You want to liven up your home and demonstrate to your pals that you are “hip to the newest interior design trends (hint: indoor rainforests are trendy)” so you want to add some greenery. Before you buy that fancy fiddle leaf fig, huge cactus, or cut-leaf philodendron at the neighbourhood nursery, keep in mind that your cat or dog will also be residing with and probably attempting to consume your newest plant-child. We conducted research to assist you in making plant selections that are secure for your pet family members!
Unexpectedly, some of the most common and accessible house plants are harmful to your dogs. Among many other plants, this list includes ficus, snake plant (mother-in-tongue), law’s philodendron, and the majority of cacti.
The most common offenders when it comes to chewing on indoor plants are cats. But pets are also in danger. Dogs can be poisoned by many of the same plants that can harm your cat. In addition, there is a chance that dogs will dig up and consume potentially harmful horticultural bulbs.
If consumed by cats or dogs, aloe vera is toxic and can result in vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, and tremors.
Mother-in-Tongue law’s (Snake Plant)
If consumed by cats or dogs, it is toxic and can result in diarrhoea, vomiting, and nausea.
Philodendron
If consumed by cats or dogs, this substance is toxic and can cause oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, and trouble swallowing.
Anguished Fig Tree
Toxic to cats and dogs; when consumed, it can result in oral irritation, excessive drooling, and vomiting as well as dermatitis when the plant is in touch with the animal’s skin.
Fig, Fiddle Leaf
If consumed by cats or dogs, this substance is toxic and can cause vomiting, excessive drooling, and oral irritation.
LiliesThe majority of lily cultivars are hazardous to your pet. A freshly cut spring bouquet on your dining table may be lovely, but your cat or dog can view it more as a meal than a decorative item. For your pets, even a small nibble of the leaves or blossoms or a smell of the pollen from some types can be lethal.
Even though some lily kinds, like Peace and Calla, are not fatal to animals, they can nevertheless produce mild to severe poisoning symptoms in your cat. Excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, pawing at the mouth, loss of appetite, and mouth irritation are among the symptoms.
Easter, Tiger, Day, Japanese, and Stargazer lilies are examples of lilies that can cause renal failure. Vomiting, loss of appetite, excessive drooling, lethargy, dehydration, increased or decreased thirst and urination, stomach discomfort, and kidney failure are all symptoms of poisoning.
Get your pet to a veterinarian right once for treatment if you believe they may have ingested some harmful plant material or if you observe these symptoms in them.
What is a pet and plant lover to do then? There are several animal-safe plants available that can give your decor that contemporary, lush jungle feel!
Here are a few nice illustrations:
Majesty PalmA sizable indoor palm that prefers moist soil and 6 to 8 hours of bright light.
Fern in maidenhair
It needs consistent hydration (not sloppy dampness) and oblique morning or afternoon light to grow because it is delicate and picky.
Spider Plant is versatile and simple to grow. Your spider plant will thrive if you give it well-drained soil and bright indirect light.
Orchids
For an orchid to bloom, strong, indirect light, high humidity, airflow around the roots, and alternating periods of drying soil and heavy watering are desired. This varies based on the type.
Ferns, Staghorn
usually fixed on a piece of wood to allow air to circulate around the roots. This epiphyte benefits from humidity, bright indirect light, and consistent, but not soggy, wetness.
BambooA fast-growing plant, bamboo prefers moist soil with good drainage, lots of water, and five hours of direct sunlight each day.
Cast Iron Works
This plant, a member of the lily family, is not harmful to your pet. Maintain consistent soil moisture and expose it to bright to semi-bright light. It dislikes exposure to direct sunshine.
BromeliadAn ancestor of the pineapple, bromeliads appreciate monthly irrigation and bright, indirect light.
Perhaps you already have some of the listed hazardous plants, and your dogs get along just fine. Or perhaps, despite your pets’ interest, you lack the heart to give away your collection of cacti. Growing pet grass is one method for diverting your pets’ attention away from any potential threat. Once it has grown, put the grass next to your pet’s bowl to reward good behaviour. The idea behind a pet herb garden is that some animals will intuitively consume plants that have medical benefits, such as peppermint to calm an upset stomach.
Another choice is to purchase a plant spray that is suitable for pets and has a harsh taste to discourage nibbling.
Suppose a dog consumes a fiddle leaf fig.
While spending the weekend at my mother’s place on Saturday, my dog consumed fiddle fig leaves. She has appeared to be fine ever since, and when my mother phoned the veterinarian that day, she was told that as long as she hadn’t puked, she should be fine. She had been passing the leaves through her stool, but last night she only threw them up once. Is this an urgent medical matter?
I appreciate you asking. Since this location is not designed for urgent emails, I apologise for the delay.
I wish your pet were doing better. It is recommended to take your pet to the vet if they are still experiencing issues so that the doctor can check them, determine what might be going on, and arrange for any necessary testing or treatment.
