At Earth’s Ally, we care about our plants just as much as we do about our canine companions. However, pets and plants don’t appear to get along all that often. Many of our favorite plant species, as well as many popular herbal remedies, are toxic to cats and dogs. Learn more about our top 10 pet-friendly houseplants in the next paragraphs, as well as about the solutions we develop to keep our homes and gardens healthy without using harsh chemicals.
#1 Haworthia Succulent (Haworthia species)
Want to protect your pets while still enjoying the low-maintenance beauty of plants of the aloe genus? The best plant for you is a haworthia. This chic small succulent simply needs a little water once a week and would look wonderful in a sunny location.
#2 Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exalta bostoniensis)
The Boston Fern is a reliable houseplant with thick fronds that expand quickly with minimal attention. They thrive in a slightly humid climate, making bathrooms with some filtered sunlight an ideal location for them. Despite having what appear to be delicate leaves, Boston ferns are remarkably hardy.
#3 Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
Several well-known and eye-catching plants, such as the trendy Chinese money plant, the variegated aluminum plant, and the simple-to-procreate friendship plant, belong to the Pilea genus. These plants prefer a lot of indirect light and are said to be safe for cats and dogs.
#4 Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Pets may have concerns about palms, but the parlor palm is thought to be non-toxic. This tall, graceful plant is suitable for pets and does well in dimmer lighting conditions as well. They usually grow to a height of around four feet, but with care, they can grow as tall as eight feet.
#5 Banana Palm (Musa acuminata)
The banana palm is another substantial accent plant that is secure for your dogs. If you have lots of space, a banana plant is a fantastic option because of its enormous, glossy leaves and remarkable size.
#6 African Violet (Saintpaulia spp.)
Look no further than the African violet for a pop of color. The African violet, a native of Tanzania with alluring purple, pink, blue, or white blossoms, is regarded as safe for pets. This low-maintenance plant doesn’t worry if the light isn’t as strong.
#7 Gloxinia Flower (Sinningia Speciosa)
The Sinningia genus encompasses everything from the most extravagant flowers to the tiniest, most delicate ones. They are frequently called Gloxinia and are widely used as gift plants. If you get one of these gorgeous things as a gift from a friend, you don’t have to worry about your dogs.
#9 Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are referred to as “unkillable houseplants” and produce festoons of lovely striped leaves. The best part is that spider plants produce baby mini-plants that grow into their pots from the main plant. Spider plants are a great option for pet-friendly gardens because they’re so simple to grow and maintain.
#10 Air Plants (Tillandsia)
They only need water and sunlight to survive. They are safe for cats and dogs because there is no soil for your pets to spill. They can be grown in a variety of containers with weekly watering.
Pet Safe Plant Care
The first step in creating a safe habitat for pets is selecting a non-toxic plant. Due to sporadic overwatering, common pests including scale, aphids, spider mites, and fungus gnats virtually always affect indoor plants. Think about safe alternatives to common treatments when those annoying bugs appear.
For an immediate kill on soft-bodied insects, use an essential oil insecticide like Earth’s Ally Insect Control. When used as instructed, Earth’s Ally is extremely successful in treating pest issues and safe for People, Pets, & the Planet. It is made from rosemary, clove, and peppermint oils.
With the help of these suggestions, you may make a secure haven for your animal pals out of a lush oasis. We’d be interested to know how Earth’s Ally is assisting you in raising wholesome indoor plants that are safe for dogs and cats. Connect with the #EarthsAlly community on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to share your pet photographs, have access to our most recent blog posts, giveaways, and special offers.
Which kind of palms are toxic to dogs?
Big box stores sell sago palms, which are highly well-liked indoor and outdoor plants. They are not palm trees, despite the name (they just look like them). Other names for sago palms are coontie palm, cardboard palm, kind sago, Japanese sago palm, zamias, and they could even be unmarked. The sago palm contains the toxin cycasin and is a member of the family of cycad seed plants. Sago palms are toxic enough to kill dogs even when they are quite young.
Contrary to popular opinion, all portions of male and female plants are poisonous, with the sago palm’s seeds being the most dangerous. In mature plants, the reddish-orange seeds range in size from being slightly larger than a golf ball to being round to rectangular in shape. Sadly, a lot of dogs appear to love chewing on these acrid seeds, which can be toxic.
Are dogs poisoned by palm leaves?
Few trees in a tropical or subtropical garden can match a palm tree’s majesty and romance (Arecaceae). Fortunately for individuals who have both palm trees and pets, domestic animals are not thought to be poisoned by the leaves of a real palm. Although it may survive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 to 10, the common sago palm (Cycas revoluta) is exceedingly poisonous. Sago palms are cycads, which have been present on Earth for more than 150 million years but are not really palms.
