With all of that care that goes into helping them grow, plants can practically feel like miniature pets! Those of us who love livening up our homes with greenery don’t necessarily need to choose between pets and plants, but we do need to be careful about our selections.
One of your jobs as a dog owner is to make sure your home is thoroughly pup-proofed. Dogs are curious creatures, after all… and there’s no telling which items they’ll decide are perfect for sniffing, chewing, or digging.
If your dog destroys your houseplants, that’s one thing—but if those plants are poisonous to your pet, you’ve got a bigger issue on your hands. Read on to learn about 10 common houseplants that are toxic for dogs.
Lilies
Lilies have a pretty big family, with some varieties being especially toxic to dogs. Steer clear of the peace lily, a popular houseplant with white flowers and dark green leaves.
This type of lily contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can lead to tongue and lip irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and more.
Aloe Vera
You may know aloe vera for its skin-soothing benefits to humans, but unfortunately, it’s not nearly as great for dogs.
If chewed or ingested, the aloe plant can cause digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhea, and/or lethargy.
Ivy
We all know to stay away from poison ivy, but what about regular ivy?
As pretty as it can look cascading down a brick wall, several ivy varieties contain toxins that can lead to a rash, breathing problems, tummy troubles, and more if ingested by your dog.
Jade
The jade plant, also known as a rubber plant or friendship tree, is known for its resilience and impressively long lifespan of up to 100 years!
Unfortunately, your dog won’t be quite as resilient if he chews on those rubbery leaves. While the exact toxins are unknown, it is known that a dog who ingests the jade plant can experience vomiting, lack of coordination, a slower heart rate, and even depression.
Dumb Cane
Like lilies, dieffenbachia (also known as dumb cane) plants contain oxalate crystals which can irritate your dog’s mouth and tongue. It can also lead to vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and breathing difficulties.
Elephant Ear
Caladium, or elephant ear plants, are known for their large, colorful plants. Unfortunately, they contain the same toxins found in lilies and dumb cane.
If ingested, your dog could experience oral irritation, excess drooling, vomiting, and difficulties swallowing.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant, or zamioculcas zamiifolia, is able to thrive with minimal sunlight and watering—making it an ideal low-maintenance houseplant.
Unfortunately, this plant isn’t ideal for your dog, as it contains the same calcium oxalate crystals found in lilies, dumb cane, and elephant ear plants.
Asparagus Fern
Also known as foxtail fern or emerald fern, this feathery fern is actually a relative of lilies.
Often used in hanging plants (and out of reach from pets), asparagus fern can pose some pretty significant problems—diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort—if its berries are ingested by your pet. If your dog brushes against this plant, his skin can also become irritated.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
The fiddle leaf fig is an incredibly popular houseplant among plant lovers and interior decorators alike. However, it’s best to keep this one away from your pooch, especially if he’s prone to chewing on plants.
If your dog ingests any fiddle leaf foliage, he may experience skin irritation and tummy troubles.
Bird of Paradise
Bird of Paradise plants can make gorgeous additions to your plant collection, with their large leaves and stunning bird-like flowers.
That said, the flowers of these plants are incredibly toxic to dogs; he Fido eats your bird of paradise, he’ll likely experience nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness within 20 minutes or so.
*Please note: this is not a comprehensive list of harmful houseplants for pets. Before you bring any new plants into your home, we recommend conducting thorough research to ensure it’s safe for your dog.
As an added precaution, it’s a good idea to arrange your plants so that they’re out of reach from your dog—this will protect your pets and plants!
Dog-Friendly Plants
While you don’t exactly WANT your dog chewing on your plants, it’s best to be prepared just in case.
Give yourself some peace of mind by purchasing pet-friendly plants such as:
- African violet
- Air plants
- Christmas cactus
- Spider plant
- Some herbs such as basil, sage, thyme, and rosemary
Keep in mind that, as with food ingredients, it’s possible that your dog could have an allergy to plants even if they have been deemed dog-friendly. Keep an eye out for any signs of adverse reactions, and visit the vet any time you notice any changes in appearance or behavior.
For dogs who frequently struggle with a sensitive stomach (even if they’re eating everything they’re supposed to!), try Pet Honesty’s Digestive Probiotics Chews. These tasty, vet-recommended chews promote healthy digestion, intestinal health, and nutrient absorption to keep your dog feeling happy and healthy.
Sources:
https://www.weddingtonanimalhospital.com/10-houseplants-that-are-dangerous-for-your-dog/
https://www.rover.com/blog/11-poisonous-houseplants-dogs/
https://vcahospitals.com/shop/articles/top-10-toxic-household-plants-for-pets
https://www.thespruce.com/houseplants-toxic-to-dogs-4775357
https://www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants/15-pet-friendly-houseplants-that-add-green-without-the-worry-281474979610304/
