9 Common Houseplants That May Be Quietly Putting Pets at Serious Risk Indoors

Every time a rescue animal goes home with a new family, it’s a moment worth celebrating. But as shelter volunteers and foster coordinators know, a safe home environment is just as important as a loving one. One of the most overlooked hazards for newly adopted pets? The houseplants already sitting on the windowsill.

This guide covers nine widely available indoor plants known to be toxic to cats and dogs — the kinds of plants adopters are statistically likely to already own. Share it at adoption events, text it to new foster families, or print it as a quick-reference handout. The information below is sourced from veterinary organizations and can be passed along with confidence.

The Plants to Watch For

Sago Palm

This may be the most dangerous plant on the list. Southern Cross Pet Insurance warns: “Sago isn’t actually a palm, but a cycad. Cycads can be lethally poisonous to dogs due to a toxin called cycasin, which causes abdominal pain, seizures, coma and liver failure. Over in Australia, the sago palm is one of the Animal Poisons Helpline’s most reported dog poisonings.” When counseling adopters, this is one plant worth flagging with urgency.

Lilies

Lily toxicity is especially critical for cat adopters to understand. Southern Cross Pet Insurance states: “Peace lilies have recently surged in houseplant popularity thanks to their air-purifying qualities. While they may be practical and on-trend houseplants, it’s best to avoid them if you have pets, especially cats. All members of the lily family are highly toxic to cats and can cause organ failure. Be mindful if you’re gifted a bouquet with lilies, too.” That last point about bouquets is worth emphasizing — new adopters may not think about cut flowers as a risk.

Aloe Vera

Aloe is one of the most common household succulents, which makes it an easy one to overlook. Vet Radar writes, “Aloe vera is celebrated for its healing properties for humans, but it’s not as friendly to our four-legged friends. The plant contains compounds that can lead to gastrointestinal distress if ingested by dogs. Aloin, a bitter yellow substance found in the latex of aloe leaves, is the primary culprit.”

Devil’s Ivy

Popular for indoor decoration, devil’s ivy poses a hidden risk. Vet Radar says, “These lush green houseplants are a favorite choice for indoor decoration. However, they hide a potentially harmful secret: calcium oxalate crystals. These microscopic crystals, when chewed or swallowed by dogs, can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing.”

Snake Plant

Another low-maintenance favorite that new pet owners may already have at home. Vet Radar notes: “These houseplants are known for their low maintenance and air-purifying qualities, making them common choices for pet owners. However, they can still cause mild toxicity in dogs, resulting in symptoms like vomiting and drooling if ingested.”

Jade Plant

Southern Cross Pet Insurance warns pet owners about this pretty plant. “Also known as a money plant because it’s said to enhance wealth, this cute succulent could end up costing you money. We don’t know what’s in jade plants that makes them so bad for cats and dogs. But they can cause vomiting, depression and incoordination if consumed.”

Oleander

Oleander which ls also known as Nerium is more commonly found in outdoor gardens, but some gardeners bring them inside for the winter. These plants contain cardiac glycosides, which can cause unpleasant symptoms for dogs and cats alike, such as drooling, diarrhea, abdominal pain, abnormal heart rhythm, and even some neurologic signs.

Chrysanthemum

These flowers contain several toxic components that can cause illness in pets if ingested, including vomiting and incoordination. However, symptoms are mild for most if a pet only eats a small amount.

Hyacinth

VCA Animal Hospitals says, “The toxins in this spring-blooming perennial are concentrated in the roots and bulbs. Chewing on the bulbs can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, profuse drooling and burns to the mouth. Tulips also belong to the same plant family and can cause similar symptoms if the bulbs are ingested.”

Symptoms Checklist: Print and Share

This is the section to clip, screenshot, or text to every new adopter. According to GuideDogs.com, symptoms of plant toxicity in dogs include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Drooling or excessive salivation
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy or weakness
• Pawing at the mouth or face (from irritation or burning)
• Trouble breathing or coughing
• Increased heart rate
• Dilated pupils
• Tremors, seizures, or uncoordinated movement
• Swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat
• Skin irritation or rashes (from contact with certain plants)

How to Use This Guide

As a volunteer or foster coordinator, you are often the last point of contact before a pet goes home. Consider keeping this list accessible — on your phone, at the front desk, or in your adoption packet. The plants listed above are popular, affordable, and sold in nearly every grocery store and home improvement center, which means adopters may not think twice about having them around.

Encouraging families to do a quick walkthrough of their home before bringing a new pet inside can make a meaningful difference. When in doubt, advise adopters to move plants out of reach or rehome them entirely. A safe home is the foundation of a successful adoption.

This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.