For many Long Island homeowners, dogs and cats are beloved members of the family. Pets spend a significant amount of time outdoors—walking through planting beds, lounging in the grass, and exploring every corner of the yard. While landscaping is often designed with beauty and function in mind, many common plants found in residential yards can be toxic to pets. In Oyster Bay, NY and throughout Long Island, it is surprisingly common to find landscapes that unknowingly include plants dangerous to dogs and cats.

At Louis Contino Landscaping, pet safety is an essential part of responsible landscape design. This comprehensive guide explains which plants are toxic to dogs and cats, how pets are exposed, symptoms of poisoning, what to do in an emergency, and how to create a pet-safe landscape without sacrificing appearance or property value.

WHY PLANT TOXICITY IS A SERIOUS ISSUE FOR PET OWNERS

Dogs and cats interact with landscapes very differently, but both are at risk when toxic plants are present. Dogs often chew leaves, dig around roots, or ingest fallen berries and bulbs. Cats, while less likely to chew plants, groom themselves constantly and can ingest toxins through pollen or sap that sticks to their fur.

Plant toxicity can lead to:
• Vomiting and diarrhea  
• Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth 
• Lethargy or weakness  
• Tremors or seizures  
• Heart rhythm abnormalities  
• Liver or kidney failure  
• Emergency veterinary visits 

In severe cases, exposure can be fatal. Understanding what plants are in your yard is the first step toward prevention.

HOW DOGS AND CATS ARE EXPOSED TO TOXIC PLANTS

Pets can be exposed to toxic plants in more ways than most homeowners realize. Common exposure pathways include:
• Chewing leaves, stems, flowers, or bark 
• Digging up and ingesting bulbs or roots 
• Contact with toxic sap or plant oils  
• Ingesting pollen while grooming  
• Drinking water contaminated by fallen plant material 

Because some toxins act quickly while others take hours or days to show symptoms, exposure is not always immediately obvious.

PLANTS TOXIC TO BOTH DOGS AND CATS

Yew  
Yew shrubs and trees are among the most dangerous plants for pets. All parts of the plant are toxic and can cause sudden cardiac failure. Even small amounts can be fatal, making yew unsuitable for pet-friendly landscapes.

Oleander 
Oleander is extremely toxic and affects the heart. Ingestion of leaves, flowers, or stems can cause severe symptoms and should be treated as a medical emergency.

Sago Palm 
Often used as an ornamental plant, sago palm ingestion can cause irreversible liver damage. Many poisoning cases involve dogs, but cats are also at risk.

Azalea and Rhododendron  
These popular flowering shrubs can cause vomiting, weakness, and abnormal heart rhythms in both dogs and cats.

Foxglove 
Foxglove contains cardiac glycosides that interfere with heart function and pose serious risks if ingested.

PLANTS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS TO CATS

Lilies (All Varieties)  
Lilies are extremely toxic to cats. Even small amounts of pollen or water from a vase can cause acute kidney failure. Lilies should never be planted in landscapes accessible to cats.

Dieffenbachia  
This plant causes oral irritation, drooling, and swelling of the mouth and throat when chewed.

Philodendron  
Philodendron causes mouth irritation and digestive upset and is commonly found in ornamental plantings.

Chrysanthemum  
Chrysanthemums can cause vomiting, coordination problems, and lethargy in cats.

PLANTS COMMONLY TOXIC TO DOGS

Tulip and Daffodil Bulbs  
Bulbs contain concentrated toxins and are frequently dug up and chewed by dogs.

English Ivy 
English ivy can cause gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, and vomiting.

Castor Bean 
Castor bean plants contain ricin and are extremely dangerous if ingested.

SYMPTOMS OF PLANT POISONING IN DOGS AND CATS

Symptoms vary depending on the plant, the amount ingested, and the size of the pet. Warning signs include:
• Vomiting or diarrhea  
• Excessive drooling  
• Loss of appetite  
• Tremors or seizures  
• Difficulty breathing  
• Lethargy, collapse, or disorientation 

Cats often show subtler early symptoms, which makes early detection critical.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT PLANT POISONING

If you believe your pet has been exposed to a toxic plant:
• Remove your pet from the area immediately 
• Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinarian  
• Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic  
• Call a pet poison hotline if needed  
• Bring a plant sample or clear photo for identification 

Fast action can make a life-saving difference.

WHY TOXIC PLANTS ARE STILL COMMON IN LANDSCAPES

Many toxic plants remain popular because their dangers are not widely known. Others were planted decades ago, before pet safety was a common consideration.

We often encounter:
• Mature yew hedges  
• Foundation plantings with toxic ornamentals 
• Decorative plants chosen for appearance alone 

Education and thoughtful redesign help address these risks.

DESIGNING A PET-SAFE LANDSCAPE

Creating a pet-safe landscape does not mean compromising beauty. Safe design focuses on:
• Non-toxic plant selections  
• Clear separation between play areas and planting beds  
• Avoiding plants with toxic sap or berries 
• Durable materials that withstand pet activity 

At Louis Contino Landscaping, we design outdoor spaces that balance safety, aesthetics, and long-term performance.

SAFE PLANT ALTERNATIVES FOR PET OWNERS

Instead of toxic plants, consider:
• Inkberry holly  
• Boxwood alternatives  
• Ornamental grasses  
• Non-toxic flowering perennials  
• Native shrubs safe for pets 

These options perform well in Oyster Bay and throughout Long Island while keeping pets safe.

THE ROLE OF MAINTENANCE IN PET SAFETY

Ongoing maintenance plays an important role in reducing risk. Regular inspections allow homeowners to:
• Remove fallen berries or leaves  
• Control invasive plants  
• Identify hazards early  
• Keep planting beds tidy 

Professional maintenance helps ensure landscapes remain safe over time.

WHY HOMEOWNERS TRUST LOUIS CONTINO LANDSCAPING

Louis Contino Landscaping understands Long Island plant material and local growing conditions. We help homeowners identify toxic plants, recommend safer alternatives, and redesign landscapes with families and pets in mind.

Our approach focuses on:
• Safety-first planning  
• Long-term performance  
• Professional installation  
• Clear communication 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Plants toxic to dogs and cats are more common than many homeowners realize. With awareness, proper identification, and thoughtful design, it is possible to create a landscape that is both beautiful and safe for pets.

If you are concerned about toxic plants in your Oyster Bay, NY yard or anywhere on Long Island, Louis Contino Landscaping is here to help assess risks and design a safer outdoor space for your entire family.