Is it toxic to dogs?
Bamboo
Phyllostachys aurea · Poaceae
Also called Golden bamboo, Fishpole bamboo
Non-Toxic to dogs
True bamboo is non-toxic: ASPCA lists golden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea) as non-toxic to dogs. Lucky bamboo is not a bamboo at all; it is a dracaena (Dracaena sanderiana) and is toxic to dogs, and so is heavenly bamboo (Nandina).
Why it’s considered safe for dogs
Three very different plants share the word "bamboo", and only one is the real thing. True bamboo is a grass; ASPCA lists golden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea), also called fishpole bamboo, as non-toxic to dogs.
Lucky bamboo is the stalk sold in pots of water or pebbles. Despite the name it is not a bamboo but Dracaena sanderiana, also called ribbon plant, and Pet Poison Helpline says its leaves and stems contain saponins that cause drooling and vomiting. ASPCA lists dracaena as toxic to dogs, with vomiting (sometimes with blood), depression, appetite loss and drooling.
Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), also called sacred bamboo, is a garden shrub. ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs because of cyanogenic glycosides, with weakness, incoordination, seizures, coma and respiratory failure possible; it notes death is rare in pets. A fourth name, "bamboo palm", is the non-toxic parlor palm.
When you shop, read the Latin name, not the nickname.
If your dog ate bamboo
True bamboo is not a poison, but identify the plant first. If it is golden bamboo or another true bamboo, a little vomiting or loose stool from chewing leaves is the usual worst case.
If it might be lucky bamboo (dracaena) or heavenly bamboo, call your vet right away. Signs can include drooling, vomiting, depression and, with heavenly bamboo, weakness, incoordination or seizures. In the US, ASPCA Animal Poison Control is at (888) 426-4435 and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply); elsewhere, call your local emergency vet.
Do not try to make your dog vomit at home. Take the plant, its tag or a clear photo with you so your vet can confirm the species.
Keeping your dog safe
Check the Latin name on every plant sold as bamboo. If it says Dracaena sanderiana or Nandina domestica, keep it out of reach or choose something else. Lucky bamboo stalks in a water dish are a spill-and-chew risk, so a high shelf is better than the coffee table.
For true bamboo in a yard, fence it or plant it away from play areas, and avoid using fertilizers or pesticides your dog can reach. Pet Poison Helpline warns fertilizers may carry added pesticides.
For indoor greenery that suits a dog home, ASPCA lists parlor palm and spider plant as non-toxic.
Frequently asked questions
Is bamboo toxic to dogs?
True bamboo, such as golden bamboo, is listed by ASPCA as non-toxic. Lucky bamboo and heavenly bamboo are not true bamboos and are toxic to dogs.
Is lucky bamboo toxic to dogs?
Yes. Lucky bamboo is not a true bamboo; it is Dracaena sanderiana. Pet Poison Helpline says it contains saponins that cause drooling and vomiting, and ASPCA lists dracaena as toxic to dogs.
Is heavenly bamboo (nandina) toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists Nandina domestica as toxic to dogs, with cyanogenic glycosides as the toxic principle and signs that can include weakness, incoordination and seizures.
Is bamboo palm the same as bamboo?
No. Bamboo palm is a nickname for parlor palm, which ASPCA lists as non-toxic to dogs. True bamboo is a grass.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy