Are Your Houseplants Pet-Safe?

Dogs and cats eat LOTS of things they shouldn’t ... Including plants!

We're approaching fall, and outdoor gardening season is about over. Do you garden indoors to keep your spirits up during the winter? If so, it’s important to know which popular houseplants are safe for your fur kids, and which ones spell trouble.

Some of the “no-no”s may surprise you.

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PET-POISONOUS HOUSEPLANTS

DEFINITELY NOT—if injested, look for the following symptoms:

  • Easter & Stargazer Lilies: FATAL to cats (initially: vomiting, lethargy)
  • Peace Lily: Irritation of tongue/lips, drooling, problems swallowing
  • Aloe Vera: Full range of digestive symptoms
  • Ivy: Trouble breathing, rash, paralysis, even coma
  • Jade: Vomiting, slow heart rate, depression
  • Dieffenbachia: Swelling/burning of the mouth & tongue, vomiting, difficulty breathing, even death
  • Philodendron: Swelling/burning of the mouth & tongue, digestive issues, spasms, seizures
  • Pothos: Swelling/burning of the mouth & tongue, digestive issues, spasms, seizures
  • Sago Palm: Vomiting, diarrhea, liver failure
  • ZZ Plant: Vomiting &  diarrhea,
  • Elephant Ear: Swelling/burning of the mouth & tongue, drooling, vomiting
  • Corn Plant: Bloody vomiting, appetite loss, depression, dilated pupils (cats)
  • Asparagus Fern: Vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation
  • Cyclamen: Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea (tubers/roots: seizures, DEATH)

PICTURES OF THESE PLANTS CAN BE FOUND AT:

The 11 Most Poisonous Plants for Dogs
10 Household Plants That Are Dangerous to Dogs and Cats

A note on the danger of Poinsettias: Although they have a bad reputation, poinsettias are only mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Read all about it HERE.

SAFE PLANTS FOR DOGS & CATS

DON'T DESPAIR! There ARE safe plants that will brighten your home & freshen the air!

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  • Spider Plant (any light)
  • African Violet (high light)
  • Boston Fern (indirect light)
  • Bromeliads (low light)
  • Burro’s Tail (medium light)
  • Hens & Chicks (high light)
  • Bamboo (bright, indirect)
  • Ponytail Palm (bright light)
  • Christmas Cactus (medium light)
  • Peperomia (low light)
  • Phalaenopsis Orchids (low light)
  • Prayer Plant ( medium light)

PHOTOS TO HELP YOU CHOOSE:

15 Pet-Friendly Indoor House Plants
Pet-Friendly Houseplants

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Before buying a plant, or when bringing a new pet into an existing indoor “garden”, check the site below for plant/pet-friendliness:

ASPCA: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List

If you suspect plant poisoning, call a pet poison control center like the one listed below and consult a veterinarian. Poisonous plant ingestion can be fatal! Time is of the essence in seeking help for your pet!

Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661 (fees apply)