Toxic Plants for Pets
Jackpot Veterinary Center
Guide to Toxic & Non-Toxic Plants for Pets
Understanding Plant Safety for Your Pets
Certain plants can be harmful to pets if ingested. Use this guide to check if a plant is safe for your cat, dog, or horse. For emergencies, contact Jackpot Veterinary Center (520) 999-3888 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
*Please note this is not an all inclusive list. Consult your vet for questions about toxic plant ingestion.
Toxic Plants by Pet Type
Cats
Toxic:
Lilies (Lilium spp. & Hemerocallis spp.) – Highly toxic, can cause kidney failure.
Aloe Vera – Causes vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Sago Palm – Can cause liver failure and death.
Tulips & Hyacinths – Irritate the mouth, cause vomiting and drooling.
Pothos (Devil’s Ivy) – Can cause oral irritation and vomiting.
Non-Toxic:
Areca Palm
Spider Plant
Boston Fern
Parlor Palm
Calathea
Dogs
Toxic:
Sago Palm – Highly toxic, can cause liver damage and death.
Azaleas – Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and cardiovascular problems.
Oleander – Highly toxic, affects the heart.
Foxglove – Can cause severe heart issues.
Cyclamen – Causes vomiting and can be fatal in large amounts.
Non-Toxic:
Bamboo
Maranta (Prayer Plant)
Herbs like Basil, Rosemary, and Thyme
African Violet
Blue Echeveria
Horses
Toxic:
Red Maple – Can cause severe anemia and kidney failure.
Yew – Extremely toxic, causing sudden death.
Black Walnut – Causes laminitis and colic.
Rhododendron – Can cause colic, tremors, and cardiac issues.
Oleander – Highly toxic, even in small amounts.
Non-Toxic:
Mulberry Trees
Sunflowers
Roses
Hawthorn
Barley
Common Plants in Tucson & the Sonoran Desert
Toxic:
Saguaro Cactus (fruit & flowers safe, but spines can cause injury)
Oleander – Highly toxic to all pets, even in small amounts.
Desert Willow – Can cause mild digestive upset.
Peyote – Can be toxic due to hallucinogenic compounds.
Jimsonweed (Datura) – Highly toxic, affects the nervous system.
Non-Toxic:
Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia) – Pads and fruit are safe for pets in moderation.
Brittlebush – Generally non-toxic, but not highly palatable.
Desert Marigold – Non-toxic but may cause mild stomach upset.
Creosote Bush – Non-toxic but can be strong-smelling and unpalatable.
Agave – Mildly toxic, but usually only causes mild irritation if ingested.
What to Do If Your Pet Ingests a Toxic Plant
Identify the plant – Take a sample or photo.
Check for symptoms – Look for vomiting, lethargy, drooling, or unusual behavior.
Contact a vet immediately – Call Jackpot Veterinary Center or ASPCA Poison Control.
Avoid home remedies – Some treatments may worsen the effects.
For more information or immediate assistance, call Jackpot Veterinary Center at (520) 999-3888.
Stay informed and keep your pets safe!
Jackpot Veterinary Center
6745 N. La Canada Dr., Tucson, AZ 85704