Flowers are a beautiful addition to any home and garden. Their bright, colorful blooms can bring joy on the darkest days and can even boost your home’s curb appeal. However, as pretty as they are to look at, many species of flowers are toxic for dogs. It is essential to note that not all poisonous flowers are deadly for dogs, though. Some will only cause mild signs if ingested, but dog-owning flower lovers must familiarize themselves with the safe and unsafe flower options.
Read on to learn about the most common flowers you should keep out of your pup’s reach.
How Are Poisonous Flowers for Dogs Classified?
There are far too many toxic components present in flowers for us to speak about in this short article. As you’ll soon see, nearly all of the flowers in our list below contain different toxic principles from one another.
- Glycosides
- Lycorine
- Alkaloids
- Terpenoids
- Saponins
- Oxalates
It’s less important that you, as a dog owner, understand the chemical properties of these toxic principles and how they operate but that you realize the flowers you bring into your home and yard may contain them. Let’s now take a look at 17 poisonous flowers that could potentially harm your dog and what signs you should be on the lookout for.
The 17 Poisonous Flowers for Dogs
1. Azalea
| Toxic principle(s): | Grayanotoxin |
| Other common names: | Rosebay, Rhododendron |
| Scientific name: | Rhododendron spp. |
Azaleas are common flower shrubs with funnel-like flowers. They’re grown as ornamentals for their showy flowers and are native to Asia, Europe, and North America. Both the foliage and flowers of the azalea are valuable for cutting, so they can be found in many styles of bouquets.
Azaleas contain grayanotoxins, which can affect the cardiovascular system. Dogs that ingest any part of the plant may exhibit signs such as vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, and even cardiac failure. If your dog has eaten this plant, you must seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Ingesting 0.2% or more of their body weight in Azelea can lead to clinical signs. The overall prognosis is typically fair with treatment.
2. Tulip
| Toxic principle(s): | Tulipalin A and B |
| Other common names: | N/A |
| Scientific name: | Tulipa spp. |
Tulips are a very popular spring flower, known for their long parallel leaves and cup-shaded flowers. They’re available in a wide range of colors, which makes them extremely popular for bouquets and growing in your garden.
Tulips contain the toxic principles tulipalin A and B, with the highest concentrations of this toxin in the bulbs. Severe poisoning from tulips is most often seen when dogs dig up freshly planted bulbs. Ingestion can cause severe tissue irritation in the mouth and esophagus, resulting in signs such as excessive drooling, diarrhea, and vomiting. In severe cases, difficulty breathing can put the dog’s life in danger.
3. Carnation
| Toxic principle(s): | Unknown |
| Other common names: | Pinks, Wild Carnation, Sweet William |
| Scientific name: | Dianthus caryophyllus |
Carnations are a widely cultivated plant for their gorgeous fringe-petaled flowers. They’re one of the most commonly used flowers in the floral industry.
The toxic principle in carnations is unknown, though ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal and dermatological signs. Thankfully, carnations are only mildly toxic compared to some of the other flowers on our list, but it’s important to be mindful if your dog has access to where your carnations are growing or displayed.
4. Buttercup
| Toxic principle(s): | Protoanemonin |
| Other common names: | Butter Cress, Figwort |
| Scientific name: | Ranunculus spp. |
Buttercups are a mostly perennial plant that produces multi-petaled flowers. They’re distributed throughout the world but are very commonly found in forests and fields in the northern temperate zone. Buttercups are typically considered invasive weeds, though several ornamental varieties do exist.
Buttercups contain the toxin protoanemonin, a bitter-tasting oil that can irritate the gastrointestinal tracts’ mucus membranes. The flower contains the highest concentration of this toxin. Thankfully, the buttercup’s bitter taste typically keeps animals away, so it generally doesn’t pose a serious threat. When ingested, it can cause mouth swelling, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. If your dog were to eat a large amount, they may develop blood in the urine or seizures.
