House Plants To Keep Away From Your Dog

15 Common House Plants To Keep Away From Dogs

House plants can add a certain green touch to your home and are quite decorative to have. However, if your beloved dog decides to snack on your plants, chances are, they can be detrimental to their health – or cause a death that could’ve been avoided. In this article, we’ll look at the 15 common house plants that can be dangerous for dogs if ingested.

Aloe Vera

“While aloe vera does wonders for humans due to its skin-soothing properties, it doesn’t do the same for dogs,” says Lon Smalls, a content writer at Writinity and Last minute writing. “While the gel substance is harmless if ingested, the other parts of the plant can disrupt your dog’s digestive system.”

Sago Palm

Sago palm can be ornamental in warmer climates. However, these palms can be toxic to dogs with serious side effects ranging from liver failure to possible death.

Lilies

Although lilies are nice additions to your home, some members of the Lily family can be toxic to your pets. The Mauna Loa (the “Peace Lily,”), for example, is toxic to dogs, with problems ranging from vomiting to issues swallowing due to irritated lips and tongue.

Tomato Plant

Tomato plants are great to have in your garden during the summer. Though, make sure that your dog stays away from this plant. This plant will cause the following health problems to your dog:

1. Bodily weakness
2. Gastrointestinal problems
3. Drowsiness
4. Dilated pupils
5. Slower heart rate
6. Confusion

Ivy

Poison ivy is infamous for making people itch when they get in contact with it. Though, regular Ivy can be harmful to a dog, causing the following health problems:

1. Rashes
2. Trouble breathing
3. Possible coma
4. Possible paralysis

Bird Of Paradise

The bird of paradise, despite being an exquisite house plant to have in the home, can also be dangerous to your dog. Within 20 minutes or so of eating the plant, your dog will experience:

1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Drowsiness

Amaryllis

A flowering bulb that’s a common garden ornamental, the amaryllis is yet another poisonous plant for dogs. This plant can cause the following health problems for Fido:

1. Increased salivation
2. Vomiting
3. Diarrhea
4. Loss of appetite
5. Abdominal pain
6. Lethargy
7. Tremors

Jade

Jade is also a toxic plant for your pet dog. The plant’s unknown toxins can make your dog experience:

1. Vomiting
2. Incoordination (ataxia)
3. Slower heart rate
4. Depression

Elephant Ear

This colorful plant species can also harm your dog if they don’t stay clear of it. Ingesting this plant can cause:

1. Oral problems
2. Increased drooling
3. Vomiting
4. Trouble swallowing

“Dumb Cane”

Dieffenbachia (or “Dumb Cane”) is also poisonous to dogs. Its toxins can cause:

1. Burning/swelling of the mouth and tongue
2. Trouble swallowing
3. Vomiting
4. Increased salivation
5. Problems breathing
6. Possible death

Asparagus Fern

This plant is also bad for dogs. The plant’s toxin – Sapogenin – is in its berries. If a dog ingests the berries, that can lead to the following problems:

1. Diarrhea
2. Vomiting
3. Abdominal pain
4. Skin inflammation

ZZ Plant

ZZ plants, despite their popularity, can also be harmful to dogs. Ingesting the plant can cause diarrhea and vomiting.

Sowbread

“Sowbread is a common plant in one’s home that can brighten up any room,” says Isabel Manning, a lifestyle blogger at Research papers UK and Draft beyond. “However, you may want to keep this plant away from dogs and cats. Ingesting the plant can cause increased drooling, diarrhea, vomiting, and abnormal heartbeat and or seizures. Or, in some cases, it can lead to death.”

Corn Plant

The corn plant is also a plant that needs to be kept out of your dog’s reach. Ingesting this plant can cause:

1. Vomiting (regular or bloody)
2. Loss of appetite
3. Depression

Philodendron

Despite having low‐maintenance needs, Philodendron can pack a nasty punch to your dog. Oral problems, caused by the plant’s sharp calcium oxalate crystals in its leaves, include:

1. Severe swelling and burning of the mouth and tongue
2. Possible breathing problems
3. Possible death

Conclusion

While there’s nothing wrong with decorating your home with house plants, it’s still important to protect your dog from those plants. By being cautious about the above 15 plants, Fido will live a long, healthy, and safe life. And, as always, if you notice any erratic behaviors from your dog, or if you feel that they’re sick, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian. Also, keep in handy the number of a local 24‐hour emergency vet.

Elizabeth S. Kinder is a blogger at Assignment writer and Gum Essays.