Is it toxic to dogs?
Boston fern
Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis' · Nephrolepidaceae
Also called Sword fern
Non-Toxic to dogs
No. ASPCA lists Boston fern as non-toxic to dogs. Watch the names, though: asparagus fern looks like a fern but is not one, and ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs.
Why it’s considered safe for dogs
Boston fern is a lush, arching fern with long, feathery fronds, popular in hanging baskets and on plant stands. ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to dogs, and PetMD's list of plants safe for dogs includes it too. No toxic principle or clinical signs are listed.
Because the fronds are soft and often hang at dog height, they can be tempting to chew. A few bites should not poison a dog, though, as with any plant, eating a lot can bring on a mild upset stomach.
The real hazard is a name mix-up. Asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri') has a similar feathery look but is a member of a different plant family, and ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs. Repeated skin contact can cause allergic dermatitis, and eating the berries can cause vomiting, belly pain or diarrhea. Check the Latin name on the pot.
If your dog ate boston fern
A few chewed fronds usually mean nothing more than a mild upset stomach. ASPCA lists Boston fern as non-toxic, but too much leafy material can lead to vomiting or diarrhea.
Call your vet if the signs persist, your dog ate a large amount, or the plant was treated with fertilizer or a pesticide. Also call if you are not certain the plant is a true Boston fern rather than an asparagus fern, particularly if there were red berries or your dog has red, itchy skin. 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 make your dog vomit at home.
Keeping your dog safe
Hang the fern high or place it where your dog cannot pull it down, since fronds that brush the floor invite chewing. Boston ferns like humid, bright rooms, so a bathroom shelf or high stand works well.
Keep fertilizer, plant food and sprays in a closed cabinet. Pet Poison Helpline notes that fertilizers may contain pesticides and other chemicals, and that larger ingestions can cause serious poisoning, so do not treat plants within reach.
Label the pot with its Latin name so no one confuses it with asparagus fern. Other plants on ASPCA's non-toxic list include spider plant and parlor palm.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Boston fern toxic to dogs?
No. ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to dogs. Eating a lot of any plant can still cause mild stomach upset.
Is asparagus fern the same as Boston fern?
No. Asparagus fern is not a true fern and ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs. Skin contact can cause allergic dermatitis, and the berries can upset the stomach.
Why does my dog keep chewing the fern?
Soft, flowing fronds are fun to grab and tear. Move the plant out of reach, and offer a chew toy instead. Persistent plant eating is worth mentioning to your vet.
Are other ferns safe too?
Not automatically. A plant with fern in its name is not guaranteed to be non-toxic, as asparagus fern shows. Check each plant's Latin name in the ASPCA database.
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