I love, love, LOVE my houseplants. They instantly make my apartment feel more warm and inviting. I love the vibes they add to my loft. Unfortunately, many houseplants are toxic for my large dogs, Humphrey and Miles.
Houseplants are not only physically good for you but mentally beneficial also, with certain plants having the ability to boost your mood and reduce your stress levels. They are also hugely popular for those that do not have a lot of outside space as they allow you to bring a touch of greenery directly into your home.
If you have fur babies like I do, you need to be careful with what house plants you choose to have in your home as they can be dangerous for canines, and some even deadly.
Keep reading to discover five houseplants that are dangerous for dogs so that you can ensure you pick plants that will brighten up your home without causing harm to your pet.
1. Lilies
Although there are many varieties of this family of plants, with only some being dangerous for dogs, if you are unsure, it is probably best to avoid this flower altogether.
Some of the varieties that are toxic for dogs include:
The peace lily
The calla lily
Amaryllis
Lily of the Valley
Autumn crocus
The palm lily
It is also worth noting that lilies are highly toxic to cats, so they should be avoided if you also have a feline friend.
2. Aloe Vera
A very popular houseplant due to its healing properties for skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, as well as its ability to soothe burns, Aloe Vera is sadly harmful to your dog if they ingest it. Leaf sap is a laxative, and therefore, if your dog consumes it, they could start to suffer from severe diarrhea, which can be fatal if untreated.
If your dog inadvertently does swallow some aloe vera, Heart and Paw, a highly reputable veterinary facility, can help treat your dog and ensure they do not become dehydrated from vomiting or diarrhea.
3. Dumb Cane aka Dieffenbachia
Unfortunately, this common houseplant that can help clean your home’s air by absorbing toxins is toxic for both humans and dogs if consumed. If consumed, your dog could experience:
– Burning of the mouth
– Swelling of the mouth or tongue
– Difficulty swallowing
– Vomiting
– Increased saliva
– Difficulty breathing
There is even a chance that they could die, so you mustn’t have a dumb cane house plant in your home if you have a dog.
4. Asparagus Fern
Also known as Emerald Fern, Lace Fern, Plumosa Fern, and Sprengeri Fern, this attractive house plant is bad news for both dogs and cats. Containing a toxin called Sapogenin, if your dog consumes the berries that this plant produces, they may experience:
– Diarrhea
– Vomiting
– Stomach discomfort or pain
– Inflammation of the skin
5. Sago Palm
For those who favor a more tropical plant, the sago palm can add an exotic feel to your home; however, every part of this plant poses a threat to your dog. If they ingest either the seeds, leaves, or roots, they can become very ill with common side effects, including vomiting and diarrhea. In extreme cases, your dog could even succumb to liver failure, which could lead to death.
