May 6, 2022
10 Dog Friendly Plants
Many people like to keep plants around the house or other foliage, but it is important to avoid ones that are toxic to your dog. By choosing dog-safe houseplants and then placing them strategically in your home to discourage curious dog noses or paws, you can have quite a lush indoor sanctuary for both you and your pup.
From succulents to vibrant flowers, there is a pet-friendly plant out there for you! Check out our list of plants that are safe for your dog.
House plants safe for dogs
Pets and plants, is there a better combination? Although dogs can get a little curious from time-to-time and nibble on things they shouldn’t, it’s good to know which plants to have in your home that are safe if ingested on the odd occasion.
Here is our list of dog-friendly plants that will keep them safe and you in a happy green oasis:
1. Spider Plant
A favorite among veterinarians, this plant is easy to grow indoors and incredibly resilient. Spider plants (chlorophytum comosum) are also great air purifiers, so they can help get rid of your home’s toxins. Place them in areas with bright-to-moderate indirect light.
2. Zebra Cactus
Similar looking to an aloe plant (which is harmful to dogs), zebra plants (haworthia) are hardy succulents that need minimal care and are a standout decorative feature in any room.
3. Baby Rubber Plant
The baby rubber plant (peperomia) is another varietal of the succulent family and thrives in indirect sunlight with minimal watering.
4. Parlour Palm
Tall and elegant, this pet-safe plant thrives in indirect light and tolerates shadier spots with minimal care. They typically can reach about four feet, but with proper care, can reach eight feet tall. The Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) is also known for its air-purifying qualities and brings a tropical vibe to any room.
5. Rattlesnake
Don’t let the name fool you, the Rattlesnake plant (calathea lancifolia) has distinctly shaped leaves and consists of an array of colours with an underside of beautiful reddish-purple tones. This fast growing, easy watering plant is a great addition to any low-light room.
6. Money Tree
If you thought money grew on these trees, you thought wrong. Good news is that they are safe for dogs. The Money Tree plant (pachira insignis) is hardy and easy to grow. They are also recommended for people with allergies and asthma.
7. Boston Ferns
The beautiful Boston fern (Nephrolepis) is a minimal maintenance plant, only needing to be maintained every few months. This lush, draping fern is a great compliment to a guest room or to add some life to a bathroom by needing minimal light.
8. Bamboo Palm
Also known as the parlor palm, the bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) is a hardy, low-maintenance air purifying plant with a high shade tolerance.
9. Orchid
They’re both elegant and beautiful. Orchids (Orchidaceae) are a safe and easy go-to have displayed in your home or to bring to a friend with a pooch. With proper care, and in partial light, orchids can last up to four months and live through the winter and hotter months.
10. African Violet
African violets (Saintpaulia) are one of the most popular flowering houseplants due to their ability to bloom in low light, survive in moderate temperatures, and average humidity.
All plants on this list are perfectly safe, but if your pet ever does get into a plant, they’re not supposed to make sure to call your vet immediately.
Signs a plant is toxic to dogs
Most dogs are curious beings, which gets them into trouble from time to time. Many types of common plants are poisonous and can potentially be deadly to dogs. If your dog accidentally ingests a plant, you may need to act and think quickly. Observe your dog for the common signs of plant poisoning and contact your veterinarian immediately.
So how can you tell if your dog has consumed a plant that he shouldn’t have?
Symptoms of plant poisonings are specific to the type of plant eaten, for example watch for the following:
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Diarrhea
- Convulsions
- Difficulty breathing
- Dilated pupils
Conclusion
There are many poisonous plants you should avoid and not have in your household to protect your dog, but also a good handful that are completely safe and non-toxic to have around. Don’t fret if you have them hanging or placed in decorative areas so long as they are safe! Adding plants for some colour and texture is never a bad thing and will keep you and your pup both safe and happy.
Go! Solutions Team
A Team of Dedicated Pet Parents + Nutrition Experts
We all want our cats and dogs to lead happy, healthy lives. We’re here to help you, with easy-to-understand information about your pet's daily care and feeding.
