A surprising number of plants commonly found in Fresno County gardens and homes are toxic to dogs and cats, according to Fresno County Master Gardener Karen Basso. Most pets instinctively refrain from chewing or eating poisonous plants, but certain animals don't have this natural inclination and young ones are still learning.

“It's the puppies and kittens you have to worry about,” Basso said. “Pet owners should become familiar with the toxic plants, even if they don't have them in their own homes and yards. After all, we walk our dogs, and cats will roam.”

Basso shared an experience of a dog owner in Northern California who had a lavender plant near the dog's water dish.

“He let the lavender fall into the dog's water dish and the dog had a seizure after drinking from it,” she said. “I, too, wouldn't have had a second thought about such a common plant.”

Basso advises pet owners to be careful, but not paranoid, about plants.

“I have many of the plants that are considered poisonous in my own home,” she said. “But I have never had a poisoning incident over the years with my many pets.”

Speaking at a Zoom presentation sponsored by the Woodward Park Library, Basso shared the names of plants that can cause mild symptoms like drooling, and those that cause much more serious concerns, even leading to death. Her list is not exclusive; there may be other less-common plants that can pose a danger to animals. Basso noted that all the plants she is sharing do well in the San Joaquin Valley and are commonly found in Fresno County homes and landscapes.

(For pictures of the plants and more information, see the Zoom presentation.)

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Outdoor plants toxic to dogs and cats:

Azaleas. Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, cardiac failure.

Asparagus fern. Causes gastric/intestinal upset and allergic dermatitis.

Box wood. Causes vomiting and diarrhea.

Calla lilies. They cause irritation to mouth and lips.

Chives. Causes blood in the urine and increased heart rate.

Daffodils. Cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and cardiac problems leading to death.

Day lilies. All lilies in the family are poisonous to dogs and cats. They can cause vomiting, tiredness, kidney failure and even death.

English Ivy. Causes increased salivation and abdominal pain.

Ficus and other euphorbias. They produce a white, milky substance within the stems and leaves that can cause blindness.

Fox glove (Digitalis). Can cause cardiac failure.

Garlic. Vomiting and breakdown of red blood cells

Geraniums (Pelargoniums). Cause vomiting, depression and dermatitis.

Hellebores. Can cause drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea.

Holly. It has low toxicity, but can cause vomiting, diarrhea and depression.

Hydrangea. Cause vomiting, depression. It can eventually kill a dog or cat if they keep chewing on it.

Mistletoe. Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, low heart rate. (People bring in mistletoe during the holidays. This is not a good idea.)

Oleander. These grow all over Fresno, even on freeway medians, because they are drought tolerant and hardy. If eaten, it can cause drooling, abdominal pain and cardiac problems.

Onions. Causes vomiting and the breakdown of red blood cells.

Poinsettia. Causes excessive drooling.

Rhubarb. The leaves are deadly to pets. They cause kidney failure and excessive salivation.

Sweet peas. They can cause weakness, tremors, and even death in dogs and cats.

Tulips. Causes vomiting, diarrhea and depression. The bulb is worse than the flower.

White cyclamens. It can cause excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, heart rhythms and even death.

Wisteria. Can cause vomiting, diarrhea and depression.

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Common indoor plants toxic for pets:

Aloes. Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and occasionally, tremors. Severe dehydration is also a risk.

Amarillys. A very popular Christmas flower that can be purchased at nurseries, grocery and big box stores. They can cause vomiting, diarrhea and tremors.

Begonia. Can cause vomiting and excessive salivating in dogs and cats.

Dracaena. It can cause toxic vomiting and excessive salivating.

Dieffenbachia (dumb cane plant). It can cause oral irritation, swelling and drooling.

Geraniums: They can cause cardiac failure, leading to death.

Jade plant. They can cause vomiting, depression and lack of coordination.

Monstera deliciosa. This plant contains cyanide. 

Pathos. It can cause oral irritation and excessive drooling.

Peace lily. Can cause vomiting.

Snake plant. Can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Weeping fig. It can cause skin and gastric/intestinal irritation.

ZZ plant. Can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

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Basso also shared a list of plants that are perfectly safe for pets:

Alyssum

Bachelors' buttons.

Boston fern.

Bottle brush.

Canna lily.

Cast iron plant.

Christmas cactus.

Coral bells.

Crape myrtles.

Creeping Charlie

Echevaria.

Parlor palms or golden butterflies.

Spider plants.

Zebra Hawthorn.