Released On 17th Sept 2025
Got Pets? Avoid These Plants in Your Garden
When you’re planning out your garden, you might choose plants based on how they look, how long they last, or how well they’ll thrive in your specific soil types. All important things to think about. But if you own pets that are going to be using the garden too, particularly dogs and cats, then you also need to think about whether the plants you’re choosing are safe. After all, there are a lot of common garden plants that are highly toxic to household pets. So today, we’re going to give you a rundown of common garden plants to avoid if you have dogs, cats or even rabbits.
What is it: Lilly
What it Does: All parts of the lily plant, from the pollen to the roots, are toxic to all animals, but particularly poisonous to cats. It can cause vomiting, drooling, not eating, drinking and peeing a lot, twitching, seizures and even death. If you think your cat has eaten one or come into contact with one, speak to your vet right away. This isn’t just outdoor lilies either – it’s recommended that you remove lilies from any indoor cut flowers you might have.
What is it: Hydrangea
What it Does: Causes vomiting, lethargy and diarrhoea. If your pet has eaten any part of a hydrangea, you need to contact your vet right away. The earlier treatment is started, the more likely a full recovery is. Hydrangea positioning is usually treated by inducing vomiting, feeding activated charcoal to absorb the toxins, and supportive care to prevent any complications.
What is it: Conkers
What it Does: While they’re only around in the autumn, these pretty little horse chestnuts (or conkers) can post a serious risk to dogs. All parts of the hose chestnut can make your pet ill, including having an upset stomach, excessive drooling and going off their food. Since they’re round, fairly large and hard, they can also be a choking hazard for dogs.
What is it: Lilly of the Valley
What it Does: This is one of the most poisonous plants to both cats and dogs. The plant’s bulb, roots, stems, leaves, blooms and berries are all poisonous. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, blood in their stool, discomfort in their abdomen. If left untreated, eating this plant is lethal, so you need to contact your vet right away.
What is it: Rhododendron
What it Does: A very popular plant for gardens, its beauty hides just how poisonous it can be. Most parts of the rhododendron are toxic, but the leaves are particularly toxic to all animals. Signs of rhododendron poisoning include an upset stomach, weakness, paralysis, abnormal heart rhythms and death. So it’s important to have your pet seen by a vet quickly if you think they’ve eaten rhododendron.
What is it: Angels Trumpets
What it Does: Angels trumpets are an incredibly popular plant because they produce such beautiful blooms. They also produce a strong smell to deter animals from eating them – but not all animals will be put off by it! If your pet eats this, you’ll notice their behaviour change. They might get disoriented, their pupils might dilate, and they’ll start to pant and shake due to hyperthermia. They’ll stop eating, their heart rate and breathing will speed up, and ultimately, they could die. Immediate vet care will be needed.
What is it: Tulips
What it Does: When Spring comes around, tulips are a beautiful seasonal flower to include in your garden. And on the surface, they don’t look all that harmful. But if you have a dog (or a cat) that likes digging, then they might find the bulbs. These contain high levels of toxic chemicals, and can make your dog very ill. Symptoms include an upset stomach, depression and loss of appetite. If you have tulips and you see these signs, it’s important to contact your vet and monitor your pet closely.
What is it: Foxgloves.
What it Does: All parts of foxgloves are poisonous to animals, and even humans. The plants contain toxins called cardiac glycosides, which affect the heart by disrupting its internal balance. Early signs of foxglove poisoning include nausea, tremors and collapse. If you think your pet has eaten foxglove, it’s a medical emergency. It doesn’t have an antidote, so it’s all about supportive care.
What is it: Iris
What it Does: Another very popular bedding plant, all of the iris is poisonous to dogs, cats and horses, with the bulb being the most toxic part. Again, this is most risky for pets who like to dig! Eating it can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, drooling and abdominal pain. It can also irritate the eyes and skin. As with most of these plants, if you suspect your pet has eaten any, they need to see a vet right away.
We know that list might look a bit scary, but don’t worry! There are plenty of beautiful plants you can fill your garden with that are perfectly safe for pets of all shapes and sizes. If you’d like some help planning your planting, get in touch with the team at CMA Garden Design today.
