What Plants Are Safe for Pets?
Learn which houseplants and garden plants to avoid, safer options for pets, and what to do if your dog or cat eats a toxic plant.
Key takeaways
- Lilies, sago palm, azaleas, and oleander are among the most toxic plants for pets.
- Spider plants, Boston ferns, marigolds, and sunflowers are safer alternatives.
- If your pet eats a toxic plant, call your vet or poison control immediately — don't wait.
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
Veterinary Educational Resource
Many popular houseplants and garden plants are beautiful but can be dangerous if chewed or eaten by a curious dog or cat. Knowing which plants are safe and which to avoid can help you create a pet-friendly home and yard.
Plants That Are Toxic to Pets
Some of the most common toxic plants include lilies (especially dangerous to cats, even in small amounts), sago palm, azaleas, tulip and daffodil bulbs, and oleander. Ingesting any of these can cause symptoms ranging from vomiting and drooling to organ failure, so it's best to keep them out of reach or avoid them entirely if you share your home with pets.
Pet-Safe Options for Your Home and Garden
If you love greenery, there are plenty of options that are generally safe for curious noses and mouths, including spider plants, Boston ferns, marigolds, snapdragons, and sunflowers. These bring color and texture to your home or garden without the same level of risk.
What to Do If Your Pet Eats a Toxic Plant
If you suspect your pet has chewed on or swallowed a potentially toxic plant, don't wait for symptoms to appear. Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline right away, and try to identify the plant so your vet knows what you're dealing with.
Not sure whether a plant in your home or yard is pet-safe? Give Northwest Animal Clinic a call, we're happy to help you keep your pets safe while you enjoy your garden.
When to call us: If your pet shows signs of illness, call Northwest Animal Clinic at 505-898-1491.
Reviewed by the veterinary team at Northwest Animal Clinic & Hospital on May 11, 2026.
Have a question about your pet's health?
Our doctors see patients by appointment Monday through Friday. Call our pet care team to schedule a visit.
