10 plants in the UK that can be poisonous for your dog 

As a dog owner, you’ll likely know that our furry friends have a tendency to get into some mischief now and then. From digging up flower beds to chewing on whatever they can get their paws on, dogs are known for their curious and playful nature. As a responsible owner, it’s important to ensure that they remain safe at all times, especially when it comes to plants. In the UK, there are a variety of plants that can be harmful and even poisonous to dogs. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing 10 of the most common ones to watch out for.



1. Bluebells - These beautiful wildflowers might be a sight to behold, but they can be dangerous to your dog. All parts of the bluebell plant, especially the bulbs, contain toxic saponins which can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, and even heart problems.

2. Daffodils - Daffodils are a popular choice for bouquet decorations in the UK, but they can be harmful to your furry friend. The bulbs, stems, and leaves contain the toxic alkaloid lycorine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.

3. Azalea - This evergreen shrub might be a popular choice for adding a pop of colour to your garden, but its flowers, leaves, and stems contain the toxin grayanotoxane, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and even coma or death in severe cases.

4. Foxglove - The tall and striking foxglove might be a sight to behold with its bell-shaped blooms, but it contains cardiac glycosides that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and even heart arrhythmias if ingested by dogs.

5. Holly - Holly is a staple in Christmas décor, but this plant is toxic for your pooch. The berries contain the toxic obtuse acid, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and depression in dogs.

6. Ivy - Ivy is a popular choice for covering walls and fences, but its leaves and berries contain the toxin hederagenin, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and weakness in dogs.

7. Rhododendron - Rhododendron is a shrub featuring large, colourful blooms, but it can be deadly for your dog. Its leaves and flowers contain grayanotoxane, which cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, and even death in severe cases.

8. Yew - Yew is a common tree in the UK, but it’s one that should be avoided by dog owners. All parts of the plant, except for the red, fleshy fruit, contain the toxin taxine, which can cause vomiting, tremors, and in severe cases, death.

9. Lily of the valley - Lily of the valley might be fragrant flowers that decorate your garden, but all parts of this plant contain the toxin convallotoxin, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and heart problems in dogs.

10. Ragwort - Ragwort is a common weed found in many fields and gardens, but it’s one that should be avoided by dog owners. The toxin pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the plant can damage the liver, leading to vomiting, jaundice, and seizures in dogs.


As a dog owner, it’s important to be aware of the plants in your garden and surrounding areas that could be dangerous to your furry friend. By keeping an eye out for the 10 plants mentioned in this blog, you can ensure your dog remains safe and healthy. If you suspect your dog has ingested any of these plants, it’s important to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.