More Than 28,000 Pets Were Exposed to Toxic Plants Last Year. Here’s What It Means for Summer Safety
Azaleas were the number one offender for dogs in 2025 — and several of your favorite houseplants made the list.
If you have a garden or a few houseplants on the shelf, you’ve probably wondered whether any of them could hurt your dog or cat. The short answer is yes. Hundreds of common plants pose real risks to pets, and most owners don’t realize which ones are dangerous until something goes wrong.
Whether you’re planting a new flower bed, bringing home a bouquet or just curious about the pothos in your living room, here’s what every pet owner should know about toxic plants and how to keep their animals safe this season.
How common are toxic plant exposures in pets?
The numbers may surprise you. In 2025, ASPCA Poison Control received calls about more than 376,000 items pets were exposed to. Toxic plants made up 7.5% of those cases, totaling roughly 28,000 exposures. Dogs accounted for more than 12,900 of those on their own.
Plants and fungi came in as the sixth most reported category, trailing OTC medications, food and drink, human prescription medications, chocolate and veterinary products.
The risk increases in warmer months. Lance Wheeler, an emergency and critical care specialist at Texas A&M University Small Animal Teaching Hospital, told Campus Insights Media that pets spend more time outside during spring and summer where they encounter plants, fertilizers, pesticides and other environmental hazards.
“Dogs and cats, specifically, are going to be at a higher risk of these intoxications compared to people because they walk directly on treated surfaces and then groom themselves, which can lead to ingestion of harmful substances,” Wheeler added.
Garden plants that are toxic to dogs and cats
Many of the most popular landscaping plants are also some of the most harmful. Azaleas were the number one canine toxic plants exposure reported in 2025 and are equally dangerous for cats. Ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and cardiac failure.
Other outdoor plants toxic to dogs and cats include sago palms, foxgloves, bluebells, crocuses, yew, hydrangea and oleanders.
Seasonal and holiday plants bring additional risk. Poinsettias, lilies, tulips and daffodils are commonly gifted or displayed during holidays, putting pets in close contact with plants that are toxic.
“More common exposures like ivy, aloe and spring bulbs (tulips and daffodils) typically cause mouth and gastrointestinal irritation,” said Susanne Heartsill, DVM, DABVP, U.S. Director at Ceva Animal Health, in an interview with USA Today. She added that bulb ingestion can be more serious.
Houseplants that are toxic plants for cats and dogs
Indoor plants are just as much of a concern as outdoor ones. A large category of common houseplants contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which are tiny needle-like structures found in the leaves and stems.
When a pet chews on one of these plants, the crystals cause immediate irritation to the mouth, along with pain, drooling, vomiting and loss of appetite. In rare cases, consuming large amounts can lead to throat swelling and difficulty breathing.
Some of the most common feline toxic plants and toxic plants for dogs in this category include pothos, peace lilies, philodendrons, ZZ plants, dumb cane, calla lilies, Chinese evergreen, elephant ear, Swiss cheese plant and flamingo plant.
Other houseplants to be aware of include lily of the valley, cyclamen, jade plant, snake plant, kalanchoe, bird of paradise and begonia.
What to do if your pet eats a toxic plant
Acting fast can make a real difference. Here’s what to do if you suspect your pet has eaten something harmful:
- Seek veterinary care immediately if your pet shows signs of vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness or collapse.
- Head straight to a veterinary hospital if your pet is having trouble swallowing or breathing.
- Bring the plant or flower with you to help with identification.
- Remove the plant from your pet’s reach to prevent further exposure.
- Contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661. Both are available 24/7.
Don’t assume your pet is fine just because they look normal. Wheeler cautioned that symptoms can take hours or even days to appear, and it’s always best to err on the side of caution and contact a veterinarian as early as possible.
Preventing plants toxic to cats and dogs from causing harm
Prevention starts with knowing what’s around your home. The ASPCA maintains a searchable database of plants toxic to cats (428 species) and plants toxic to dogs (416 species). Once you know what to look for, a few simple steps can go a long way.
- Remove toxic plants from your home and yard when possible. If removal isn’t an option, use barriers, playpens or elevated stands to keep pets away.
- Supervise your animals outdoors, especially in unfamiliar areas. When walking your dog, keep them from sniffing or chewing plants along trails and sidewalks.
- Swap out toxic plants for pet-safe alternatives like spider plants, Boston ferns, orchids and areca palms.
- Stay alert during holidays when seasonal plants like poinsettias, lilies and tulips are commonly gifted or displayed.
The encouraging news is that overall toxic plant exposures continue to decline, showing that awareness is making a difference. But a single curious nibble is all it takes to turn into something serious. Staying informed is the simplest thing you can do to protect your pets.
The video “Toxins in the home and yard that can affect pets,” featuring Lance Wheeler, an emergency and critical care specialist at Texas A&M University Small Animal Teaching Hospital, was first published on Campus Insights Media.
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Woman's World does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.
