If your pet has eaten a toxic plant
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline immediately — don't wait for symptoms to appear. Bring the plant (or a photo of it) with you if possible so it can be identified quickly.
This list covers common plants but isn't exhaustive, and toxicity can depend on the part of the plant eaten and how much. Always double check with your vet or a poison control service if you're unsure.
Plants toxic to dogs or cats
Every plant the checker currently flags as toxic, so you can scan the list without searching one by one.
| Plant | Dogs | Cats |
|---|---|---|
| Lily (true lilies, e.g. Easter, Tiger) | Mild | Toxic |
| Pothos (Devil's Ivy) | Toxic | Toxic |
| Aloe Vera | Toxic | Toxic |
| Snake Plant | Toxic | Toxic |
| Peace Lily | Toxic | Toxic |
| Rubber Plant | Toxic | Toxic |
| ZZ Plant | Toxic | Toxic |
| Aloe Plant | Toxic | Toxic |
| Philodendron | Toxic | Toxic |
| English Ivy | Toxic | Toxic |
| Tulip | Toxic | Toxic |
| Daffodil | Toxic | Toxic |
| Sago Palm | Toxic | Toxic |
| Chrysanthemum | Toxic | Toxic |
| Jade Plant | Toxic | Toxic |
| Fiddle Leaf Fig | Toxic | Toxic |
Commonly kept plants that are not toxic: Spider Plant, Boston Fern, Areca Palm, Money Tree, Calathea, African Violet, Orchid, Succulents (Echeveria, Hens & Chicks), Basil, Rosemary, Christmas Cactus.
Two entries deserve singling out. True lilies (Easter, Tiger, Asiatic, Day) are in a category of their own for cats: even pollen groomed off the coat, or water from the vase, can cause acute kidney failure, and treatment is time-critical. Sago palm is the most dangerous plant on this list for dogs, because the seeds can cause liver failure and the fatality rate is high even with treatment. Neither should be in a home with pets.
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Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my pet ate a toxic plant?
Call your veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital, or a poison control hotline straight away rather than waiting for symptoms. Take the plant or a clear photo with you so it can be identified. Do not try to make your pet vomit unless a veterinary professional tells you to, because with some plants that causes further damage on the way back up.
Which plants are most dangerous to cats?
True lilies, by a wide margin. Easter, Tiger, Asiatic, and Day lilies can cause acute kidney failure in cats from very small exposures, including pollen brushed onto the fur and later groomed off, or water from the vase. Cats show vomiting and lethargy first, and treatment works best when started within hours, so a suspected lily exposure is an emergency even if the cat seems fine.
Which plants are most dangerous to dogs?
Sago palm is the standout. All parts are toxic and the seeds are the worst, causing liver failure that can be fatal even with prompt treatment. Tulip and daffodil bulbs matter for dogs that dig, since the bulb is far more toxic than the leaves or flowers.
Is the poinsettia really deadly?
No, and this is one of the most persistent pet myths. A poinsettia typically causes mild mouth and stomach irritation, some drooling, and occasionally vomiting. It is worth keeping out of reach, but it is not in the same category as a lily or a sago palm, and the reputation is out of proportion to the risk.
Does this list cover every plant?
No. It covers thirty of the most commonly kept houseplants and garden plants, and toxicity also depends on which part was eaten and how much. If a plant is not listed here, check the ASPCA's full database or call a poison control service rather than assuming it is safe.