Poisonous Plants and Vegetables for Pets

By adminCats, Dogs
Sick and sad dog outdoors showing signs of illness, needing veterinary care

Poisonous Plants and Vegetables for Pets

Keep your small friends safe from harmful plants and vegetables

Plants in your home and garden create a beautiful environment, but many common plants can be dangerous to pets. Even some familiar vegetables can be harmful to dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small friends. Understanding which plants are toxic and what to do if your pet ingests them is essential to keeping them safe.

At Small Friends Veterinary Hospital, we are happy to provide guidance on protecting your pets from plant-related hazards. If you ever have concerns about a specific plant, please call us on 02 6262 2233.

Common Poisonous Plants

Bulb Plants

  • Hyacinth

  • Crocuses

  • Daffodils

  • Tulips

  • Iris

  • Gladiolas

  • Narcissus

  • Lilies

Cycad Species Palms

  • Sago palm

  • Japanese palm

Ferns

  • Angel’s fern

  • Asparagus fern

  • Emerald fern

  • Bracken fern

Popular Flowering Plants

  • Cyclamen

  • Hydrangea

  • Foxgloves

  • Morning glory

  • Sweet pea

  • Lantana

  • Ranunculus

  • Angel’s trumpet

  • Buttercup

  • Chrysanthemum

  • Geranium

  • Primrose

  • Clematis

  • Nightshade

  • Chamomile

Trees and Shrubs

  • Stone fruit trees: apricot, peach, nectarine, plum, cherry

  • Citrus trees: grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange

  • Macadamia nut tree

  • Avocado tree

  • Oleander

  • Rhododendron

  • Azalea

  • Daphne

  • Jasmine

  • Gardenia

  • Wisteria

  • Yew

  • Oak

  • White Cedar

Other Common Plants

  • Aloe vera

  • Ivies

  • Dumbcane

  • Poinsettia

  • Wandering Jew

  • Mistletoe

  • Castor bean

  • Yucca

Poisonous Fruits and Vegetables

  • Onion

  • Tomato plants (leaves and stems)

  • Green potatoes

  • Grapes and raisins

  • Pips of stone fruits (apples, apricot, peach, plums, cherry)

  • Avocado

  • Rhubarb

  • Alfalfa

  • Mushrooms

Signs Your Pet May Have Eaten Something Toxic

Some common signs of poisoning include:

  • Vomiting or diarrhoea

  • Dribbling saliva or frothing at the mouth

  • Being unusually quiet or lethargic

  • Shaking or paddling

  • Disorientation or wobbly walking

  • Loss of appetite or collapse

If you notice any of these signs, contact Small Friends Veterinary Hospital on 02 6262 2233 immediately.

What to Do If Your Pet Eats Something Harmful

Bring your small friend to the vet as soon as possible. Early treatment improves outcomes. If possible, bring a sample of the plant or packaging to help with identification.

Important: There are no universal antidotes for plant or vegetable poisoning. Treatments may include:

  • Inducing vomiting (if appropriate)

  • Fluid therapy

  • Medications to protect the stomach and intestines

  • Hospitalisation and careful observation

How to Prevent Poisoning in Your Garden

  • Fence off poisonous plants to keep curious pets away

  • Remove dangerous plants if fencing is not practical

  • Provide plenty of safe alternatives and enrichment for pets to reduce temptation

While it may be heartbreaking to remove a favourite plant, keeping your small friend safe is far more important.

Keep Your Small Friends Safe

Understanding which plants and vegetables are toxic is crucial for pet owners. Regular supervision, safe alternatives, and early veterinary care can help prevent serious illness.

If you have questions about a specific plant or suspect your pet has eaten something poisonous, please call Small Friends Veterinary Hospital.

This blog is dedicated to Chloe May and her family: Carolyn, Sarge, Angus, Winnie, Harry, Bella and Brazil. It is Chloe and her wonderful family who gave us the idea about our poisonous plants and vegetables blog. Thank you very much for your suggestion and concern for our fellow pet owners and their small friends!