Planting a Dog-Friendly Garden: 16 Outdoor Plants Safe for Dogs

Surprise! Even everyday plants can contain toxic substances. “Toxins can be found in certain parts of some plants, and in all the parts of other plants,” says Brian Collins, DVM, an extension veterinarian with Cornell University’s Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center.  

Depending on the toxin, symptoms can range from vomiting and diarrhea to tremors; some plants can even be fatal if ingested.   

But it’s complicated, says Stephen Hall, the eastern regional vice president of Moon Valley Nurseries.  

“Most plants have some level of natural toxicity, but that doesn’t mean they’re [necessarily] deadly,” he explains. “What matters is how much the dog ingests and the size and curiosity level of the dog.”   

Here are some popular plants to avoid for a dog-friendly garden. 

With small, white bell-shaped flowers, this plant is toxic if ingested because it contains cardiac glycosides that cause vomiting and diarrhea, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, seizures, or worse, Collins says.   

Azaleas and rhododendrons are flowering shrubs that burst into bloom each spring. Collins notes they contain grayanotoxins, which can cause gastrointestinal problems, as well as generalized weakness or heart failure in dogs. 

Like other plants in the nightshade family, tomato plants contain toxic glycoalkaloids. Collins points out that your pup can eat ripe tomatoes in moderation, but the plant itself and any green tomatoes are off limits.  

Toxic to animals and humans when ingested, this plant (which comes in white, yellow, pink, red, and other colors) contains glycosides that can affect the cardiovascular system and cause neurological and gastrointestinal issues.  

The drought-tolerant sago palm is popular for landscaping, but it’s at the top of Hall’s list of plants to avoid if you have a pup. “They’re not just toxic—they’re actually poisonous, especially the root system,” he says. (“Poisonous” suggests a particularly high level of toxicity.)  

If you’re looking for an evergreen to add year-round color, pass on the podocarpus (also known as a Buddhist pine or yew pine). All parts of the plant and its seeds are toxic, and it can cause digestive upset in dogs.  

While stone fruit trees are not necessarily toxic, Hall suggests thinking twice before planting one. “It’s usually the pits or seeds that can be dangerous,” he explains. The hard pit can pose a choking hazard, especially if your pup tends to gobble down every tasty treat they find. 

Thankfully, there are lots of outdoor plants that are safe for dogs. Here are some popular options.  

Daylilies are outdoor perennial plants safe for dogs—and they’re at the top of Hall’s list of recommendations. He says these nontoxic plants adapt well to all light and soil conditions.  

Even if your dog snacks on a few seeds, the cheery sunflower poses no threat, as long as it’s in moderation.  

A pretty pick for a dog–friendly garden, these perennials grow in most areas of the U.S. except for the coldest regions.  

The marigold plant is well-known for its orange, red, or yellow blooms and green foliage, and they can grow just about anywhere as long as they receive six hours of sun.  

Charming pansies produce solid or bicolor blooms in cool weather—perfectly pup-safe! 

For a hardy blooming plant, consider impatiens, which come in a wide range of colors and grow across most of North America. 

This annual plant will bloom all summer long, producing eye-catching flowers in a range of hues.  

Ferns are dog-safe outdoor plants that add a touch of soft greenery to your space.

Phlox is a flowering groundcover plant—perfectly OK for canine kiddos.  

This rosette-shaped succulent is a cute addition to any garden and perfectly safe for your dog—although they’ll probably avoid its prickly leaves.  

“Available in gorgeous violet and pink tones, this plant is common in Southern gardens,” says Hall.  

You can use creeping thyme as a groundcover or grow the aromatic shrub to use in cooking. Either way, it’s canine-safe.  

The camellia is a small tree or shrub known for its beautiful blooms during the cooler seasons. You may see single or double blossoms in pink, red, or white hues. 

Also known as Japanese magnolias, these ornamental trees produce large, saucer-shaped flowers in colors like creamy white, delicate lavender, rich rose, or a soft yellow. Super pretty and super nontoxic.  

A Rose of Sharon is a type of hibiscus with single or double flowers in shades such as pink, red, and lavender.  

Part of the grass family, bamboo plants are safe for dogs. The tall ones are a great option for adding some privacy to your backyard—or just something for the tennis ball to bounce off when your dog doesn’t quite catch it in time.   

No matter which dog-friendly plant you choose, make sure your pup always has supervision and plenty of water outside—not to mention some canine-friendly accessories to make the backyard one of their favorite spots.  

“It’s a good idea to take a photo of the plant so that it can be accurately identified,” even if you’re sure what it is, Collins says. He advises pet parents to consult a veterinarian right away—use an emergency veterinary service if it’s after hours.  

On your way to the vet, if possible, you also should contact the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.  

In the meantime, Collins says to closely monitor your dog for breathing difficulties, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and seizures. 

Q: How can you create a dog-friendly backyard without grass?   

A: You don’t need grass to create a backyard oasis for your four-legged friend. Hall suggests pet-friendly groundcover or hardscape, such as decomposed granite or flagstone: “These provide flat surfaces for dogs to walk or lay on and reduce muddy messes.” Consider a dog hammock and provide some shade, under an umbrella or pergola, along with plenty of fresh drinking water. 

Q: Do dogs enjoy smelling flowers?  

A: Yep, our pups like to stop and smell the roses—figuratively and literally. Dogs have more olfactory receptors in their noses, and a larger part of their brain is dedicated to smell, Collins says. “This is how they communicate, and sniffing is important to their happiness,” he notes.