What Climbing Plants Are Not Poisonous To Dogs

Choosing the right vines for your garden is exciting, but if you have a curious canine, safety comes first. You need to know what climbing plants are not poisonous to dogs before you make your selection. Many popular climbers can be harmful, causing anything from a mild tummy ache to serious health issues. This guide will help you create a beautiful, vertical garden that’s completely safe for your furry friend to sniff and explore.

This list focuses on robust, dog-safe climbing plants that will thrive in many gardens. Always remember that even non-toxic plants can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if your dog eats a large amount. It’s best to discourage chewing on any plant material.

Top Dog-Safe Flowering Climbers

These plants add gorgeous color to your fences, trellises, and arbors without the worry.

Clematis (Specific Varieties): This is important. Many clematis are toxic, but the Clematis montana and Clematis armandii varieties are generally considered safe for dogs. They offer beautiful spring blooms in shades of pink and white.
Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata): A fantastic, fast-growing vine with unique trumpet-shaped flowers in reddish-orange. It’s attractive to hummingbirds and completely non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Rose (Rosa species): Most climbing roses are perfectly safe. Be mindful of the thorns, which can cause physical injury to a playful pup. Opt for a “thornless” variety if you’re concerned.
Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens): Not to be confused with other honeysuckles, this native North American vine is non-toxic. It has stunning red, trumpet-shaped flowers that hummingbirds adore.

Excellent Dog-Safe Foliage Climbers

If you love lush, green walls, these plants are perfect for you. They provide fantastic coverage and texture.

Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata): Famous for its stunning red fall color, Boston Ivy is safe for dogs. Note that it uses adhesive pads to climb and can be vigorous, so it may need managing on wooden surfaces.
Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia): Similar to Boston Ivy, this native vine is dog-safe and offers beautiful seasonal color. It’s sometimes mistaken for poison ivy, but its five leaflets are a key difference.
American Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens): This native vine is safe for dogs. Avoid the invasive Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus). It produces lovely fall berries that are great for wildlife.

Safe Edible Climbers for Sunny Spots

Why not grow a snack? These edible climbers are doubly useful and completely safe.

Grape Vines (Vitis species): Both ornamental and edible grape vines are non-toxic to dogs. The fruit itself is fine in moderation, but too many grapes can cause an upset stomach due to the high sugar content.
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus): While often grown as a trailing annual, nasturtiums can climb with support. All parts of the plant are edible for humans and are non-toxic to dogs, adding a peppery flavor to salads.
Runner Beans (Phaseolus coccineus): These fast-growing annuals have beautiful red flowers and produce edible beans. The plants themselves are safe for dogs, though the raw beans are not for canine consumption.

Plants to Absolutely Avoid

Knowing what to avoid is just as crucial. These common climbers are highly toxic to dogs.

English Ivy (Hedera helix): Can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, and diarrhea.
Wisteria (Wisteria species): The seeds and seed pods are particularly poisonous, leading to severe gastrointestinal issues.
Morning Glory (Ipomoea species): The seeds contain toxic alkaloids that can cause hallucinations and gastrointestinal distress.
Clematis (Most other varieties): Contain irritants that can cause salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Jasmine (Some varieties): True Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is safe, but Night-blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum) is highly toxic. Confusing, so best to err on the side of caution.

How to Plant and Train Your Dog-Safe Climbers

Getting your climbers off to a good start ensures they’ll thrive and cover your space beautifully.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

Check the plant’s needs for sun or shade. Most flowering vines need at least 6 hours of sun. Ensure the structure (fence, trellis, arbor) is sturdy enough to support the plant at maturity.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. Mix in some compost to improve drainage and nutrients. Good soil prep reduces the need for excessive fertilizing later.

Step 3: Planting and Initial Training

Place the plant in the hole at the same depth it was in its pot.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to settle it.
Gently tie the main stems to your support structure using soft plant ties. Don’t use wire or string that can cut into the stems as they grow.
Spread a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Keeping Your Dog Safe Around Climbing Plants

Even with safe plants, it’s smart to take a few extra precautions. Dogs can be unpredictable, and its better to be safe than sorry.

Supervise Initially: When you first plant, watch your dog’s interest. Redirect chewing behavior with a toy or command.
Secure the Base: Some dogs love to dig. A light layer of chicken wire under the mulch at the base of the plant can deter them without harming the roots.
Choose Sturdy Supports: Make sure trellises are firmly anchored. A wobbly trellis might tempt a dog to lean or jump on it, causing damage.
Avoid Harmful Chemicals: Use organic fertilizers and pest controls. Many synthetic chemicals are far more dangerous to pets than the plants themselves.

What to Do If You Suspect Plant Poisoning

Always be prepared, even with a safe garden. If you think your dog has ingested a toxic plant, act quickly.

Remove any plant material from your dog’s mouth if you can do so safely.
Identify the plant. Take a photo or bring a sample with you to the vet.
Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Follow the professional advice given to you exactly.

FAQ: Safe Climbing Plants for Dogs

Are honeysuckle vines safe for dogs?
Only specific types, like Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), are safe. Many other honeysuckle varieties can be toxic, so correct identification is key.

Is jasmine plant safe for dogs?
It depends. True Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is generally safe. However, Night-blooming Jasmine or Jessamine (Cestrum nocturnum) is highly poisonous. When in doubt, choose a different plant.

What fast growing climbing plants are safe for dogs?
Crossvine, Virginia Creeper, and Runner Beans are all fast-growing options that pose no toxicity risk to your pet.

Can I grow clematis with dogs?
Yes, but only select varieties like Clematis montana or Clematis armandii. The majority of clematis hybrids contain irritants that are harmful if ingested.

How can I stop my dog from digging up my climbing plants?
Try placing large rocks or decorative pavers around the base. Providing a designated digging area in your yard with soft sand can also redirect there behavior.

Creating a dog-friendly garden with beautiful climbers is totally achievable. By choosing from the safe plants listed here, preparing your space properly, and keeping a watchful eye, you can have a stunning garden that both you and your four-legged friend can enjoy without worry. Remember, when ever you’re unsure about a plant’s safety, double-check with a reliable source like the ASPCA’s toxic plant list. Your pup’s health is worth that extra minute of research.