Exploring pet-safe decor – Discover indoor plants to avoid for pet owners
Table of Contents
While indoor plants are excellent for purifying the air in your home, they can prove dangerous if you have curious pets at home. Several varieties of indoor plants prove poisonous to pets, with some being more harmful than others. However, being aware of poisonous indoor plants is crucial to keep your home pet-friendly. This article highlights indoor plants that you need to avoid planting if you have pets in your home.
Devil’s Ivy
- Devil’s ivy is a popular trailing plant often found in homes. However, it is toxic for pets. If you want to grow this plant, hang it up high, away from the reach of your pets. The immediate reaction can be noticed if a pet chews on devil’s ivy.
Signs of toxicity include:
- Pawing at face
- Vomiting
- Foaming from the mouth
In severe cases, swelling may occur in the mouth, leading to difficulty swallowing and breathing. Therefore, taking precautionary measures is crucial to protect your pets from the harmful effects of this plant.
Jade Plant
- Jade plant, or Crassula Ovata or rubber plant, is popular for its potential to live up to 100 years. This commonly favored plant is toxic to pets. While specific toxic compounds are not well-documented, pets who ingest jade plants experience symptoms such as vomiting and a slower heart rate.
In addition, it also leads to depression in the affected animals, which is the more challenging symptom to identify. Therefore, pet owners must keep jade plants out of reach from their furry friends to ensure their well-being and safety.
Dieffenbachia
- The toxicity of this common houseplant is similar to that found in some other tropical plants, like philodendron. Its leaves have tiny, sharp calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate a dog’s mouth, causing severe swelling and a burning sensation in the mouth and tongue.
This irritation can worsen to the point of causing breathing difficulties; in severe cases, it may even result in death. Pet owners must understand the potential dangers and keep their pets away from this plant or avoid planting Dieffenbachia to ensure their safety.
Aloe Vera
- While aloe vera is great for humans, it is not so good for animals, particularly dogs. Certain components of the aloe vera plant are safe for dogs. For instance, aloe gel and juice are typically used to treat skin abrasions.
However, chewing on the plant can expose your dog to anthraquinone glycosides, a toxin that could lead to diarrhea and vomiting. Therefore, aloe vera is moderately toxic to dogs, so avoid planting it to keep your pet safe.
Sago Palm
The sago palm is an exotic-looking houseplant that can instantly add a striking look to your home. However, pet owners should know that every part of this plant, including the seeds, roots, and leaves, is toxic to dogs and cats. It is listed as one of the top terrible toxins and a poisonous pet houseplant.
In severe cases, the toxin can lead to toxicity, causing symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Furthermore, ingesting this plant can cause seizures, lethargy, and even liver failure in pets. Therefore, pet owners should avoid planting this toxic plant in their homes due to the severe health risks associated with the sago palm.
If your pet has ingested a toxic plant and you are worried about your pet’s condition, don’t wait any longer and consult the vet. At Autumn Trails and Veterinary Center, we provide the best urgent care services that keep your pets healthy and comfortable. We offer veterinary services in Charlottesville, VA. Contact us at (434) 971-9800 to book an appointment.