A portion of my fiddle leaf fig was chewed by my dog.
As there were fragments of the leaves left on the floor, I can’t be sure if he swallowed it all, but I’m worried he may have ingested some of the leaf. Do I need to take him to the doctor?
I appreciate your email. If any of the plant’s parts are consumed, fiddle leaf figs can irritate the GI system and make you sick, resulting in vomiting or diarrhoea. Ralph should visit your veterinarian if he exhibits any symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, or decreased appetite. Dogs typically avoid eating large amounts of the plant because it has such a horrible flavour. I’m hoping he’s ok!
Fiddle Leaf Figs: How Harmful to Cats?
Sadly, fiddle leaf figs are poisonous to cats. Fiddle leaf figs can irritate the mouth and cause extreme burning in the tongue, lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and even trouble swallowing when consumed. When consumed by dogs and other animals, fiddle leaf figs have the same negative consequences.
Are cats poisonous to FIG plants?
Like many plants, figs are completely harmless for people, but your cat will be irritated and poisoned by the fruit, leaves, and sap of fig and fig tree trees. Although figs have a low to moderate level of toxicity, you should still get your cat to the clinic right away if you think it may have consumed something poisonous. If your cat receives prompt veterinarian care soon after being exposed, its chances of making a full recovery from poisoning increase.
Figs are a common fruit that has been cultivated for many years. Weeping fig and ficus, which are other names for fig plants, are also common interior and outdoor ornamental plants. Their gorgeous interior foliage has tall, glossy green leaves. Unfortunately, your cat may be attracted to figs for the same reasons as humans do, which could be harmful to their health.
Are dogs poisoned by monstera?
Some of your indoor plants are just not safe if you have pets or young children, which is a sad but inevitable realisation in the road of becoming a plant parent. While many common genera of houseplants are stunning to look at, many of them are moderately or seriously hazardous. Still others, when handled excessively, can irritate the skin.
The good news is that with enough preparation, you can determine which dangerous houseplants to stay away from, evaluate the risk to your family and pets, and still enjoy a lively and stunningly green collection of indoor plants.
Here are 10 toxic houseplants that, while we love them, should be used with caution if your children or pets will have access to them. A word of clarity, though, is in need before we proceed: “toxic is a relative term, and the severity of a reaction will depend largely on the level of exposure (amount consumed), which plant species, and the specifics of your pet. Some poisonous houseplants cause short-lived, acute symptoms (such as vomiting). Some can have more serious, life-threatening effects if swallowed in excess, while others only irritate the skin. This list is by no means intended to be comprehensive, so we strongly advise conducting additional research (ASPCA has a great database for pet owners).
Poisonous Houseplants for Pet Owners and Parents to Avoid
- Starting with one of the biggest players, Philodendron (and Monstera) is a vast genus of tropical plants that is particularly well-liked for usage inside because of its great variety of growing habits, leaf shapes, and colours. Plants in this genus are poisonous to dogs and cats as well as somewhat toxic to humans. Oral irritation, soreness and swelling in the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and trouble swallowing are all signs of exposure.
Are dogs hazardous to spider plants?
1. The spider plant. The good news is that Chlorophytum comosum, more generally known as Spider Plants, is one of the most well-known and well-liked houseplants. These plants are well-liked by novice gardeners because they are among the simplest to maintain.
Are cats safe around money tree plants?
David Domoney has been a regular fixture on our screens for almost ten years, imparting all of his knowledge on horticulture. He established Houseplant Week UK, which takes place the second week in January each year. Winter is a terrific time to liven up your home because we’re less likely to be tempted to go outside into the garden. Numerous advantages of houseplants include air purification, stress reduction, and improved focus. Sadly, there are countless varieties of houseplants that might hurt your pets. We have selected just a few of the more popular ones for UK Houseplant Week.
Aloe Vera
Despite being a wonderful plant for humans thanks to its abilities to smooth skin, aloe plants may be quite dangerous to both cats and dogs. It can irritate a pet’s digestive tract and result in vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, depression, and a change in the colour of the urine if chewed on or consumed.
Lily
There are numerous lily kinds that are exceedingly toxic; some are for dogs, but the majority are quite harmful for cats if consumed. Vomiting, loss of appetite, drooling, lethargy, and in some species, kidney failure and even death, are just a few of the symptoms. The continuous campaign against the hazards of lilies for cats is run by our friends at International Cat Care.
Jade Plant
The jade plant, often called a rubber plant or money plant, is poisonous to both cats and dogs. resulting in nausea, sadness, ataxia (lack of muscular coordination and control), and a sluggish heartbeat.
Ivy
There are numerous ivy species that are toxic to animals. Devil’s ivy can also cause oral irritation and respiratory difficulties in both cats and dogs. English ivy is deadly for dogs, producing drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. Even garden ivy can release dangerous spores that, if consumed, can result in a rash and breathing difficulties.
