Complete List of Plants Toxic to Dogs UK

Many common garden and wild plants are poisonous to dogs. Some cause mild gastrointestinal upset, whilst others like lilies and sago palms can cause rapid organ failure and death. Knowing which plants are toxic is essential to protecting your dog, both at home and on walks.

The Most Dangerous Plants for Dogs

Lilies — Highly Toxic to Dogs

True lilies (genus Lilium) are among the most dangerous plants for dogs, especially cats. They are toxic in all forms: flowers, stems, leaves, pollen, and bulbs.

Toxic parts: All parts (leaves, flowers, stems, pollen, bulbs)

Toxicity level: Very high—kidney failure can occur from minimal exposure

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain, reduced urination, dehydration, kidney failure

Timeline: Kidney failure can develop within 24–72 hours

Treatment: Immediate IV fluid therapy, kidney monitoring, supportive care. Even with aggressive treatment, some dogs develop irreversible kidney failure

Types to avoid: Asiatic lilies, Oriental lilies, Tiger lilies, Easter lilies, Stargazer lilies, and many others in the true lily family

Sago Palm — Nearly Always Fatal

Sago palm contains cycad glycosides, which cause rapid and severe liver failure. Mortality is high even with aggressive treatment.

Toxic parts: All parts, especially seeds

Toxicity level: Extremely high

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, jaundice (yellowing of gums and whites of eyes), abdominal pain, bruising, bleeding, seizures

Timeline: Liver failure within 12–48 hours

Treatment: Emergency supportive care, liver support, blood transfusions. Most dogs do not survive despite treatment

Note: If you have a sago palm in your home or garden, remove it immediately if you have a dog

Daffodils and Spring Bulbs — Spring Risk

Daffodil bulbs are particularly toxic and are a common Easter and early spring hazard.

Toxic parts: Bulbs (most toxic), flowers, stems, leaves

Toxicity level: High

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, excess drooling, tremors, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures

Timeline: Symptoms within 1–6 hours

Treatment: Supportive care, induced vomiting if within 2 hours, monitoring

Also toxic: Tulips (bulbs especially), hyacinths, snowdrops, crocuses

Toxic Trees and Shrubs

Yew — Common but Deadly

Yew is found in many gardens and churchyards. All parts are toxic.

Toxic parts: All parts, especially seeds/berries

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea, cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure, sudden death

Treatment: Emergency supportive care, cardiac monitoring

Rhododendron and Azalea — Garden Favourites

Both plants contain grayanotoxins that affect the GI system and heart.

Symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weakness, tremors, cardiac problems

Treatment: Supportive care, activated charcoal if within 2 hours

Laburnum — Golden Chain Tree

All parts are toxic, especially seeds.

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, tremors, seizures, hyperthermia

Treatment: Supportive care

Oleander — Outdoor Ornamental

All parts contain cardiac glycosides.

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, heart arrhythmias, tremors, seizures

Treatment: Emergency cardiac monitoring and supportive care

Conkers (Horse Chestnuts) — Autumn Hazard

Conkers are a particular risk in autumn when they fall in parks and gardens.

Toxic parts: Seeds (conkers), leaves

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, drooling, lethargy, weakness

Treatment: Supportive care, monitoring

Toxic Berries and Fruits

Several plants produce toxic berries that dogs may be tempted to eat:

• Yew berries — Red, juicy-looking but highly toxic
• Nightshade — Black berries containing solanine
• Pokeweed berries — Attractive to dogs but toxic
• Rowan berries — Can cause gastrointestinal upset in large amounts
• Baneberry — White or red berries, highly toxic

Other Toxic Garden Plants

The following plants are also toxic to dogs:

• Foxglove — Contains cardiac glycosides; all parts toxic
• Bleeding heart — Leaves and stems contain toxic compounds
• Hellebore (Christmas rose) — All parts toxic, skin contact can cause dermatitis
• Hydrangea — Leaves and buds contain cyanogenic compounds
• Privet — Berries and leaves can cause GI upset
• Elder — Unripe berries, leaves, and bark are toxic
• Hemlock and water hemlock — Extremely toxic; can cause severe burns on skin contact
• Monkshood — All parts are poisonous
• Linseed — Seeds contain cyanogenic compounds
• Mushrooms — Wild varieties can be extremely toxic; avoid contact

Autumn-Specific Hazards

Autumn brings particular risks in the UK:

• Acorns — Can cause intestinal obstruction and GI upset
• Conkers — Toxic seeds commonly found in parks
• Fallen fruit — Rotting fruit in gardens can ferment and produce alcohol
• Fallen leaves — Some composting leaves produce toxins

Spring-Specific Hazards

• Daffodils, crocuses, snowdrops, hyacinths, tulips — Bulb planting season creates risk of dogs digging and eating bulbs
• Easter lilies — Common gift plant with high toxicity

What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Toxic Plant

1. Identify the plant — Take a photo or bring a sample
2. Remove plant material — Carefully remove any remaining plant from mouth and paws
3. Call your vet immediately — Even if symptoms haven't appeared
4. Call the Animal PoisonLine — 01202 509000 (UK, 24/7)
5. Have ready: plant identification, amount eaten, time of ingestion, your dog's weight
6. Follow veterinary instructions precisely
7. Bring the plant (or a photo) to the vet for identification

Prevention

At home:

• Remove toxic plants entirely if possible, or place behind secure barriers
• Be vigilant during bulb planting season (autumn/spring)
• Prevent access to garden compost
• Supervise outdoor time
• Train a reliable "leave it" command

On walks:

• Avoid parks with yew trees, conkers, or toxic shrubs during peak seasons
• Keep your dog on a lead in unfamiliar areas
• Don't allow your dog to eat berries or fruits found outdoors
• Train your dog not to eat fallen items

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