5. Daisy
| Toxic principle(s): | Sesquiterpene, lactones, pyrethrins |
| Other common names: | Chrysanthemum, Mum |
| Scientific name: | Chrysanthemum spp. |
Daisies are one of those flowers that are instantly recognizable, but did you know that the daisy family is one of the biggest plant families? There are over 600 different species and thousands of subtypes. Some daisies, like the Gerber daisy (Gerbera jamesonii), are not toxic to dogs at all. All poisonous varieties will contain varying amounts of toxic principles that could potentially harm your pup. So, before you plant any daisies in your yard or bring home a bouquet of them to display in your home, it’s best to find the species so you can determine if it’s safe for your pup.
Clinical signs of daisy poisoning include incoordination, diarrhea, vomiting, and excessive drooling.
6. Peony
| Toxic principle(s): | Paeonol |
| Other common names: | N/A |
| Scientific name: | Paeonis officinalis |
Peonies are long-lived perennial shrubs with green leaves and fluffy petaled flowers in a variety of gorgeous colors. They are very popular in gardens, and their timeless elegance and charm make them popular in bouquets, too.
Peonies contain the toxin paeonol, especially in their bark. When ingested in large amounts, peonies can cause gastrointestinal signs like vomiting and diarrhea.
7. Poinsettia
| Toxic principle(s): | Diterpenoid euphorbol esters |
| Other common names: | Euphorbia, Lobster Flower, Flame Leaf Flower, |
| Scientific name: | Euphorbia pulcherrima |
Poinsettias are flowering plants with gorgeous red and green foliage that makes them popular in floral displays at Christmastime. Though they have a very bad rap, poinsettias are only mildly toxic to dogs. The sap found in the plant contains chemicals known as diterpenoid euphorbol esters, which contain blistering compounds that can irritate the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and mucous membranes. Dogs that eat poinsettia may exhibit signs such as vomiting, drooling, and sometimes diarrhea. If the sap comes into contact with the skin, dermatological signs may develop, including redness, itchiness, and swelling.
8. Lily of the Valley
| Toxic principle(s): | Cardiac glycosides |
| Other common names: | Convallaria |
| Scientific name: | Convallaria majalis |
The Lily of the Valley is an easy-to-recognize plant thanks to their nodding white bell-shaped flowers accompanied by a leafless stalk. These beautiful flowers are woodland plants native to Asia and Europe. They’re often considered invasive in parts of North and South America as they grow fast and can take over other native vegetation.
This plant contains cardiac glycosides, which can affect your dog’s heart by dropping their heart rate or causing severe cardiac arrhythmia. Other signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures or coma. This is a severely toxic plant for dogs, and immediate veterinary care is required.
9. Oleander
| Toxic principle(s): | Cardiac glycosides |
| Other common names: | Rose-Bay |
| Scientific name: | Nerium oleander |
Oleanders are a popular ornamental shrub used in parks and private gardens in warm subtropical regions. Thanks to their pretty blooms, oleanders can also be found in bouquets and floral arrangements.
All parts of this plant are considered severely toxic. All parts contain naturally-occurring poisons that can affect your pet’s heart and interfere with their electrolyte balance. Signs of oleander ingestion include cardiovascular effects such as an abnormal heart rate, nausea, drooling, tremors, and seizures. In severe, life-threatening cases, your veterinarian may need to administer an expensive antidote.
10. Cyclamen
| Toxic principle(s): | Terpenoid saponins |
| Other common names: | Sowbread, Persian Violet |
| Scientific name: | Cyclamen spp. |
- Toxic principle(s): Terpenoid saponins
- Other common names: Sowbread, Persian Violet
- Scientific name: Cyclamen spp.
Cyclamen is a sweet-smelling perennial plant that makes a fantastic flowering houseplant. It has dark green leaves with veins or blotches and solitary flowers in numerous colors.
This plant contains irritating saponins throughout, though they are more present in the tubers or roots. When ingested, dogs may show clinical signs, including vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea. If eaten in large quantities, cyclamen can cause cardiac issues such as an abnormal heart rate or rhythm, seizures, or even death.
