Lilies, Sago palm, oleander, and more—identify the plants that pose the greatest risk to dogs and cats, and learn the clinical signs of plant toxicity.
Warning: Lilies are extremely toxic to cats—a single leaf or petal can cause acute kidney failure. Sago palm and oleander are highly toxic to both dogs and cats. Do not wait for signs to appear; early decontamination can be life-saving.
Lilies of the Lilium and Hemerocallis genera (Easter lily, tiger lily, daylily, Asiatic lily) are nephrotoxic to cats. All parts of the plant are toxic—even pollen or water from the vase. Ingestion of a single leaf or petal can cause acute kidney failure. Signs: Vomiting, lethargy, anorexia within hours; oliguria and azotemia within 24-72 hours. Action: Immediate veterinary care. Aggressive IV fluid diuresis is essential. Do not keep lilies in homes with cats.
All parts of the Sago palm (Cycas revoluta) are toxic, but the seeds (nuts) are most concentrated. The toxin, cycasin, causes severe hepatotoxicity and can also cause GI signs and neurologic effects. Signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, liver failure, coagulopathy, death. Action: Emergency care. Prognosis is guarded even with aggressive treatment.
Oleander contains cardiac glycosides that cause cardiotoxicity—bradycardia, arrhythmias, and hyperkalemia. All parts are toxic, including dried leaves. Signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, collapse, cardiac arrhythmias. Action: Emergency care. Treatment includes antiarrhythmics and supportive care.
These plants contain grayanotoxins that affect sodium channels, causing vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, hypotension, and potentially coma. Ingestion of even a few leaves can be serious.
Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation, hypersalivation, and swelling. Rarely life-threatening but painful. Rinse mouth; offer water or milk. Seek care if swelling impairs breathing.
Bulbs contain toxins that cause vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. Ingestion of large amounts of bulbs can cause more severe signs. Keep bulbs out of reach during planting season.
Contains colchicine, which causes severe GI signs, bone marrow suppression, and multi-organ failure. Highly toxic; emergency care is critical.
Contains cardiac glycosides similar to oleander. Causes vomiting, arrhythmias, and potentially death.
Contain calcium oxalate crystals. Cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting. Usually self-limiting but uncomfortable.
Cannabis ingestion causes ataxia, lethargy, urinary incontinence, and sometimes hyperreactivity or coma. While rarely fatal, pets may require supportive care. Keep edibles and plants secured.
Additional toxic plants include: castor bean (ricin), yew (taxines), foxglove (cardiac glycosides), autumn crocus, and many more. When in doubt, assume a plant may be toxic and keep it out of reach.
Use the Toxic Plant Scanner to take a photo of any plant and let AI identify if it's toxic to your pet. Contact the Toxicology Specialist for immediate guidance. Bring a photo or sample of the plant for identification when seeking care.
- Lilies — nephrotoxic to cats; single leaf can cause kidney failure; do not keep in homes with cats.
- Sago palm, oleander — highly toxic; emergency care critical.
- Contact vet or poison control immediately — do not wait for signs; early decontamination saves lives.
- Use Toxic Plant Scanner — identify unknown plants before exposure.