Protect your pets: Common toxic plants to avoid

Many common outdoor plants in Australia can pose serious risks to our pets. Whether you have a dog, cat, rabbit, or horse, it’s important to know which plants can harm them. From garden favourites like lilies to daffodils, understanding these risks can help keep your pets safe.

Jump to:
Common toxic outdoor plants for pets
How to tell if your pet ate a toxic plant
What to do if your pet’s eaten a toxic plant
How do vets treat plant poisoning?
How to keep your garden or yard safe for your pets

Common toxic outdoor plants for pets in Australia

1. Oleander (Nerium oleander)

Toxic to: Dogs, cats, horses, rabbits

Looks like: A hardy shrub with narrow, dark green leaves and clusters of flowers in colours like pink, white, or red.

Oleander is a popular ornamental plant, but every part of it is highly toxic to pets. Ingesting even a small amount can cause vomiting, severe abdominal pain, irregular heart rhythms, and, in severe cases, death.

2. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)

Toxic to: Dogs, cats, horses, rabbits

Looks like: A tropical-looking plant with a thick, trunk-like base and long, feathery green fronds.

Sago Palm is a common garden feature in Australia, but it’s extremely toxic. The seeds are especially dangerous, containing toxins that can cause liver failure, vomiting, seizures, and potentially death if ingested.

3. Lantana (Lantana camara)

Toxic to: Dogs, cats, rabbits, horses

Looks like: A fast-growing shrub with small, colourful clusters of flowers in red, orange, yellow, pink, or white, and small green berries.

Lantana is found in many Australian gardens but is highly toxic to pets. Ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, and liver damage, especially in dogs and grazing animals.

4. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Toxic to: Dogs, cats, horses, rabbits

Looks like: A striking plant with tall spikes of tubular, bell-shaped flowers in purple, pink, white, or yellow, often with speckled patterns. Its lance-shaped green leaves form a rosette at the base.

Foxglove is a striking addition to any garden, but it poses a serious risk to pets. This plant contains cardiac glycosides, compounds that can disrupt heart function and lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and severe heart issues. Even a small amount can be highly dangerous. If you have pets, it’s best to avoid planting it.

5. Lily Species (Easter Lily, Tiger Lily)

Toxic to: Cats, dogs, rabbits

Looks like: Large, trumpet-shaped flowers in various colours, including white, pink, orange, and yellow, on tall, slender stems.

Lilies are beautiful but pose a severe risk to cats. Ingesting even a small amount, or brushing against the pollen, can lead to kidney failure. While less toxic to dogs, they can still cause digestive issues. Best to avoid them altogether if you have pets.

6. Brunfelsia (Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow)

Toxic to: Dogs, cats, horses, rabbits

Looks like: A shrub with fragrant flowers that change colour from purple to white over three days.

Brunfelsia is highly toxic to pets, especially dogs. Ingesting it can lead to vomiting, seizures, and, in severe cases, paralysis or death. If you have pets, avoid planting it in your garden or where your horse may graze.

7. Daffodils (Narcissus species)

Toxic to: Dogs, cats, horses, rabbits

Looks like: Bright yellow or white flowers with trumpet-shaped centres, commonly seen in spring.

Daffodils are toxic to pets if ingested. They can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and, in severe cases, heart issues or respiratory distress. Keep pets away from these flowers, especially bulbs, which are the most toxic part.

How to tell if your pet ate a toxic plant

Symptoms of plant toxicity can look different depending on what kind of pet you have. Here’s a quick guide to help you spot some of the signs so you can get them to the veterinarian ASAP.

Signs your dog ate a toxic plant

Right away (within minutes to hours):
You might notice vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, trouble breathing, tiredness, or even seizures.

Later on (hours to days):
Signs of liver damage could show up, like yellowing skin (jaundice), stomach pain, vomiting, fatigue, or neurological issues.

Signs your cat ate a toxic plant

Right away (within minutes to hours):
You might notice vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, trouble breathing, extreme tiredness, or even seizures.

Later on (hours to days):
Watch for signs like swelling, feeling really sluggish, peeing less than usual (which could mean kidney issues), or even some neurological changes.

Signs your horse ate a toxic plant

Right away (within minutes to hours):
Watch for colic, sweating, a rapid heartbeat, or tremors.

Later on (hours to days):
You might notice neurological issues like seizures, tremors, or confusion. Other signs include trouble breathing, liver problems like vomiting, diarrhoea, or jaundice, and even lethargy.

Signs your rabbit ate a toxic plant

Right away (within minutes to hours):
Look out for diarrhoea, bloating, or a loss of appetite.

Later on (hours to days):
Lethargy or trouble breathing can be signs something’s wrong.

What to do if your pet’s eaten a toxic plant

Sometimes, accidents happen, no matter how careful we are. If you’re worried your pet nibbled on a harmful plant, try these steps:

• Gently remove any plant bits from their mouth (but only if it’s safe).
• Call your vet ASAP and let them know what plant it was and any symptoms you’ve noticed.
• Don’t make your pet vomit unless your vet tells you to.
• Bring a piece of the plant with you to the vet – it’ll help them figure out the toxin faster.
• You can also call the Australian Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738.

How do veterinarians treat plant poisoning?

It really depends on the plant and how bad the symptoms are. Here’s what vets might do:

• Make your pet vomit or use activated charcoal to soak up the toxins.
• Give IV fluids to keep them hydrated.
• Use medications to handle things like seizures or heart problems.
• Hospitalise them if it’s a serious case.

How to keep your yard or outdoor space safe for your pet

It’s easier to remove harmful plants than to stop your pets from wandering and exploring every part of the yard. Here’s how to create a pet-safe outdoor space:

• Start by identifying plants that are toxic to your pet. Read the list of dangerous plants at the top of this blog, which includes common culprits like oleander. If you find any, remove them completely – roots and all!
• If removing the plant isn’t an option, consider fencing off the area.
• When planning your garden, choose pet-safe plants, such as bottlebrush, camellias, or native grasses.
• Always supervise your pets when they’re outside to make sure they don’t nibble on something harmful.

By following these steps, you can have a garden that’s not just beautiful but also safe for your pets. Putting in a little effort now can save you a lot of stress later, so your pet can enjoy the outdoors without any worries!