11. Autumn Crocus
| Toxic principle(s): | Colchicine |
| Other common names: | Meadow Saffron |
| Scientific name: | Colchicum autumnale |
The autumn crocus has cup-like blossoms and resembles a true Crocus but is actually a member of an entirely different plant family. Their flowers emerge from the ground a long while before the leaves appear.
If ingested, the autumn crocus can cause vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, multi-organ damage, and respiratory failure. The minimum toxicity is not known, so if you know your dog has eaten any part of the plant, seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
12. Amaryllis
| Toxic principle(s): | Lycorine, phenanthridine alkaloids |
| Other common names: | Belladonna Lily, Cape Belladonna, Naked Lady, etc. |
| Scientific name: | Amaryllis spp. |
Amaryllis are easy-to-grow flowers that are popular due in part to how long they last as cut flowers. They bear a resemblance to Lilies, and are part of the lily family although their toxic effects are different. Their large, trumpet-shaped flowers come in a variety of colors.
The leaves, stem, and bulbs contain phenanthridine alkaloids, which can cause a drop in blood pressure, vomiting, excessive drooling, respiratory issues, and abdominal pain.
13. Hydrangea
| Toxic principle(s): | Cyanogenic glycoside |
| Other common names: | Hills of Snow, Seven Bark |
| Scientific name: | Hydrangea arborescens |
Hydrangea are truly breathtaking flowering shrubs consisting of umbrella-shaped blooms that come in all sorts of colors. The coloring can be somewhat controlled by the acidity of the soil, which is partly what makes them so desirable.
Hydrangeas contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can commonly cause signs such as stomach upset, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. The highest concentration is found in the leaves and flowers. If your dog eats a significant number of hydrangeas, they may be at risk of cyanide poisoning, but this is quite rare.
14. Lavender
| Toxic principle(s): | Linalool, linalyl acetate |
| Other common names: | English Lavender |
| Scientific name: | Lavandula angustifolia |
Lavender is a perennial flowering plant in the mint family. It is very popular for herb gardens as their fragrant leaves smell lovely, and their flowers are gorgeous. Many people use the dried flowers to make sachets to scent their closets.
If ingested, lavender can cause nausea, vomiting, and inappetence. A mild exposure is typically not harmful, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution and reach out to your vet if you believe your dog has eaten the plant.
15. Kalanchoe
| Toxic principle(s): | Bufadienolides |
| Other common names: | Mother-In-Law Plant, Chandelier Plant, etc. |
| Scientific name: | Kalanchoe spp. |
Kalanchoe is a popular succulent with many small, colorful blooms. They’re relatively easy to care for and can add a pop of color to any space.
Kalanchoe belongs to a group of plants that contain cardiac toxins; however, ingestion most often results in gastrointestinal upset or irritation. If a large amount is eaten, there may be a chance for severe cardiac signs to develop.
16. Gladiolus
| Toxic principle(s): | N/A |
| Other common names: | N/A. |
| Scientific name: | Gladiolus species |
Gladiolus is a striking perennial plant known for its tall flower spikes and big, bright blooms. It makes fantastic cutting flowers and looks particularly spectacular in summer bouquets.
Ingestion of this plant can cause gastrointestinal irritation but should not cause systemic toxicity. Other signs may include vomiting, excessive salivation, abdominal pain, and depression. The bulbs contain more of the toxic principle than other parts of the plant.
17. Daffodil
| Toxic principle(s): | Lycorine |
| Other common names: | Narcissus, Paper White, Jonquil |
| Scientific name: | Narcissus spp. |
Daffodils are the ultimate spring flower, promising sunnier days after long, harsh winters. These beautiful plants are easy to keep and reliable perennials that do just as well in a vase as they do in the garden.
As with many of the other plants we’ve looked at today, the bulbs have the highest concentration of the toxin. However, all parts of the plant contain toxic components. There are crystals in the bulb’s outer layer that can cause severe tissue irritation and excessive salivation. Eating the bulb, plant, or bloom can cause gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In some cases, ingestion can also lead to cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression. If you know your dog has eaten any part of your daffodils, we recommend seeking veterinary care as soon as possible.
Featured Image Credit: tonkid, Shutterstock