Are dogs poisoned by palm bark?
Although veterinarians can cure sago palm poisoning, according to Schmid, there is no guarantee and time is of the essence.
You must go to the veterinarian clinic right away if your dog ate any portion of a sago palm and is displaying symptoms of poisoning, which may include vomiting, diarrhea (with or without blood), and lethargy. Organ damage, liver failure, and neurological symptoms like swaying and convulsions may ensue.
My dog eats palm leaves, but why?
- Historically, wild dogs supplemented their diet with plants and leaves.
- The omnivorous progenitors of today’s domestic dogs may have passed on this behavior to them.
- Leaf-eating can be reduced by proper training, close attention, and understanding when to divert.
The air is becoming chilly, the trees are covered in orange-hued leaves, and the temperature is decreasing.
Although you might appreciate the sound of leaves crunching beneath your feet, you might not find it as relaxing if your dog is chomping on a few errant leaves. In the end, since it’s a part of their natural curiosity, it’s not detrimental for your dog to eat a few leaves here and there. However, there are techniques to get them to reduce their appetite for greens if they are constantly eating leaves.
Why Do Dogs Even Eat Leaves?
So why do puppies initially like to eat leaves? According to research, eating leaves is a behavior that is not exclusive to domestic dogs. When they can’t obtain their usual sources of meat, wild dogs have been seen in the wild consuming grass and leaves. Despite not being as nutrient-dense as meat, wild dogs nevertheless consume plants to supplement their diet.
Dr. Andrea Rediger, DVM, a veterinarian, claims that there is a theory explaining how domesticated dogs acquired characteristics from their wild ancestors. According to Rediger, domesticated dogs instinctively include plant matter in their diet since “undomesticated dogs are inherently omnivores (meat and plant-eaters),” he writes in an article for the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Pica, a syndrome where dogs feel compelled to devour non-edible objects, may be a sign of more serious problems. Although your dog may have a natural urge to eat leaves, the practice could also indicate other health problems, dietary deficits, or even boredom.
Although leaves may be high in fiber, they are not nutrient-dense and won’t significantly improve your dog’s diet. Consider introducing vegetables and herbs that are suitable for dogs into your dog’s diet, such as carrots, peas, and celery, if your dog appears to enjoy the flavor or texture of leaves. You might even start a rosemary, basil, and thyme-filled herb garden for dogs.
If your dog is experiencing stomach discomfort, they may also use grass and leaves to induce vomiting and help them get rid of the discomfort. Although technically harmless, leaves and grass can obstruct the airway, especially in young animals like pups. Keep a watch on how frequently your dog throws up, especially in light of how much greenery they are consuming. It can be a symptom of a gastrointestinal problem that needs to be addressed by your veterinarian.
While out for a stroll, it’s dangerous to eat any leaves because they might be sprayed with pesticides or other dangerous chemicals. While the majority of leaves that fall from trees are safe, some hazardous trees and plants, like black walnut trees, Japanese yews, and tomato plants, can give your dog serious health problems. Before acquiring a new dog, take essential to become acquainted with the varieties of trees in your yard and surrounding area.
How Can You Curb Leaf-Eating Behavior?
Even though your dog may view leaves as a special variety of dog potato chip, cleaning up their puke after a feast is never enjoyable. There are a few simple ways to prevent your dog from eating too much fall foliage if you’re worried about the behavior.
When you first let your dog out, make sure to follow them and pay great attention to what they put in their mouths. Give them a harsh warning if they begin to devour a leaf “No, and take out the leaf delicately. Give the leash a light tug if they begin to consume leaves when out for a walk “no, and divert their focus.
If your dog is showing an interest in the leaves, they may be bored and in need of entertainment. Purchase chewing toys or other items to divert their attention from the need to devour the leaves. To challenge your dog’s brain and get them interested in anything other than leaves, you can also attempt food puzzles.
Finally, remember to schedule some time to play with your dog. Throw a ball or another toy to divert their attention if you let them outside and they begin to explore the backyard looking for a snack. The interaction with their owner and the exercise may serve as a diversion from the seasonal treat and help you and your dog form a closer bond.
Do you need assistance training your dog? In spite of the fact that you might not be able to attend live training sessions during COVID-19, we are still available to you electronically through the AKC GoodDog! Helpline. With the help of this live telephone service, you may speak with a qualified trainer who will provide you with unrestricted, personalized advise on anything from behavioral problems to CGC preparation to getting started in dog sports.
Are there any poisonous palm trees?
