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Keeping your pets out of harm’s way is a job you take very seriously. That’s why it’s important to take special care when checking the plants that you have in and around your home, as some of the everyday flowers and other plants you may think are innocent to own can actually do more harm than good to your cat or dog.
You can save yourself a great deal of heartbreak and some unexpected trips to the vet by being cautious and keeping your furry friends away from harmful foliage. Here we’ll take a closer look at what to watch out for and which plants are safe to keep.
Harmful Indoor and Outdoor Plants
The degree of toxicity of plants differs between dogs and cats.
Be vigilant when adding any kind of plant to your environment and make sure all of your furry family members are safe by keeping the following specific plants out of your gardens and pots especially if you have both cats and dogs:
• Larkspur
• Lilies (Calla/Easter/Oriental/Stargazer/Peruvian)
• Aloe Vera
• Begonia
• Chrysanthemum
• Geranium
• Daffodil
• Lupine
• Tulip
• Yew
• Morning Glory
The following plants are cardiotoxic and pose the biggest risk to your pets:
• Japanese Pieris
• Azalea
• Foxglove
• Autumn Crocus
• Hydrangea
Remember, it’s safer for all of your pets to not have these plants anywhere in your home. If you’re uncertain, the ASPCA offers a reliable search resource to make sure any plants that you introduce are safe and you can contact a veterinarian or other animal expert for additional advice.
Signs of Possible Ingestion
When dealing with toxic plants, it’s helpful to learn about the possible signs that your pet may have ingested part of one so that you know how to take appropriate action if they do nibble something they shouldn’t.
Signs may include:
• Cold extremities
• Racing/irregular pulse
• Lethargy
• Rapid breathing
• Continuous Vomiting
Ingestion can lead to mild nausea and in some extreme cases possible death. If you suspect your pet may have ingested part of a potentially harmful plant, take them to your nearest vet immediately and bring a small sample of the foliage in question with you.
It’s always better to take every precaution and know the signs in case of ingestion, however it is always best to try and eliminate any risk of having the plant around if possible.
Plants That Are Safe for Your Pets
Although there are a number of plants that aren’t safe for your cat or dog, there are just as many others that are entirely safe to have around and still fill your garden and indoor pots with beautiful colour and aroma. With a bit of research, you can fill your space with a wide array of non-toxic greenery.
The following plants are deemed safe for your four-legged friends:
• Boston Fern
• African Violet
• Baby’s Tears
• Areca Palm
• Spider Plant
• Ponytail Palm
• Haworthia
• Phalaenopsis Orchids
• Barberton Daisy
• Basil
• Bamboo
• Jasmine
• Petunia
• Marigold
• Rose
Although safe, you may still wish to keep house plants at a safe distance from your pets’ reach to prevent any unwanted damage to the plant. For outdoor planting, you can also try installing a container garden to prevent your pets from marching through your flower beds, potentially eating the plants and causing disruption.
Stick to what you know is non-toxic when it comes to your plants and remember that if you’re still unsure, seek professional guidance to ensure your pets won’t be at risk.
Have more questions or interested in some additional dog-friendly products? Contact The Dog Market for all of you dog-related needs. We look forward to hearing from you!