House plants are all the rage these days as they can add a touch of serene green to your home. Whether your cooped up working remotely, looking at long winter months ahead, or simply want to bring some of the outdoors indoors, house plants are a great addition to your home. That’s why we’re going to look at five indoor plants that are safe for dogs and many other pets.
It's important to note that the wrong plants could be a danger inside your home. As PetMD notes:
Some plants and cut flowers can actually be toxic to dogs, causing symptoms such as swelling of the mouth, vomiting, trembling, loss of coordination, seizures, difficulty breathing, or even death.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t ever decorate your place with indoor plants or accept a gift of flowers from a friend. Before you bring home a nice flower arrangement or new houseplant, you just need to make sure it’s on the list of flowers and plants that are safe for dogs.
that said, let’s take a look at 5 great dog-friendly houseplants!
- African Violet
- Spider Plant
- Basil and some other herbs
- Friendship Plant
- Christmas Cactus
First Up, The Colorful African Violet
Many pretty flowering plants are actually poisonous for dogs and cats, but not the African violet. This absolutely gorgeous plant is perfectly safe and also offers some exceptionally beautiful blooms. Generally, flowers are pink and purple. Besides being safe for many pets, the African violet doesn’t need a ton of light and is generally easy to care for, making it a great house plant.
African violets can be a bit picky when it comes to water. So make sure you’re careful with the sprinkler. With a bit of proper care, however, these violets can brighten up your home and you won’t have to sweat your dog getting sick if she happens to nibble on the plant.
Spider Plant: A Newbie and Pet-Friendly Houseplant
The Spider Plant may be the toughest, easiest to care for plant on this list. If you’re a green thumb and own dogs, this plant offers an excellent starting point. It’s a pretty plant that is easy to grow and care for. If you forgot to water this plant occasionally or you suffer a long stretch of cloudy days, your spider plant will probably be fine.
The Spider Plant is non-toxic for cats and dogs, making it a great houseplant for pet-filled homes. And if your rambunctious companions damage the plant, it’ll probably be fine.
Basil and Other Dog-Approved Herbs for Your Herb Garden
Herbs are common has house plants in many homes. However, growing toxic herbs in your herb garden could lead to some problems, so you want to choose the right ones. Oregano, chamomile, and mint are bad for your dogs. Although mint is generally only bad for your pets in large amounts. Fortunately, many herbs are pet and dog friendly, including cilantro, basil, thyme, and parsley. The bonus with herbs is you can use them in your own food to enhance flavors. And if you let them flower, they can produce beautiful, delicate small flowers. They are a perfect addition to a bright window sill.
Pet Friendly Fun with the Friendship Plant
Friendship plants are a common gift and make for a great dog-friendly house plant. The plants are quite hardy and you can separate them to gift to friends and loved ones. They also have lush, soft green quilted leaves that draw the eye. Care-wise, they do prefer humid environments but besides that are relatively easy to care for.
If you got a Friendship plant as a gift or are looking for present ideas for people with dogs and other pets, the Friendship plant is a great pet-friendly houseplant. They are non-toxic and don’t have any thorns that will hurt beloved companions.
Cacti Fun: the Christmas Cactus
Cactuses can be a bit tricky for pet owners as many of them are poisonous. Sharp thorns can also hurt your dog or other pet if she rubs up against or swats the plant. Still, if you want cactuses around the house, you do have some options, including the Christmas Cactus. It’s a nonpoisonous houseplant, and unlike many cacti, it doesn’t have sharp or dangerous thorns.
That said, if your dog eats too much of the plant, it could cause diarrhea or vomiting. The plant’s fibers aren’t meant for carnivores. Generally speaking, however, your pet won’t be at any serious risk but may have an upset stomach for a day or two. If your pet is a nibbler, consider putting the Christmas Cactus in a hard to reach place.
You’ve Got Plenty of Pet Friendly Indoor Plant Options
We covered 5 of the best dog friendly house plants, but rest assured, there are many more. Consider your local climate, how much care you can provide, and other factors when selecting indoor plants. Also, keep light levels in mind. Some plants do perfectly fine with minimal light, others need plenty of time in the sun.
If you happen to receive a plant as a gift or pick one up on the whim, make sure you do some research. Many house plants that are toxic to dogs and other pets will only cause minor discomfort if eaten in a small quantity. Still, some are quite dangerous. So it’s better to be safe than sorry.
