Pet safety › Dog safety

Is Bird of Paradise toxic to dogs?

Strelitzia reginae

YES Toxic — moderate

Symptoms in dogs

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • drowsiness
  • oral irritation
  • loss of appetite

What to do if your dog ate this plant

  1. Remove any visible plant material from your dog's mouth.
  2. Rinse the mouth gently with water if your pet allows it.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinarian.
  4. Contact your vet immediately, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (consultation fee may apply).
  5. If possible, bring a sample of the plant or a clear photo to the vet.
  6. Watch for: persistent drooling, swelling around mouth/face, trouble breathing or swallowing, or repeated vomiting — these warrant emergency care.

Why is it toxic?

Bird of Paradise contains tannins, hydrocyanic acid (in seeds). When chewed, these compounds release into the mouth and digestive tract, causing irritation and the symptoms listed above.

Prevention tips

  • Place the plant in a hanging basket or on a high shelf out of dog reach.
  • Use bitter-tasting pet-safe sprays on lower leaves as a deterrent.
  • Provide your dog with their own safe greenery (cat grass for cats, pet-safe herbs for dogs).
  • Train your dog away from houseplants with positive reinforcement.

Pet-safe alternatives

If you love how Bird of Paradise looks but want a dog-safe option, try one of these.

Money tree with braided trunk and palmate green leaves in a pot

Money Tree

Pachira aquatica Pet-safe
Boston fern with arching feathery green fronds in a hanging basket

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata Pet-safe
Calathea orbifolia with large round silver-striped green leaves

Calathea

Calathea orbifolia Pet-safe

Frequently asked questions

Is Bird of Paradise toxic to dogs?

Yes. Bird of Paradise is rated moderate toxicity for dogs by the ASPCA. It contains tannins, hydrocyanic acid (in seeds).

What happens if my dog eats Bird of Paradise?

Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, oral irritation, loss of appetite.

What should I do if my dog ate this plant?

Remove any plant material from the mouth, rinse the mouth with water, and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Bring a sample of the plant if you can.