What Flowers and Houseplants Are Safe for My Pet?
What do lilies, pothos, tulips, azaleas, and snake plants have in common? They are all popular plants that can be extremely toxic to your dog or cat.
Houseplants and flower bouquets are a great way to liven up your home, but the type of plant you choose could mean the difference between life and death for your pet.
What plants are toxic, and can they harm my pet?
Many plants contain toxins that dogs and cats can’t ingest. A slight brush or nibble on some flowers or leaves can cause severe symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, organ failure, seizures, and in extreme cases, death.
Because some plants are so toxic, avoiding contact by avoiding them is the most effective way to keep your pet safe.
Plants cat owners should avoid:
True lilies
Pothos
Aloe vera
Oleander
Sago palms
Azaleas
Poinsettias
For cat owners, true lilies are the most dangerous flower, as only small contact is enough to cause severe impacts. Toxic true lily varieties include tiger, easter and asiatic lilies. HSNT veterinarian Dr. Misty Mendes, DVM, said untreated exposure to these flowers can quickly lead to organ failure and even death.
“It is absolutely important that if a pet owner sees evidence that their animal has been chewing on or ingesting any part of a lily plant, they need to seek veterinary care immediately,” Dr. Mendes said.
Cats are at a high risk because of their grooming habits. If harmful pollen gets onto a cat’s fur, it could later get into their mouth during grooming.
Plants dog owners should avoid:
Sago palms
Tulips and daffodils
Oleander
Jade plants
Azaleas
Mistletoe
Snake plants
Ivy
Sago palms can cause severe liver failure in dogs, and all parts of the plant are harmful. Small dog breeds are at a higher risk than large breeds, as a smaller dog can become dangerously sick from a small amount of plant material.
In addition to houseplants, avoid planting flowers like tulips or daffodils in outdoor gardens because dogs may dig up the bulbs that contain more concentrated toxins than other parts of the plant.
Avoiding these plants is the best way to keep your pet safe. Visit the ASPCA website for a full list of toxic and non-toxic plants that includes the scientific names and common names of plants.
If you believe your pet has ingested a toxic plant but is acting normal, Dr. Mendes recommends calling the ASPCA Poison Control at (888)-426-4435. If your cat or dog is showing symptoms or acting abnormally, take them to the nearest veterinary emergency clinic as soon as possible.
“Do not automatically induce vomiting or give any medications, unless directed to by a veterinarian, as this can make the situation worse,” Mendes said.
What to do in an emergency:
Know the type of plant your pet ate or touched
Where did the plant touch your pet?
If your pet ate a toxic plant, which parts of the plant were eaten? The stem, petals, pollen, or bulbs? How much of the plant was eaten?
If you don’t know what type of plant your pet came in contact with, take a picture or bring a piece of the plant with you to the emergency vet in a plastic bag
Know the symptoms your pet is experiencing
Note any vomiting, diarrhea, tremors/seizures, coughing, panting or difficulty breathing
Also take note of any changes in your pet’s mood, like depression or lethargy
What time did you first notice symptoms?
How often are these symptoms occurring?
HSNT is not a full-service vet and does not diagnose or treat sick or injured pets. HSNT provides low-cost clinic services like spays, neuters, microchipping, humane euthanasia, and weekly vaccines. This allows our organization to focus solely on preventing pet overpopulation through preventative care.
8 pet-safe plants for your home:
Though there are many plant species you should avoid, making your home safe for your pet does not mean you have to give up your green thumb. There are hundreds of pet-safe varieties to keep your home lively.
Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
A low-maintence plant with smooth, round leaves. This plant loves bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low-light conditions. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
Prayer Plant (Calathea insignis)
The prayer plant has striking leaves with intricate pink and green patterns. Named for the way its leaves move, the prayer plant can be placed in almost any light conditions but needs lots of water to thrive.
Mother Hens and Chicks (Echeveria elegans)
A succulent named for the baby plants that grow around the main center, resembling a hen and her chicks. This plant requires lots of sun and needs little water, a great species for new plant lovers.
Venus Fly Trap (Dionaea muscipula)
This carnivorous plants feed on flies, gnats, and other small insects it catches with its sticky, hand-like traps. The Venus Fly Trap would make a unique addition to any room with bright light.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata Bostoniensis)
Ferns have beautiful foliage that look great in any home. The boston fern needs bright, indirect sun and some humidity, which makes them a perfect plant for bathrooms.
Orchids
Delicate and coming in all different colors, orchids can be a beautiful addition to your home. Orchids can bloom for weeks at a time, but avoid putting them in direct sunlight.
Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae)
Bromeliads are known for their vibrant, rosette-shaped flowers in the center of large green leaves. These tropical plants come in a variety of warm colors and need a humid environment.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant’s resilience makes a great substitution for the toxic pothos vine. Spider plants do well almost anywhere. From window sills to backyard garden beds, these plants thrive as long as they have enough water.
Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)
The baby rubber plant is another hardy plant that can thrive in most conditions. This plant needs full sun and should be watered when the top two inches of its soil are dry.
Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
A small plant with lots of foliage, great for your windowsill. Polka Dot Plants come in several color varieties that range from dark green with pink spots to light green with white spots. Keep the soil moist and this plant will stay happy.
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