Dracaena
The Dracaena, often called a Dragon Tree, is a sizable indoor plant that can be harmful to both cats and dogs. Ingesting it results in drooling, vomiting, weakness, and in cats, dilated pupils.
Fig
For all animals, the Weeping Fig or Indian Rubber Plant is a nuisance. It can cause dermatitis and irritation when it comes into touch with the skin, and it can also cause vomiting, salivation, and mouth irritation when consumed.
There are numerous other plants that, if consumed by your cat or dog, can result in both minor and severe ailments. If you’re concerned about the plants you have at home, check out this more thorough list of dangerous houseplants for animals, and if you’re worried about anything your pet may have consumed, checkout this list of frequently poisonous plants, objects around the house, and meals.
Can pets safely be given ficus lyrata?
We’re sorry to break the news to you, but the fiddle leaf fig, one of the most notorious indoor plants on the Internet, is poisonous to dogs if consumed. The fiddle leaf fig is a medium- to large-sized houseplant with a thin trunk and huge fiddle-shaped leaves that is revered by both interior decorators and houseplant aficionados.
Unfortunately, eating fiddle leaf fig foliage might make your dog experience unpleasant symptoms like skin and gastrointestinal irritation. Bring a fiddle leaf fig outside if your dog likes to gnaw on plants.
My dog is consuming fig leaves, why?
Many of us consider our dogs to be members of the family, so it’s important to keep them safe. Making sure that any plants you’re considering bringing into your home are not poisonous to dogs, cats, or other pets is one approach to achieve this.
What’s Great About Fig Trees (for You)
Fig trees make lovely ornamental plants that require little maintenance. And their fruit is wonderfully delicious—figs are renowned as nature’s candy because of their creamy texture and subtle vanilla flavour. It’s difficult to imagine that something as delicious as a fig could really be healthy, yet it’s true that figs are excellent sources of fibre and can aid in the management of diabetes.
Why Pets and Fig Trees May Not Mix
Although figs are completely safe for people, fig fruit, leaves, and sap are toxic to pets and can lead to unpleasant gastrointestinal and skin irritations. Significant drooling, vomiting, and diarrhoea are indications that your pet may have been pursuing your fig tree. You should get your pet to the vet right away if you think they may have consumed figs, fig leaves, or any other hazardous substance.
Why do some pets try to chew on fig trees?
After all, dogs and cats are carnivores, so why is this confusing? Why then do we occasionally see them eating grass or other greens to the point of becoming ill?
The wild ancestors of your dog or cat frequently consumed plants and leaves to make up for dietary shortfalls. That characteristic can occasionally be passed down to their domesticated counterparts (especially when they are deficient in specific nutrients like fibre or seeking to soothe an upset stomach). Other animals may decide to sample your indoor plants because of the appealing aroma or flavour (dogs especially may be tempted to try a fig). A bored animal who has nothing better to do may suddenly get interested in leaves flying in a breeze or air circulation.
Consult your veterinarian to rule out any potential health issues or vitamin deficiency if you discover that your dog or cat is frequently eating plants.
Ways to Keep Pets from Bothering Your Fig Tree
It’s generally best to avoid looking for a fig tree for sale if your pet is an unrepentant plant-chewer. Instead, if your dog or cat has never bothered your plants before and you’d like to try planting your own fig tree, be sure to use the following five suggestions to help dogs and plants get along:
- Keep animals and plants apart. If you can, place your fig tree on a high shelf or countertop because it’s a good idea to keep dangerous materials out of your pet’s reach just like you would with children. If you’re not at home, this might not discourage cats or particularly persistent dogs. Make sure your fig tree is secure behind a closed door if you are unable to keep an eye on your dogs. On the other hand, you can crate your dog or lock your cat in a room without any plants (with food, drink, and litter).
- Apply lemon juice as a spritz to your fig tree. Lemon juice is healthy for plants, and since dogs and cats don’t like the taste or scent of it, it also works well as a natural deterrent that your pets can eat.
- Provide your pet with a lot of wholesome activity. Make sure your dog or cat receives plenty of exercise because boredom can cause destructive behaviour in any pet. A rigors game of string with your cat or a lengthy, daily stroll with your dog will do wonders for their mental health and help keep them away from your fig tree.
- Make sure your pet has something to play with other than your fig tree. Making sure your cat or dog has toys to keep them occupied is another approach to assist them avoid being bored. Give your dog something to gnaw on or many toys for your cat to throw around. Both cats and dogs enjoy puzzle toys that have treats inside that they have to work to get out.
- Use training techniques to prevent your pets from accessing your fig tree. A little punishment can help if you catch your dog or cat exploring your fig tree. Both cats and dogs can be scared away with a short, gentle spritz of water from a spray bottle or a sharp rattling of a tin can partially filled with coins and the phrase, “No!” To show your pet that wonderful things happen when they leave the fig tree alone, make sure to reward them with treats when they remain away from it.