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There are two things we love deeply in life: plants and pets. So thats why were on the lookout for pet-friendly plants that wont threaten your fur babies if they take a nibble. For the uninitiated, yep, certain plants can be toxic to pets when ingested, sometimes causing seizures, tremors, or worse. Even the most well-behaved animals are bound to take a bite of a houseplant at some point, so we reached out to New Jersey veterinarian Judy Morgan for her advice on how to select ones that won’t harm the four-legged friends in our lives. Since we strongly endorse adding greenery to your home to clean your air and improve your mood while also making sure your furry friend is safe and sound, read on for 22 of our favorite pet-safe plants that are kosher for cats and dogs. We also included all of the tips youll need to keep your new plant happy in your home environment.
P.S. If you’re ever curious as to whether a certain indoor plant is a safe investment for your home, the ASPCA also has an extensive list of plants to avoid (including both indoor and outdoor plants). And if you already have an idea of what plants you want in your space, click on the link below.
The arrow plant, also known as Syngonium podophyllum, is a popular houseplant known for its arrow-shaped leaves and easy care. However, this plant can pose a serious danger to pets if ingested. As a responsible pet owner, it’s critical that you understand the risks of arrow plant toxicity and take steps to protect your furry friends.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about arrow plant safety for pets.
Overview of Arrow Plant Toxicity
The arrow plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in all parts of the plant. If chewed or ingested, these microscopic crystals can cause significant pain, irritation, and damage throughout the mouth, throat, and digestive tract.
Arrow plant poisoning can result in symptoms like:
- Drooling
- Difficulty swallowing
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Painful swelling of mouth, tongue, lips
- Difficulty breathing
Left untreated, arrow plant ingestion can even be fatal So it’s absolutely critical to keep this plant out of paws’ reach!
Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe
While arrow plants are hazardous, you can take some simple precautions to protect your furry friends:
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Keep arrow plants completely out of reach of pets on high shelves or in hanging baskets. Never keep them on low tables or counters.
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Place arrow plants in rooms your pets don’t have access to and keep doors closed.
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Deter pets from chewing on arrow plants by using bitter apple sprays or aluminum foil around the pot.
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Opt for pet-friendly plant alternatives like spider plants, palms, or orchids.
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Educate yourself on toxic plants and pet-proof your indoor and outdoor gardens.
What To Do If Ingestion Occurs
If you believe your pet has chewed or ingested any part of an arrow plant, immediate veterinary care is crucial. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear.
Your vet may induce vomiting or administer activated charcoal to prevent further absorption of toxins. They’ll provide supportive care with IV fluids, pain medication, and monitoring.
Be prepared to provide details about the plant ingested and when it occurred. Bring along any material vomited up for identification. Prompt treatment is vital for the best outcome.
FAQs About Arrow Plants and Pet Safety
Q: Are arrow plants toxic to both dogs and cats?
A: Yes, arrow plants are hazardous when ingested by both felines and canines. All pets should be kept away from these plants.
Q: Can I cut the toxicity risk by keeping arrow plants out of reach?
A: Simply keeping arrow plants completely out of reach of pets can effectively prevent the risk of toxicity. Proper placement is key.
Q: Are other houseplants toxic for pets I should avoid?
A: Many houseplants like lilies, azaleas, sago palms, and philodendrons are also toxic for pets. Research any plants before bringing them home.
Q: What are some safest indoor plant options?
A: Some of the safest indoor plant choices include roses, sunflowers, orchids, palms, hibiscus, and herbs like basil or catnip.
Q: Can arrow plant toxicity be fatal?
A: While not common, arrow plant ingestion can potentially be fatal in severe cases where swelling prevents breathing. Seek immediate veterinary treatment.
Conclusion
While arrow plants are toxic hazards for curious pets, educated owners can take simple precautions to avoid tragedy. By completely securing arrow plants out of reach, pet-proofing your home, and acting quickly if ingestion occurs, you can maintain both beautiful indoor plants and a safe environment for your furry companions. Put your pet’s safety first by keeping arrow plants strictly off limits.
Adult Sized Venus Flytrap
Pros:
- Can be placed outdoors in warmer climates or seasons
- Make an excellent hanging statement plant
Most Popular
Cons:
The beautiful Boston fern is also on the lower end of the maintenance spectrum, since it requires food only every two months. Your kitty can bat at the ferns all he wants and your puppy can even take a bite—this plant is safe for cats and dogs.
Care instructions:
Keep these in a cool place with indirect light and high humidity. For extra humidity, you might want to set the fern’s pot in a tray of pebbles filled with water as well as misting its green leaves twice a week. Just make sure that soil stays plenty damp!
Costa Farms Bird’s Nest Fern
Pros:
- Eats your annoying pests
- Its very cool to tell your friends you have carnivorous plants
Cons:
- Require pure water and high humidity
Not only is this plant pet-friendly, it’s also super low-maintenance. Keep your Venus flytrap happy by placing it somewhere that gets at least four hours of direct sunlight and watering it with distilled water. For soil, opt for peat moss or sphagnum moss. Placing the plant on a porch is ideal, as it can feed itself with passerby flies. It needs only one to two insects per month to sustain itself.
Care instructions:
Venus flytraps require some form of pure water, so in addition to distilled, reverse osmosis or rainwater should also work great. It’s also best not to let your plant dry out—the soil around its base should be damp to the touch. You can place it in a terrarium if youre worried that youll forget to keep up with the watering schedule.