Most dogs and cats ignore most plants. But puppies chew everything, some cats graze, and a few common garden plants are dangerous in small amounts. You don't need a garden without anything toxic in it; you need to know the handful that are emergencies, keep those away from pets, and pick safe plants where your animals spend their time.
This is a general guide, not veterinary advice. If your pet has eaten something, call your vet.
The emergencies
These can cause organ failure or heart problems. Don't plant them where pets roam, and treat any chewing as urgent.
- Lilies and daylilies, for cats. Any part, even pollen, can cause kidney failure in cats. Dogs are not affected in the same way, but if you have a cat, leave them out of the garden and out of vases.
- Sago palm. Every part, especially the seeds; it can cause liver failure in dogs.
- Oleander. It contains heart toxins (cardiac glycosides), and so does every part of the plant.
- Yew. The leaves and seeds can cause sudden heart failure. Common in hedges, so check what you already have.
- Autumn crocus / meadow saffron. Contains colchicine. It isn't the same plant as the spring crocus, which is far milder.
- Foxglove and lily of the valley. Both contain heart toxins.
- Azaleas and rhododendrons, and mountain laurel. Grayanotoxins cause vomiting and drooling and, in larger amounts, heart problems.
Usually milder, but worth knowing
These mostly cause vomiting, diarrhea or a sore mouth. Keep an eye on chewers.
- Daffodils and tulips: the bulbs are the most toxic part, which matters for dogs that dig.
- Hosta and hydrangea.
- English ivy and wisteria, especially wisteria's seed pods.
- Heavenly bamboo: the berries contain compounds that release cyanide.
- Peony, Lenten rose and Japanese anemone.
Pet-safe plants to grow instead
These are widely listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs, and they look good.
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| Lilies and daylilies | Snapdragon, zinnia, sunflower |
| Azalea, rhododendron | Camellia (zones 7-9) |
| Hosta in shade | Coral bells, Boston fern in warm climates |
| Foxglove for height | Snapdragon |
| Oleander in hot gardens | Crape myrtle |
| Mixed summer pots | Petunia, basil, rosemary |
"Non-toxic" doesn't mean edible. Any plant can upset a stomach if a pet eats enough of it.
Lay out the garden around your pets
- Keep the most toxic plants out entirely if you have a puppy or a grazing cat. Location doesn't stop a determined chewer.
- Mind the bulbs. Dogs dig up freshly planted bulbs; cover new plantings with wire mesh until they've rooted.
- Watch fallen parts. Seed pods, berries and fallen leaves end up on lawns and patios.
- Leave a path. Dogs patrol the edges of a yard; give them a mulched or gravel run along the fence and they'll trample the beds less.
- Mulch with care. Cocoa shell mulch contains theobromine, the compound in chocolate that's toxic to dogs.
If your pet eats something
- Take the plant away and note what and roughly how much was eaten.
- Call your vet. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply).
- Don't make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
- Take a piece of the plant or a clear photo with you.
Check what's in your garden
Not sure what's growing in your yard? LandscapeGPT's plant identifier has an "Is it safe" mode that names the plant from a photo and says what it can do to children and pets. When you redesign your yard, choose the Safe with pets goal so every plant in the design is pet-friendly, and on the design board, Check plants flags anything toxic to pets.