Are Pepper Plants Poisonous to Dogs?

There are a number of plants that are poisonous to dogs when ingested, including not only wild plants but also house plants, flowering plants and trees. Pepper plants that are poisonous to dogs can cause harm to your dog if any part of the plant is ingested. In the Resources section of this article you will find more information on the plants that can be harmful to dogs, including many which are deadly.

  1. Ornamental Pepper Plants

    • The ornamental pepper plant is also known as the Natal Cherry, Jerusalem Cherry or Winter Cherry and contains a toxic substance known as solanine. Solanine is toxic, not only to dogs, but also to cats and horses. The clinical signs of solanine toxicity include ulceration of the dog's gastrointestinal system, gastrointestinal disturbance, depression, seizures, respiratory depression and shock.

    Pepper Trees

    • Both the California pepper tree and the Brazilian pepper tree are capable of causing dermatitis in that physical contact with the plant can cause skin irritation or skin rash on a dog. The Brazilian pepper tree may also cause minor toxicity if ingested. This means that, while it may not cause death, it can cause diarrhea and vomiting in a dog.

    Toxic Flowering Plants

    • Many flowering plants are actually capable of harming dogs and other animals. Some examples of flowering plants that are toxic to dogs include cyclamen, kalanchoe, hydrangea and poinsettia. Many lilies are toxic to dogs and other animals, including Asian, Easter, Japanese Show, Rubrum, Stargazer and Wood lily varieties.

    Toxic Trees

    • Although it is less common for trees to be toxic to dogs, there are a few tree varieties that need to be avoided. These toxic trees include Avocado, Chinaberry, Buddhist Pine, Yew, Lacy, Macadamia Nut, Queensland Nut and Madagascar Dragon tree varieties.

    Toxic House Plants

    • There are many house plants that may appear to be harmless but are actually deadly when ingested by a dog or cat. Some examples of house plants that are toxic to dogs include the corn plant, peace lily, dracaena plants, Chinese evergreen, cutleaf philodendron or ceriman, amaryllis, day lily, daffodil, hyacinth and tulip.