common house plants that are toxic to dogs and cats!

July 20, 2023

don’t houseplants just make great indoor accessories? 🌷

plants instantly liven up any space & serve a number of benefits to us. but did you know: many of these innocent-looking plants are actually super toxic to pets!

the whole house is an open playground for our pets to explore. but just as we have to be careful of hazards with babies around, we have to maintain caution around furbabies.

cats and dogs are naturally curious creatures and may explore their surroundings by sniffing, chewing… or ingesting plants. As a result, they may unknowingly come into contact with houseplants that seem harmless to us but can harm them. for instance, the extremely useful aloe vera plant has a number of health benefits for humans. but did you know: this popular succulent is nothing less than poison for pets?

what plants are harmful to dogs and cats?

as pet parents, we have to be careful about our furry little botanists sniffing around certain indoor greens, which can cause serious health issues.

educating ourselves about the signs of plant poisoning in pets is vital. symptoms generally include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, difficulty breathing, and even seizures. if you suspect that your pet has ingested a toxic plant, seek immediate veterinary attention.

remember: before bringing new houseplants home, research their potential toxicity to pets and ensure they are pet-friendly plants. place plants out of reach of pets, especially those that are poison plants to dogs and cats. consider using hanging baskets or wall-mounted planters to keep them away from curious paws. (here are some more tips to puppy-proof your home!)

here are some common houseplants you should avoid keeping around pets:

LILIES: lilies are among the many plants toxic to cats, in particular. Ingestion, even in small amounts, can cause severe kidney damage and may be life-threatening. dogs may experience gastrointestinal upset if exposed to lilies.
SAGO PALM: sago palm contains cycasin and cycad toxins, primarily found in its seeds, which can lead to liver failure in pets. all parts of the plant are toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
DUMB CANE: dumb cane contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, difficulty swallowing, and swelling of the mouth and throat in pets.
PHILODENDRON: philodendron also contains calcium oxalate crystals, leading to oral irritation and gastrointestinal upset in pets if ingested.
ALOE VERA: aloe vera contains compounds like saponins and anthraquinones, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive issues in pets.
SNAKE PLANT: these are poison plants for dogs! snake plants (sansevieria) contain saponins that can lead to gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhea in pets if ingested.
DAFFODILS: daffodil bulbs are the most toxic part of the plant, containing alkaloids and other compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even cardiac issues in pets.
OLEANDER: oleander is highly toxic to pets, containing cardiac glycosides that affect the heart. ingestion can lead to severe heart problems, vomiting, and even death.
JADE PLANT: Jade plants (crassula ovata) contain a mild to moderate level of toxicity. ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets.
ENGLISH IVY: English ivy contains triterpenoid saponins that can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and abdominal pain in pets if consumed. severe cases may require veterinary attention.

here are some pet-friendly plants you can keep around the house:

can pets and plants co-exist? Of course, they can!

all you have to do is pick out pet-friendly plants for your home. here are some options for dog and cat safe plants you can choose from:

SPIDER PLANT: spider plants are safe for pets and easy to care for. they purify the air by removing toxins and are non-toxic if ingested by cats or dogs.
BOSTON FERN: Boston ferns add a lush and vibrant touch to indoor spaces. they are non-toxic to pets and can help improve indoor air quality.
ARECA PALM: areca palms are among the best pet-friendly plants to bring home and can serve as natural humidifiers. their soft fronds add a tropical feel to your home without posing a threat to your pets.
BAMBOO PALM: bamboo palms are safe for pets and are excellent at removing toxins from the air. they are low-maintenance and can thrive in various light conditions.
CALATHEA: calathea plants come in various stunning patterns and colors, adding beauty to any room. they are non-toxic to pets, making them a worry-free choice for pet owners.
PEPEROMIA: peperomia plants are compact, easy to care for, and non-toxic to pets. these dog and cat-friendly plants come in various leaf shapes and colors, making them a delightful addition to your indoor greenery.

the greens your pet actually needs are all in there in our pawfectly made meals! 🥰

from broccoli to zucchini to carrots, spinach, green beans, and more — we use the healthiest, farm-fresh produce in our meat-filled recipes to give your furbaby wholesome, well-balanced nutrition.

meals are so delicious your furry child will finish all the veggies on their plate! :)

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