It is important to know which plants to avoid to prevent such outcomes. To avoid such a situation, it’s crucial to know what plant varieties you should avoid.
Take extra care with these trendy houseplants if you own a dog.
Houseplants that are safe for cats and dogs
01
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Closeup of a fiddle-leaf fig
The fiddle leaf plant is loved by both interior decorators as well as houseplant lovers. It has a large, medium-sized houseplant that features a thin trunk with large, fiddle-shaped, fiddle-shaped, fiddle-shaped, fiddle-shaped, fiddle-shaped, fiddle-shaped, fiddle-shape leaves.
Fiddle leaf figs can cause skin and gastrointestinal irritation in dogs that are prone to chewing.2 Do not bring fiddle leaves figs into your home if your dog has a tendency to chew on plants.
Toxic properties: Ficin and furocoumarins
02
Philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum)
Close up of a heart-leaf philodendron.
Philodendrons are a large group of tropical plants, which are loved by indoor gardeners for their beautiful foliage and ease of maintenance. Popular philodendrons include heartleaf, philodendron “Brasil”, and philodendron “Micans”, among others.
The varieties of Philodendron are not toxic when touched, but they can be poisonous to dogs and cats. The symptoms of philodendron toxicity include swelling, difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, and oral irritation.
Insoluble calcium Oxalates: Toxic properties
03
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
A ZZ Plant is on a coffee-table in front of a gray couch.
ZZ plants, or Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, have become very popular in recent years. This is due to their ability to survive in complete darkness. They are therefore excellent low-light plants. ZZ plants grow from rhizomes and therefore require little watering. They are a low-maintenance plant.
ZZ plants can be toxic to cats and dogs if they are ingested. They may cause symptoms similar to calcium oxalate toxicity, such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Insoluble calcium Oxalates: Toxic properties
04
Aloe Vera, also known as Aloe barbadensis Miller
A wooden dining table is adorned with an aloe leaf.
Aloe, a succulent native to Western Asia, is grown around the globe for its medicinal and agricultural purposes. Aloe vera is an easy-to-grow plant with low maintenance requirements. It has become a popular houseplant.
Aloe Vera is not toxic to humans but it can be harmful to dogs. Ingestion of Aloe Vera will result in symptoms like lethargy and vomiting.
Saponins and anthraquinones: Toxic properties
05
Bird of Paradise, Strelitzia Reginae
A Bird of Paradise sits on a brick wall.
Bird of paradise plants are tropical houseplants that originate in South Africa. The large leaves and beautiful orange and blue flowers, which resemble birds in motion, made them popular houseplants. The flower, which is the most notorious part of the bird of paradise plant, is also the most poisonous.
Bird of paradise poisoning can cause nausea, vomiting and drowsiness in dogs.7 However, if treated promptly by a veterinarian, the dog may recover completely.
Toxic Properties – gastrointestinal Irritators
06
Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
Close up of a dumb cane.
Dieffenbachia, also known as dumb canes or tropical plants with beautiful variegated foliage, can range in height from less than one foot to up to five feet depending on the variety. Dieffenbachia comes in many varieties. The most popular are D. picta ‘Camilla’ and D. amoena ‘Tropic Snow.’
Dieffenbachia is toxic to cats and dogs. Dieffenbachia can cause vomiting and difficulty breathing.
Toxic properties: insoluble calcium oxalates
07
Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
A sago is placed on a table with cacti.
Sago palms, native to tropical Japan, are very popular houseplants. The crown is made up of thick, green palm leaves and a shaggy trunk. These plants are slow growing, and stay small for a long time, especially when they’re grown indoors.
Sago palms can be extremely toxic for both humans and pets, causing liver damage and even death. Sago palm poisoning can cause vomiting, diarrhea and seizures.
Cycasin: Toxic Properties
08
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum).
Closeup of peace lily
These tropical plants are distinguished by their glossy, dark leaves and white flowers. They make excellent houseplants. Peace lilies are able to bloom twice a year and the flowers can last several months.
The peace lily, particularly the ‘Mauna-Loa’ variety, is poisonous for both cats and dogs. This large cultivar can reach up to 2 feet in height and causes irritation on the skin. It will also cause vomiting if it is ingested by animals.
Insoluble calcium Oxalates: Toxic Properties
09
Alocasia (Alocasia macrorrhizos)
Closeup of alocasia leafs
Alocasia is the name of a group of perennial flowering plants native to Asia, Australia and other subtropical and tropical regions. Alocasia are temperamental plants that need adequate water, light and humidity. However, their beautiful leaves have made them very popular.
Alocasia is toxic for dogs, cats and humans. It can cause mouth irritation, swelling, nausea, difficulty breathing and swallowing, as well as cause burning and burning in the lips and tongue.
Insoluble calcium Oxalates: Toxic Properties
While these nine houseplants may be toxic to dogs, some houseplant lovers are able coexist with plants and their dogs depending on the individual temperaments and tendencies of each dog. It’s your responsibility as a pet parent to determine which plants will be ignored by your dog and which will attract their attention.
