6 Dog Safe Houseplants for Pet Owners – Top Dog Tips
If you’re a seasoned pet owner then you probably already know that there are a number of plants that are toxic to dogs. This is the time of year when people are brining outdoor plants inside, starting seeds to grow plants for next spring and purchasing houseplants for hostess/holiday gifts. If you’re one of these people, try one of these dog safe houseplants for pet owners.
Dogs have been known to chew on the leaves and blossoms of indoor plants. This is why it’s so important to be careful of the plants that you bring into your home. Do some quick research before bringing in new plants, and make sure to check on the plants that you already have. If your dog ever wanders your yard unattended, you’ll also need to research the plants that you have in your outside.
The consumption of toxic plants could lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and general stomach upset. Some plants can even be life threatening to your pet. For this reason, it’s important to know the names of every plant in your home/yard. If you believe that your dog may have ingested a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian immediately or the Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour emergency hotline at 1-888-426-4435.
Dog Safe Houseplants for Pet Owners
1. Spider Plant
These plants are very hearty and easy to maintain if your thumb isn’t so green. They do well in bright to moderate sunlight and will only need watering about once a week. Spider plants will also produce “babies” identical to the mother plant. Once mature, they can be used to grow a new spider plant.
2. Bamboo
This is a good houseplant to consider if your pet has a tendency to munch on plant leaves. Bamboo does like direct sunlight – about 6 hours a day. It only needs water once or twice per week, and it isn’t easily effected by changes in the room temperature.
3. African Violet
The African Violet is ideal for dog owners that want to brighten up their homes with a flowering plant. They produce clusters of white, purple or blue flowers. These plants prefer indirect sunlight, and they don’t require a lot of watering. They are easily susceptible to rot in humid climates, so keep that in mind depending on your location.
4. Donkey Tail Succulent
Succulents are very easy to maintain, and this one has an especially unique look. They don’t require a lot of sunlight – only a couple of hours per day. Succulents also require very little watering. You will probably only need to water them once or twice a month. If you (or the person that you’re shopping for) are a beginning plant owner, a succulent is an excellent choice.
5. Cast Iron Plant
Speaking of good plants for newbies, the Cast Iron Plant has the ability to withstand almost any growing conditions. It needs only a moderate amount of light and very limited watering. The leaves of this plant can get up to 2 feet long, and the entire plant can grow to 2-3 feet in height.
6. Prayer Plant
While there are many dog-safe houseplants, I had to include the prayer plant on my list. It is one of my favorites because it comes in a variety of colors and patterns. They’ll look great with any home décor. The Prayer Plant gets its name because it closes it’s leaves at night, which is a unique and fun behavior to observe. Children and adults alike will love watching this plant’s unique daily routine.
READ NEXT: Have You Considered Planting a Dog-Safe Garden?
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