Houseplants are a great way to brighten up your home, improve air quality, and add a touch of nature to your space. But if you have pets, it’s important to make sure the greenery in your home is safe for your furry friends. Some plants can be toxic to dogs and cats, leading to serious health issues if ingested. To help you keep your pets safe, we’ve compiled a list of houseplants that are pet-friendly and some that should be avoided.

Pet-Safe Houseplants

These plants are non-toxic and safe to keep around your four-legged family members:

  1. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) – A beautiful, low-maintenance plant that is completely safe for pets.
  2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) – Known for its air-purifying qualities, this plant is non-toxic and easy to care for.
  3. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) – A lush and vibrant option that won’t harm curious pets.
  4. Calathea (Calathea spp.) – These colorful, patterned plants are safe for pets and add a unique look to any space.
  5. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) – A great pet-friendly choice that thrives in low light and requires minimal care.
  6. Bamboo (Bambusoideae) – Not only stylish, but also safe for pets to be around.
  7. African Violet (Saintpaulia) – A great option if you want a flowering plant that won’t pose a threat to your pets.

Houseplants That Are Toxic to Pets

The following plants should be avoided or kept out of reach of pets due to their toxic properties:

  1. Lilies (Lilium spp.) – Highly toxic to cats, even small amounts can cause kidney failure.
  2. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) – While great for humans, it contains saponins that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in pets.
  3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – Can cause oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if chewed.
  4. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.) – Contains calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate a pet’s mouth and digestive system.
  5. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) – A popular choice, but mildly toxic, causing nausea and vomiting in pets.
  6. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) – Extremely toxic to pets, especially the seeds, which can cause liver failure.
  7. Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.) – Also known as Dumb Cane, this plant can cause oral irritation, swelling, and difficulty breathing.

What to Do If Your Pet Eats a Toxic Plant

If you suspect your pet has ingested a poisonous plant, act quickly. Look for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, difficulty breathing, or loss of coordination. Contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately for guidance. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) is a great resource for emergency situations.

Final Thoughts

Creating a pet-friendly home means considering not only what’s on the floor but also what’s on your shelves and countertops. By choosing non-toxic plants and keeping harmful ones out of reach, you can enjoy a lush indoor garden without worrying about your pet’s safety. At Top Dog Pet Sitting, we care about the well-being of your furry family members—reach out to us for more pet care tips and services!

Do you have any favorite pet-safe houseplants? Let us know in the comments!