Dog Owners: Watch Out for These Plants

by Dr. Ron Rompala

Many people keep ornamental plants for decorations. Especially around the holidays, one can see poinsettias and mistletoe in houses. However, some of these plants can cause problems for dogs. Certain plants or parts of the plants can be toxic and cause illness or death. Some plants that can be harmful to dogs are listed below:

Plants	Poisonous Part
Azalea	All parts
Belladonna	Berries
Bird of Paradise	Fruit, seeds
Boston Ivy	All parts
Caladium	All Parts
Castor Bean Plants	Seeds
Christmas Rose	Roots
Daffodil	Bulbs
Delphinium	Leaves
English Ivy	Leaves, berries
Daphne	Berries, leaves
Foxglove	Leaves, seeds, flower
Glacier Ivy	Leaves
Hemlock	All parts
Hyacinth	Bulbs, leaves, flowers
Hydrangea	Leaves
Jerusalem Cherry	All parts
Jimson Weed	All parts
Jonquil	Bulbs
Lily-of-the-Valley	All parts
Mandrake	Roots
Mistletoe	Berries
Morning Glory	Seeds
Nightshade	All parts
Poinsettia	Leaves, flowers
Poke Weed	All parts
Parlor Ivy	All parts
Red Sage	Green berries
Rhubarb	Leaves
Red Princess	All parts
Saddleleaf	All parts
Umbrella Plant	All parts
Tulip	Bulbs

Signs of toxicity will differ depending on the plant and the amount of toxin consumed. The symptoms of toxicity can be nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing and itching. Dogs exhibiting these symptoms should be taken to a veterinarian immediately if the owner suspects that a poisonous plant was eaten.

© December, 2000. Blue Seal Feeds, Inc.

© Blue Seal Feeds – December, 2000