Many dog owners don’t realize that common houseplants and garden plants are toxic to dogs. Every year, thousands of dogs are treated for plant poisoning — often from plants already in their homes.
The solution isn’t panic or removing every plant. It’s knowing which plants are dangerous, keeping them out of reach, and redirecting chewing behavior safely.
Why Dogs Eat Plants
Dogs chew plants for several reasons:
Curiosity or boredom
Teething or anxiety
Attraction to soil, mulch, or fertilizer
A natural urge to chew
This is especially common in puppies and indoor dogs.
Common Toxic Plants for Dogs
Some of the most dangerous plants for dogs include:
Sago palm (one of the most toxic plants for dogs; can cause liver failure)
Lilies (toxic to dogs and cats)
Aloe vera
Tulips and daffodils (bulbs are especially dangerous)
Azaleas and rhododendrons
Pothos / devil’s ivy
If you’re unsure whether a plant is safe, the ASPCA maintains a searchable list of toxic and non-toxic plants for dogs.
How to Keep Your Dog from Eating Toxic Plants
1. Remove or Block Dangerous Plants
Use hanging planters, raised beds, or small barriers. If your dog can reach it, they can eat it.
2. Avoid Toxic Yard Products
Cocoa mulch, slug bait, and chemical fertilizers are common causes of dog poisoning — sometimes more dangerous than the plants themselves.
3. Redirect Chewing Behavior
This is the step most dog owners miss. Stopping chewing without offering an alternative rarely works.
A Safe Chew Alternative Instead of Plants
Dogs that eat plants usually just want something satisfying to chew. Giving them a healthy, intentional alternative is far more effective than constant correction.
Skye Biscuit is a dog-safe option because it:
Uses simple, real ingredients
Contains no artificial preservatives or fillers
Is gentle on sensitive stomachs
Provides a crunchy texture dogs naturally seek
Training tip:
Keep a Skye Biscuit near plant-heavy areas. If your dog starts sniffing or chewing a plant, redirect immediately and reward them for choosing the biscuit.
Over time, the habit shifts:
Ignore the plant → choose the biscuit → get rewarded
Signs of Plant Poisoning in Dogs
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog shows:
Vomiting or diarrhea
Excessive drooling
Weakness or lethargy
Tremors or seizures
Early treatment can save a dog’s life.
Final Thoughts
Preventing plant poisoning in dogs isn’t about removing all greenery — it’s about knowing which plants are toxic, reducing access, and offering safer alternatives.
A dog-safe home, non-toxic plants, and a healthy chew like Skye Biscuit can prevent emergencies before they happen.