If you’re a pet owner, maintaining Fido or Fluffy’s health and wellness is no small task. And it may require asking questions you’ve never considered such as: are there certain plants I should not keep in my home? Anasazi Animal Clinic is a pet hospital in Gilbert, Arizona, and we care deeply about educating our human clients so that they can keep their four-legged companions safe and happy. Since specific plants can be harmful to your animals, we’re taking time in this blog post to point out some pet-friendly options that will liven up your home while keeping your beloved animal’s health in mind.
Avoid Exposing Your Pet to These Plants
Before we mention the plants that are safe for your pet, we’d like to discuss certain plants that should be avoided. Believe it or not, the list of plants that are toxic to cats and dogs is quite long. And it’s not just the stems or leaves that may inflict harm; a plant’s seeds, sap or even its roots can be poisonous to your pet.
Some common poisonous house and garden plants for dogs and cats include: Aloe Vera, Azalea, Hydrangea, Baby’s Breath, Carnations, Chrysanthemum, Daffodil, Lilies, Poinsettia, Sago Palm, Tomato Plant, Tulips, and certain types of Ivy.
While it’s unlikely that your pup or kitty would start chowing down on one of the plants mentioned above, it’s wise to be mindful, whether you’re decorating your house or taking Fido for a walk around the neighborhood. For a comprehensive list of which plants can be harmful to your canine or feline, check out this poisonous plant guide for pets.
10 Pet-Friendly House Plants
If you had a chance to read the plant guide in the link above, the number of plants and plant parts to avoid might have you wondering, “What flowers and plants are safe for my pets?” The answer? There are plenty of nontoxic options. When thinking about decorating your house, opt for one of these pet-friendly plants:
- Spider Plant
- Palms
- African Violet
- Phalaenopsis orchids
- Boston Ferns
- Tradescantia Zebrina
- Wax Plant
- Prayer Plant
- Bamboo
- Echeveria
If your pet happens to ingest a plant that is toxic, Anasazi Animal Clinic is a pet hospital in Gilbert, Arizona that is prepared to deal with any emergency. We pride ourselves in giving your pet the best care possible—because your pet’s health and happiness mean the world to us.
Photo by Brodie Vissers from Burst (7/14/2018)