The large Formosa palm tree produces poisonous fruit that can result in life-threatening allergic skin reactions. The tree can reach a height of 10 feet and a spread of 16 feet. Its dark olive, fishtail-shaped leaves can go up to 8 feet long.
Can dogs nibble on the branches of palm trees?
Are there any sago palm trees close to your house? Or do you pass any sago palms on your dog walk? Dogs are exceedingly toxic to sago palm trees, and any portion of the plant that they consume could be fatal.
Despite their attractiveness, these palm trees are extremely hazardous and widespread in many places. They are a prominent feature in many homes and businesses throughout Texas, and the closer you get to the shore, the more prevalent they become. It’s particularly unsettling to see them on the grounds of hotels that welcome dogs.
Low-growing plants, these palms occasionally appear in pots. You’ve undoubtedly seen these in a variety of sizes:
Paula Tatgenhorst, who moved from St. Louis, Missouri, to Tampa for a new employment opportunity, had only been there for nine months. Bella, Boomer, and Cindy, her three rescue canines, had traveled to Florida with the rest of her family.
Paula replanted two seeds from a plant in her front yard into a pot on her pool patio on a sunny day in March as part of her spring gardening.
Paula was unaware of the seed’s extreme danger because she was not a native of Florida. Unaware that Bella had ingested the second seed, she did what any pet parent would do and removed the first seed.
Bella started badly vomiting within hours. Paula took her urgently to Terrence S. Keene, DVM at Keene Veterinary Hospital in Tampa, where he started treating her. Dr. Keene recognized the Sago Palm as the perpetrator after being shown a picture of the plant by a neighbor.
The seeds, root ball, and leaves of the plant are all exceedingly hazardous, according to Dr. Keene.
In fact, even when given rigorous medical care, over 75% of animals who consume this herb get liver failure and die. The fact that the seeds are particularly appetizing to dogs only makes the matter worse.
Bella was given powerful medication, placed on an IV drip, and received round-the-clock care. She made it through the entire night and was able to get home the next day. Unfortunately, Bella’s outlook is still grim.
She might continue to struggle for survival for weeks, months, or even years because the poison is slow-acting. She will have regular blood tests for months to determine the extent of liver damage, which has probably decreased her life.
The sago palm, also known as the cyad, is frequently utilized in Florida for outdoor landscaping despite being deadly to both pets and children.
Tatgenhorst remarked, “It is alarming that this deadly plant was growing directly outside our door.
It’s time for initiatives to raise awareness and increase the number of warnings on seed and plant labels. Homeowners must also identify every plant in their yards and appropriately rid of any dangers before it is too late.
What plants are the most dangerous to dogs?
Dogs are poisonous to a lot of plants. Deterring them from chewing on or consuming any vegetation is therefore always a good idea, especially the following plants.
The following plants should never be made available to dogs under any circumstances since they are the most harmful to them:
- Castor oil or castor bean (Ricinus communis)
- Cyclamen (Cylamen spp.)
- Dumbcane (Dieffenbachia)
- Hemlock (Conium maculatum)
- English ivy’s fruit and leaves (Hedera helix)
- Mistletoe (Viscum album)
- Oleander (Nerium oleander)
- Apple thorns or jimsonweed (Datura stramonium)
- Yew (Taxus spp.)
- any fungus you cannot reliably identify as safe
For a number of reasons, it is best to stay away from this kind of plant. Do not grow them close to your house or bring cut flowers or plants inside:
- Amaryllis (Amaryllis spp.)
- Fall crocus (Colochicum autumnale)
- bloody heart (Dicentra spectabilis)
- Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)
- Chrysanthemum (Compositae spp) (Compositae spp.)
- bulbs of any variety of flowers
- Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
- Israeli cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum)
- Larkspur (Delphinium)
- Flower of the valley (Convallaria majalis)
- Marijuana (Cannabis sativa)
- Mauna Loa peace lily or peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
- Pothos (both Scindapsus and Epipremnum)
- Rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum)
- Schefflera (Schefflera and Brassaia actinophylla) (Schefflera and Brassaia actinophylla)
- Navel nettles (Urtica dioica)
- Bulbs of tulips and narcissus (Tulipa/Narcissus spp.)
- Maryland creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
Avoid using these tougher-leafed or woody species in and around your home as they are harmful as well.
- Azalea
- Box
- Beijinger tree
- Horsechestnut
- Laburnum
- Oleander
- Privet
- Palm Sago
- Rhododendron
- Wisteria
Additionally, the ASPCA has a comprehensive list of toxic and non-toxic plants, and the Pet Poison Helpline has a list of the Top 10 Plants Poisonous to Pets.