does not work in dogs. Above all, however, it is important to always remain calm, because the dog does not need any further excitement in its condition. And the animal senses exactly what condition its human helper is in.
What to do if a dog ate poisonous plants
Within a short time of ingestion, charcoal tablets can help stop the toxin from spreading through the body. If typical symptoms of poisoning appear, the dog must go to the vet immediately. He should be warmly covered during transport and lie in such a way that he can breathe easily and saliva or vomit can flow off to the side. For the vet, parts of the swallowed plant and a urine or faecal sample should be secured and taken with you.
In the event of poisoning: what should be considered when transporting to the veterinarian?
Even if there is a rush, a quick phone call to the veterinary clinic will ensure the doctor is there and prepared for the patient. If the dog can still walk on its own, it should walk alone. If not, small and medium-sized dogs can usually be accommodated in a transport box. A large dog may need to be carried with a helper. A woolen blanket is suitable as a carrier for this. If no suitable vehicle can be organized in an acute emergency, it is worth calling the fire brigade.
Since many toxins severely weaken the animal’s circulation, the dog should be covered during transport and always kept nice and warm. He needs to lie in a position where he gets enough air to breathe. If he has cramps, he can be placed safely in a pillow trough so he cannot injure himself.
What information does the vet need?
In order for the veterinarian to be able to make the correct diagnosis quickly, he needs to know as much as possible about the type of plant toxin and how it is ingested. Anyone who has noticed which plant caused the poisoning should take a sample of it with them. A photo of the plant and a sample of feces or vomit can also help with the diagnosis. In addition, the doctor must know when the dog consumed how much and which parts of the plant. After all, the individual symptoms that have occurred are important to him in their chronological order.
What Plants Are Deadly to Dogs?
The most poisonous plant in Europe is the monkshood, which contains a high concentration of aconitine in all its individual parts. In humans, the ingestion of 2 to 4 grams of the plant parts is fatal after 30 to 45 minutes, in dogs correspondingly less due to their lower body weight. Many other plant poisonings can also be fatal if the dose is high and treatment is initiated too late.
Poisonous plants for dogs – tips for proper prevention
In order to protect the dog in your own four walls, all plants that may be poisonous to him should be removed or at least placed out of his reach. Since it will probably never be possible to record all toxins completely, the motto applies: when in doubt, throw it away! When buying a houseplant, the florist in the flower shop can usually provide information about which ornamental plants will not harm the four-legged friend.
Even those who redesign their garden can prevent poisoning by choosing harmless shrubs and grasses from the start. In addition, all dog owners should teach their darlings from an early age never to nibble on unfamiliar plants. And with well-founded prior knowledge, the four-legged friend can be kept away from the greatest dangers along the way.
Recommendation from the vet
Veterinarians often have to deal with poisoning in dogs, as there are unfortunately many different ways of ingesting the poison. Not only plants and bait deliberately laid out by dog ​​haters are dangerous, rat poison, snail poison, detergents, antifreeze, mushrooms or foods such as chocolate, grapes and raisins also pose life risks for four-legged friends.
In the event of symptoms of poisoning, veterinarians recommend taking the dog to the veterinary clinic as soon as possible and always remaining calm. Own therapy attempts, apart from the correctly dosed allocation of charcoal tablets, usually bring more harm than good. Above all, the dog must not be given milk or oil, as this means that some toxins are absorbed even more quickly. Due to the large number of different toxins and their modes of action, a specific treatment is not possible for laypersons. If the substance ingested is certain and the dog owner can describe the course of the disease in concrete terms, there is the best chance of a quick, accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
