If you have a green thumb and have pets, it’s important to find plants that are safe for your furry family!
Houseplants can make for beautiful, earthy décor in your home! However, we all know that living with pets can sometimes be unpredictable, especially when you’re not there. If your dog or cat loves chewing on grass, gets into the trash can, or likes to cause mischief when you’re not around, then you may want to be cautious about what plants you bring into your home.
Toxic Plants to Avoid
When plant shopping with your pets, steer clear of the below that may not be suitable for your pets!
Aloe Vera
Although Aloe Vera has many health benefits for humans and their skin, it’s not the best fit for your dog or cat. They contain anthraquinone glycosides, which are common in medications that produce a laxative effect. When ingested by your pet, the glycosides can, unfortunately, result in vomiting or diarrhea. It’s also important to watch out for other symptoms such as depression, changes in urine color, and loss of appetite.
Snake Plant
The Snake Plant, or Sansevieria Trifasciata, is only mildly toxic for pets, but still requires caution in where you place it in the house. The plant contains saponins, a natural chemical produced by the plant, which protects itself from fungi and insects. If the plant were to be consumed, it can cause stomach upset in pets, such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Pencil Cactus
The Pencil Cactus from the Euphorbia species contains milky sap within the plant that can cause irritation specifically in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, as well as skin and eyes if exposed to. You may want to avoid other kinds of cacti as well, since the needles can be hazardous to your pet.
Jade
Although the poisonous substance in Jade or Crassula is unknown, there have been reports of side effects from dogs and cats that have ingested. Some symptoms include vomiting, dry-heaving, aggression, and lethargy.
Golden Pothos
The Golden Pothos from the Araceae family contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. If your pet were to chew or bite into the Pothos, the crystals would be released and could cause irritation in the GI tract or mouth. Although it is very rare, it’s helpful to know that it could potentially cause the upper airways to swell, making it difficult to breathe. Other plants that are part of the Araceae family should also be avoided as many contain the same crystals and effect on animals.
If a toxic plant is ingested, please consult your Vet!
It’s important to do research on each plant you bring into your home. If your pet were to ingest a plant that is deemed toxic, please contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Plants Pets Love!
If you’re on the search for houseplants, you may want to consider these safe options! Plus, a lot of these plants are great for purifying the air and removing the pollutants in your home, so they can help with allergies in both humans and pets.
Hoya
Echeveria
Calathea
Orchid
Bamboo
If your pup has a reaction to a plant, try out our Canna Care Topical! Our award-winning topical is made with 100% plant-based ingredients and safe to apply to your dog’s skin irritations. Shop our Canna Care for your pup’s itchy situations!
