Is Your Fall Décor Safe for Pets? Toxic Plants to Watch Out For

As the leaves change and we fill our homes and gardens with the colors of fall, it’s easy to forget that some of the season’s most popular plants can pose serious dangers to our pets. Whether it’s a festive mum on the porch or a decorative pumpkin display with hidden hazards, many autumn favorites are more toxic than they look.

As a pet owner, I’ve learned the hard way that what’s beautiful to us might be harmful, or even deadly, to our furry family members. Let’s break down which common fall plants you should watch out for, and how to keep your pets safe while still enjoying the season!

Seasonal Favorites That Aren’t So Pet-Friendly

Gardening experts at Grow Eat and Repeat have issued a warning to pet owners this fall about common seasonal plants that could pose serious health risks to cats and dogs. And honestly, they’re not wrong. As beautiful as autumn can be with all its mums, pumpkins, and ornamental plants, it’s also filled with hidden dangers for our four-legged friends. I know how easy it is to get swept up in decorating for the season, but if you share your home or yard with pets, it’s worth taking a second look at what you’re bringing in. Some of fall’s most popular plants are surprisingly toxic, and the last thing any of us wants is a preventable emergency vet visit.

Protect Your Pets: Toxic Fall Plants to Watch Out For

As the seasons change, so do the plants in and around our homes, and some popular fall favorites can be dangerous for pets. This gallery highlights six common autumn plants that are toxic to cats and dogs. Knowing what to watch out for can help you keep your furry friends safe while still enjoying the beauty of fall. Scroll through to learn which plants to avoid and what symptoms to look for if your pet gets curious.

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What to Do If Your Pet Eats Something Potentially Harmful

If you think your pet may have eaten a toxic plant or mushroom, don’t wait. Call your vet immediately. Quick action can make all the difference. Common symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, tremors, and seizures. To prevent emergencies, stick to pet-safe plants indoors and always supervise your pets outside, especially during fall when toxic berries, acorns, and fungi are more common. A little extra caution this season goes a long way toward keeping your furry family members safe.

LOOK: Here Are 30 Foods That Are Poisonous to Dogs

To prepare yourself for a potential incident, always keep your vet's phone number handy, along with an after-hours clinic you can call in an emergency. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center also has a hotline you can call at (888) 426-4435 for advice.

Even with all of these resources, however, the best cure for food poisoning is preventing it in the first place. To give you an idea of what human foods can be dangerous, Stacker has put together a slideshow of 30 common foods to avoid. Take a look to see if there are any that surprise you.

Gallery Credit: Rachel Cavanaugh

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