Toxic plants for dogs and cats
The ASPCA maintains the gold-standard plant toxicity database. Here is a browsable, species-filtered summary of the most common dangerous houseplants and garden plants.
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control - Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Database
Toxic plants for dogs
Top 30 garden and houseplants hazardous to dogs. Sago palm, azalea, oleander, foxglove and more.
Toxic plants for cats
All lilies plus 30+ other dangerous plants. Cats face unique risks dogs do not.
Top 15 most-searched toxic plants
| Plant | Setting | Dogs | Cats | Key note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lily (Lilium sp.) | Houseplant | CAUTION | EMERGENCY | Catastrophic for cats; mild for dogs |
| Sago Palm | Garden / Houseplant | EMERGENCY | EMERGENCY | All parts; seeds most lethal |
| Azalea / Rhododendron | Garden | TOXIC | TOXIC | Grayanotoxins cause vomiting and cardiac issues |
| Oleander | Garden / Outdoor | TOXIC | TOXIC | All parts; cardiac glycosides |
| Foxglove | Garden | TOXIC | TOXIC | Cardiac glycosides; very dangerous |
| Tulip (bulb) | Garden / Houseplant | TOXIC | TOXIC | Bulb most toxic; causes GI and CNS effects |
| Daffodil (bulb) | Garden | TOXIC | TOXIC | Lycorine causes vomiting and cardiac effects |
| Poinsettia | Houseplant | CAUTION | CAUTION | Mildly irritating; overblown reputation |
| Mistletoe | Holiday decoration | TOXIC | TOXIC | Berries particularly toxic |
| Philodendron | Houseplant | CAUTION | CAUTION | Insoluble oxalates; oral irritation |
| Pothos (Devil's Ivy) | Houseplant | CAUTION | CAUTION | Common houseplant; oral and GI irritation |
| Peace Lily | Houseplant | CAUTION | CAUTION | Not a true lily; causes oral irritation, not kidney failure |
| Dieffenbachia | Houseplant | CAUTION | CAUTION | Oxalate crystals; severe oral and throat irritation |
| Aloe Vera | Houseplant | CAUTION | CAUTION | Saponins and anthraquinones; GI upset |
| Tomato plant (green parts) | Garden | CAUTION | CAUTION | Leaves and unripe fruit; ripe tomatoes safe in moderation |
Looking for pet-safe houseplants?
Want to keep plants in your home without the worry? Many beautiful houseplants are completely safe for dogs and cats. Spider plants, Boston ferns, orchids, and African violets are all ASPCA-approved.
Full pet-safe plant guide coming soon. In the meantime, check the ASPCA non-toxic plant database.
Not veterinary advice. If your pet has ingested any potentially toxic substance, call ASPCA Poison Control 888-426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661 immediately. For emergencies, contact your veterinarian. This site is educational only.