Houseplants Poisonous to Dogs: 7 Common Ones to Avoid

Houseplants poisonous to dogs are hiding in plenty of homes, often the most popular, easy-care plants on the shelf. If you searched “houseplants poisonous to dogs,” here are seven common ones to avoid, plus the pet-safe plants you can grow instead.

Here is the thing: dogs chew out of boredom, not hunger, so even a plant on the floor in the corner is fair game. Knowing the risky ones keeps your dog safe.

Why houseplants poisonous to dogs are a real risk

Dogs explore the world with their mouths. A new plant is a new thing to taste, and puppies are the worst for it.

That is why houseplants poisonous to dogs cause so many emergency calls. The fix is not to give up plants, but to know which ones are dangerous and keep them out of the house or out of reach.

7 houseplants poisonous to dogs

These seven houseplants poisonous to dogs are all confirmed toxic by the ASPCA. Ranked roughly from most to least dangerous:

• Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta): the most dangerous on this list. Toxic to dogs, it can cause liver failure and death. Even one or two seeds can be fatal.
• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): toxic to dogs. The calcium oxalates cause intense mouth burning, drooling, and trouble swallowing.
• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): toxic to dogs. This super-common trailing plant causes oral irritation and vomiting.
• Philodendron: toxic to dogs. Like pothos, it irritates the mouth and gut. All varieties are listed.
• Snake Plant (Sansevieria): toxic to dogs, causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Aloe Vera: toxic to dogs. The leaf causes vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea. See my full aloe vera safety guide.
• Jade Plant (Crassula): toxic to dogs, causing vomiting, low mood, and incoordination. See my jade plant safety guide.

If you own any of these houseplants poisonous to dogs, move them well out of reach today, or rehome them to a pet-free space.

Signs your dog ate a toxic houseplant

After contact with houseplants poisonous to dogs, watch for:

• Drooling, pawing at the mouth, or vomiting
• Diarrhea or loss of appetite
• Lethargy or weakness
• Difficulty swallowing or swelling around the mouth
• With sago palm: bruising, yellow gums, or collapse — a medical emergency

What to do if your dog eats a houseplant

Act quickly and calmly:

• Remove the plant and clear any chewed leaves or soil.
• Check your dog’s mouth and gently remove plant pieces.
• Do not induce vomiting unless a vet directs you to.
• Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
• Note the plant name and how much was eaten so your vet can act fast.

Pet-safe houseplants to grow instead

Skip the houseplants poisonous to dogs and reach for these ASPCA non-toxic favorites:

• Spider plant: tough, forgiving, and safe.
• Boston fern: lush and pet-safe. See my Boston fern care guide.
• Areca palm: a big, safe statement plant. See my areca palm care guide.
• Calathea: stunning patterns, pet-safe. See my calathea care guide.
• Money tree: hardy and safe. See my money tree care guide.

Always confirm any new plant on the ASPCA database before bringing it home.

Houseplants poisonous to dogs FAQ

What is the most poisonous houseplant for dogs?
The sago palm is the most dangerous of the houseplants poisonous to dogs. The ASPCA notes it can cause liver failure and death, even in small amounts.

Is pothos poisonous to dogs?
Yes. Pothos is toxic to dogs per the ASPCA, causing mouth irritation and vomiting.

Are snake plants poisonous to dogs?
Yes. Snake plants are toxic to dogs and can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

My dog chewed a peace lily. What now?
Rinse the mouth, offer water, and call your vet or the ASPCA hotline. Peace lily causes painful mouth irritation and drooling.

What houseplants are safe for dogs?
Spider plant, Boston fern, areca palm, calathea, and money tree are all pet-safe alternatives to houseplants poisonous to dogs.

The bottom line

Many beloved houseplants are poisonous to dogs, from the deadly sago palm to everyday pothos and peace lily. Keep the risky ones out of the house, swap in pet-safe plants, and you can have a green home and a healthy dog.

Want safe picks? Try my money tree care guide or areca palm care guide. And if you have a cat, see flowers toxic to cats.

If your pet ever chews something you are unsure about, here are the signs your pet ate a toxic plant and what to do next.

Sources

• ASPCA — Sago Palm (toxic to dogs)
• ASPCA — Peace Lily
• ASPCA — Jade Plant
• ASPCA — Aloe
• ASPCA — Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List for Dogs

Written by Mo Ruman, a self-taught plant parent who cross-checks every plant against the ASPCA database. Not a vet — when in doubt, call your vet. More about Kijani Paws · Ask me about a plant.