Plants To Avoid When Seattle Dog Walking

Why dogs eat grass while walking— and why you should still be cautious

Dogs eating a blade or two of grass is common and often normal behavior. Vets and pet experts give several possible reasons: instinctual behavior, boredom, an attempt to self-soothe an upset stomach, or (less commonly) pica from a dietary deficiency. However, eating large amounts of grass can make a dog vomit, and grass (or lawn) can also be contaminated with pesticides, herbicides, or parasites. If you notice persistent grass-eating, repeated vomiting, lethargy, or other worrying signs, check with your vet. (Vca, Live Science, WebMD)

The big list: common plants that are toxic to dogs

(If you garden or walk in neighborhood beds, scan this list and remove or fence off these plants where possible.)

• Sago palm (Cycas spp.) — extremely toxic; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and liver failure. Even small amounts (especially the seeds) are dangerous. (ASPCA, Chewy)

• Oleander — contains cardiac glycosides; ingestion can cause cardiac arrhythmias and can be fatal. (ASPCA)

• Azalea / Rhododendron — can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and cardiovascular signs. (ASPCA)

• Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) — causes severe vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, organ damage (liver/ kidney) and can be fatal. (ASPCA)

• Tulips & Hyacinths (bulbs) — bulbs are more toxic than flowers; can cause drooling, vomiting, cardiac problems in severe cases. (ASPCA)

• Daffodils (Narcissus) — bulbs especially can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even cardiac arrhythmia/low blood pressure in big ingestions. (ASPCA)

• Foxglove (Digitalis) — contains potent cardiac compounds; can cause fatal heart abnormalities. (ASPCA)

• Dieffenbachia / Dumb cane, philodendron, pothos (Araceae family) — cause oral irritation, drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting. (ASPCA)

• Amaryllis, Cyclamen, Kalanchoe — common holiday/house plants that can cause GI upset and more serious signs depending on species and amount. (ASPCA, ASPCA Pet Insurance)

• Eucalyptus — can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness. (ASPCA Pet Insurance)

• Larkspur, larkspur-type plants and gladiolus — can cause neurologic signs and cardiac problems in larger ingestions. (ASPCA)

• Mistletoe & Holly (holiday plants) — GI upset, weakness, cardiac effects with larger ingestions. (ASPCA)

• Sago palm and other cycads — listed separately because of severity; see above. (ASPCA)

This is not an exhaustive list — the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline maintain searchable, up-to-date plant databases that are excellent references. If you suspect ingestion of any plant and can’t identify it, call a poison expert or your veterinarian right away. (ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline)

Quick symptoms to watch for after plant ingestion

• Drooling, pawing at the mouth, or visible oral irritation

• Vomiting or diarrhea (may be bloody)

• Lethargy, weakness, collapse

• Tremors, seizures, or unsteady gait

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathingIf you see any of the above after your dog chews a plant, treat it like an emergency. (ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline)

Prevention: make walks and yards safer

• Know your neighborhood plants. Learn what’s planted on your block and avoid flower beds that have high-risk plants.

• Leash & supervise. Keep curious dogs close on walks and teach the leave it cue so you can interrupt plant chewing.

• Remove or fence off toxic plants from your yard. Replace them with pet-safe alternatives (roses, some palms, gerbera daisies, spider plants — but always double-check). (AP News)

• Skip chemically treated lawns. Pesticides and herbicides can make otherwise harmless grass dangerous. Ask neighbors/landscapers about treatments and avoid recently treated areas. (Live Science)

• Provide enrichment and a balanced diet. Boredom and nutritional gaps can encourage pica/grass eating — adequate exercise, mental stimulation, and high-quality food help. If grass-eating is frequent, discuss diet and behavior with your vet. (PetMD, Vca)

If your dog eats a suspicious plant — what to do right now

1. Stay calm, remove access to the plant, and note what (and how much) was eaten. If possible, take a photo of the plant.

2. Do NOT induce vomiting or give home “antidotes” without professional instruction. Some remedies make things worse. (Pet Poison Helpline)

3. Call your veterinarian immediately and/or one of these poison hotlines for guidance:

   • ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435. (ASPCA)

   • Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661 (US/Canada). (Pet Poison Helpline)

4. If your dog is drooling, having trouble breathing, seizing, or collapsing, get to an emergency vet now (call first if possible). (Cornell Vet College)

Final notes from Trails & Tails (Seattle)

We love exploring green spaces with your pups — but green doesn’t always mean safe. If you’re unsure whether a plant in your yard or on your walk route is risky for dogs, snap a photo and ask your vet or the ASPCA/Pet Poison Helpline. And if your dog is a frequent grass-snacker, give us a heads up so we can help redirect them on walks (extra attention, enrichment, or training cues can make a big difference).

Stay safe, sniff responsibly, and give your pups a belly rub from us. — Michelle & the Trails & Tails team

Sources & further reading

• ASPCA Toxic & Non-Toxic Plant Lists (searchable database). (ASPCA)

• Pet Poison Helpline — poison lists & emergency guidance. (Pet Poison Helpline)

• VCA, WebMD, PetMD — why dogs eat grass (behavioral context). (Vca, WebMD, PetMD)

• Chewy / veterinary articles — plant highlights (sago palm severity, holiday plants, etc.). (Chewy, AP News)

If you’d like, I can:

• Turn this into a printable handout to leave at local dog-friendly cafés, or

• Create a one-page “plants to avoid” yard sign you can print and tape to your gate.

Which would be most helpful?