Poisonous plants

Reactions to these plants will vary depending on species, size and the amount they’ve ingested or come into contact with.

We’ve pulled together a list of some of the plants that can be harmful to pets - some of these might cause an upset stomach or irritate their skin, whereas others can be fatal.

Reactions to these plants will vary depending on species, size and the amount they’ve ingested or come into contact with. If you believe your pet is having a reaction to one of the plants listed, contact your vet as soon as possible.

Please note, that this list is not exhaustive.

Find out more about household pet poisons

How to identify a plant

If you have an Apple iPhone with iOS 15 or later, then you can use your iPhone to recognize and identify species of plants.

1. Take a photo of the plant

2. Open Photos and find the image

3. Swipe up on the image

4. Tap Look Up

There are also many other apps which allow you to identify a plant via a photo on the Apple and Android app stores.

Amaryllis

Amaryllis are poisonous to cats and fatal to dogs.

Apricot

The kernels of apricot can be fatal to dogs.

Azalea

Azalea is poisonous to cats, and if eaten in large quantities it can be fatal to your dog.

Bluebell

Bluebells are poisonous to cats, rabbits, and dogs (particularly if dogs eat them in large quantities).

Buttercup

Buttercups are poisonous to cats, rabbits, and dogs.

Castor

The leaves and seeds of a castor plant can be fatal to dogs.

Daffodils

In particular, the leaves and bulbs of a daffodil plant are poisonous to cats and rabbits and fatal to dogs.

Dahlia

Dahlia's are poisonous to cats and even physical contact can irritate their skin.

Dieffenbachia

Plants in the dieffenbachia species are fatal to dogs with symptoms such as loss of balance, tremors, seizures, and diarrhoea.

Foxglove

Foxglove is poisonous to rabbits and dogs, and fatal to cats.

Iris

Iris is poisonous to cats (including irritated skin if in contact), and dogs.

Ivy

Ivy's are poisonous to cats (including irritated skin on contact), rabbits, and dogs (if eaten in large quantities).

Laburnum Tree

The Laburnum Tree (or Golden Chain Tree) is poisonous to dogs.

Lily

Lilies of all types are poisonous to cats, rabbits, and dogs. Water from a vase containing lilies is toxic to cats.

Mistletoe

Mistletoe is poisonous to cats (including irritated skin if in contact), and dogs, and is fatal to puppies in particular.

Oleander

Oleander is poisonous to cats and fatal to dogs. The water in a vase containing oleander is toxic to cats.

Onion

Onions are poisonous to cats, rabbits, and dogs and should not be fed to your pet.

Rhododendron

Rhododendron is poisonous to your cat and fatal to your dog.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb is poisonous to cats and rabbits (particularly for rabbits, the leaves of rhubarb) and fatal to dogs.

Tomato

A tomato plant is poisonous to cats (including irritated skin upon contact), rabbits and dogs.

Tulips

Tulips are poisonous to cats, rabbits, and dogs. Irritated skin can occur for both cats and dogs if they come into contact with this plant.

Yew

Yew is poisonous to rabbits and is fatal to cats and dogs.