Poisonous Plants for Dogs

Some common plants can be toxic to dogs. While most dogs instinctively avoid harmful plants, curiosity or boredom can sometimes lead them to chew on something dangerous. Depending on the plant, this can cause mild symptoms like vomiting—or lead to serious illness or even death. Below is a list of popular houseplants known to be toxic to dogs. This list isn’t exhaustive, so if you don’t see a plant from your home or garden here, it doesn’t mean it’s necessarily safe.   Further information can be found from the reliable sources we've linked to below.

If your dog is unwell and you're concerned about something they've eaten contact your local vet as soon as possible.  Also find lists of emergency vets and mobile vets near you.

 Popular houseplants known to be toxic to dogs

This list of toxic plants for dogs was gathered from the Cornell University – Department of Animal Science website - A growing reference with plant photos, images of affected animals, and presentations covering the botany, chemistry, toxicology, diagnosis, and prevention of plant and natural flora (including fungi) poisonings in animals.

For a more detailed look at plants that may be harmful to dogs, there are several reliable resources that we can recommend:

Agriculture Victoria offers a guide on the toxicity of plants for dogs, directly addressing both native and imported species found in Australian gardens, with clear symptoms and practical health advice.

The MSD Veterinary Manual provides an up-to-date, professional review of key toxic plants across Australia—especially useful during drought or bushfire seasons when certain species become more hazardous to pets.

The team at Gentle Dog Trainers has compiled a detailed list of 30 common and native Australian plants toxic to dogs—including wattles, sago palm, lantana, brinjal, and more—with helpful context on where they’re typically found and how concerned pet owners should be.

You can also explore the ASPCA’s Toxic Plant List, a comprehensive database that covers hundreds of plants and their effects on dogs, cats, and other animals. It’s especially useful for identifying houseplants and imported ornamentals commonly found in homes around the world.