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What’s Toxic and What’s Safe for My Pets?
Learn which indoor plants may be toxic to your pets.
During spring and summer months, seasonal indoor plants become staple additions to homes across the nation. From hardy spider plants and palms to decorative flowers, succulents and cacti – there are so many species, colors and textures to choose from. But what if you have pets? Unfortunately, many houseplants are actually toxic to dogs and cats when ingested, and curiosity is hard to control when your pet likes to climb, dig, and chew! Continue reading to learn what indoor plants are safe and which ones pet owners should avoid.
Plants and Pets
For cat owners, staying on the careful side when buying indoor plants is crucial to keeping your furry friends healthy. Cats don’t have the ability to digest many plants properly, unlike humans. Here are some common plants toxic to cats.
Plants Toxic to Cats
Aloe Vera
Autumn Crocus
Azalea
Bird of Paradise
Crocosmia
Daffodil
Daisy
Chrysanthemum
Dracaena
Elephant Ears
Euphorbia
Fern Palm
Fig
Foxglove
Geranium
Holly
Horse Chestnut
Hyacinth
Iris
Ivy
Jade
Kalanchoe
Lavender
Lemon
Lily
Mint
Mum
Nightshade
Oleander
Oregano
Parsley
Poinsettia
Primrose
Sago Palm
Shatavari
Snake Plant
John’s Wort
Tulip
Yucca Cane
Keep in mind this is in no way the full list of all plants considered potentially toxic to cats. When shopping for indoor plants, be sure to first double-check the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List, which is an online database that lists the names, photos, and descriptions of various plants and whether or not they are toxic to cats, dogs, or horses.
Dogs’ digestive systems, on the other hand, are a bit more forgiving; however, they are still very sensitive to specific plant types. Here’s a list of common plants toxic to dogs.
Plants Toxic to Dogs
Aloe Vera
Autumn Crocus
Azalea
Bird of Paradise
Chamomile
Cyclamen
Daffodil
Dieffenbachia
Elephant Ears
English Ivy
Eucalyptus
Fig
Foxglove
Gardenia
Geranium
Holly
Jade
Kalanchoe
Lavender
Mint
Nightshade
Oleander
Peace Lily
Panda Plant
Poinsettia
Primrose
Sago Palm
Shatavari
Snake Plant
John’s Wort
Tulip
Yucca
Symptoms of Toxicity
There are many symptoms of toxicity that may occur if your pet has ingested potentially toxic plant material that can vary from vomiting or mild gastrointestinal upset to more life-threatening symptoms. Here are some common symptoms of possible pet poisoning.
Difficulty breathing
Drooling or difficulty swallowing
Nausea or vomiting
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Excessive drinking and urinating
Irregular heartbeat
Skin irritation
Redness, swelling or itchiness of the eyes, skin or mouth
Lethargy
Tremors
Toxic doses vary among plants. If you believe your pet has ingested a potentially toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or call the ASPCA’s 24-hour Emergency Animal Poison Control Center Hotline at (888) 426-4435.
Plants Considered Safe for Pets
Now that you know what plants to avoid, here are some popular indoor plants that are considered safe around cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA.
Bamboo Palm
Boston Fern
Blue Echeveria
Ghost Plant
Majesty Palm
Orchid
Parlor Palm
Ponytail Palm
Prayer Plant
Sedum
Spider Plant
Zebra Haworthia
Note: For other types of pets, always check with your veterinarian first before introducing a new indoor plant to your home.
How to Maintain Pet Health
In addition to avoiding growing toxic plants around pets, you can help maintain your pet’s health with a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and nutritional pet supplements. Brands like Pet Wellbeing and PetAlive offer products made with all-natural ingredients from plants and herbs formulated for targeted pet health needs for dogs and cats of all ages.
What pet-friendly indoor plants are your favorites? Share your thoughts below!
About Leslie Benson
A Midwest-raised journalist living in Nashville, Tennessee, Leslie is an organic food and natural health advocate. When she’s not at the local farmers’ market, you can find her writing songs and snuggling with her pets. Blog: LeslieIreneBenson.com | Twitter @Leslie_Benson
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