Summer gardens may be bursting with colour, but some of the season’s most beautiful blooms can be dangerous for dogs. Foxgloves, oleander and wisteria may provide spectacular colour and interest, but all three can be dangerous if ingested by curious pets.
‘There's a real gap between how decorative these plants look and how dangerous they actually are for dogs,’ says Neil McKenzie, home safety expert at Halton Stairlifts. ‘Most people don't realise the risk until something goes wrong.’
Fortunately, creating a colourful garden doesn’t have to come at the expense of your pet’s safety. We’ve highlighted the risks associated with these three popular plants, plus safer alternatives that deliver plenty of colour and impact.
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1. Foxglove
A quintessential cottage garden favourite, foxglove is one of the most dangerous plants for dogs. If ingested, dogs can suffer symptoms including vomiting, an irregular heartbeat and, in severe cases, collapse.
‘Foxglove looks beautiful in a summer border, but every single part of the plant is toxic to dogs,’ Neil explains. ‘The leaves, the flowers, even the water sitting in a vase that held cut stems.’
Try instead: Snapdragons offer a similar cottage garden feel with tall flower spikes in a range of colours, and are widely considered non-toxic to dogs. Roses are another safe alternative, adding fragrance and timeless charm without the same level of risk.
2. Oleander
Popular in Mediterranean-inspired gardens, oleander is loved for its evergreen foliage and colourful blooms – but it is also one of the most toxic ornamental shrubs.
‘The plant affects both the nervous system and the heart, with symptoms often developing quickly after ingestion,’ says Neil. ‘Dogs may experience excessive drooling, tremors, vomiting and breathing difficulties, making immediate veterinary attention essential.’
Try instead: Camellias provide glossy evergreen foliage and spectacular flowers without the toxicity associated with oleander. Sunflowers are another cheerful, dog-friendly option that will bring height and vibrant colour.
3. Wisteria
With its cascading purple flowers draped over pergolas and walls, wisteria can be an enchanting choice. However, its seeds and seed pods contain toxic compounds that can cause repeated vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy in dogs.
‘People tend to be surprised by wisteria,’ Neil says. ‘It's so common and so well-loved that it rarely comes up in conversations about pet safety.’
Try instead: Climbing roses can create the same romantic effect over arches and pergolas, while star jasmine offers fragrant white flowers and evergreen foliage. Although star jasmine is generally considered much safer than wisteria, it's still best to discourage pets from chewing any ornamental plant.
How to keep your garden dog-friendly
The best thing you can do is check every new plant against trusted pet safety lists before bringing it home. For example, the Blue Cross has a regularly updated list of plants that are toxic to dogs.
If a dog does ingest any part of a suspected toxic plant, the advice is to contact a vet without delay and take a sample of the plant if possible. ‘You don't always see the signs straight away. That's what makes these plants genuinely dangerous,’ Neil adds. ‘By the time a dog is visibly unwell, a significant amount of time may have already passed.’
Swapping potentially toxic plants for pet-friendly alternatives can help create a garden that's just as beautiful, all while giving you extra peace of mind whenever your dog is outside.
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