Dog-Friendly Houseplants: What’s Safe & What to Avoid

At MawooPets.com, we help families find healthy, happy puppies from trusted, vetted breeders. As passionate pet lovers, we know that keeping your dog safe goes beyond food and walks — it includes every aspect of your home, especially your houseplants. Many common indoor plants can be toxic to dogs, and knowing the difference between safe and dangerous options can make a big difference in your pup's health.

This guide breaks down which houseplants are dog-friendly, which to keep out of reach, and how to create a dog-safe indoor garden.

Dog-Safe Houseplants

If you love greenery but want to keep your pup protected, here are some houseplants that are considered safe for dogs:

1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
   Non-toxic and easy to grow, spider plants are perfect for dog owners.

2. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
   A beautiful, pet-safe palm that adds a tropical feel to your home.

3. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
   Another dog-safe palm that thrives in indirect light.

4. Calathea
   These colorful plants are non-toxic and dog-safe, making them ideal for style-conscious pet parents.

5. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
   Known for its unique leaf patterns, it's safe for curious canines.

Toxic Houseplants to Avoid

These common houseplants are known to be toxic to dogs and should be kept out of your home or placed completely out of reach:

1. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
   Extremely toxic; ingestion can lead to liver failure and death.

2. Aloe Vera
   Useful for humans but toxic to dogs, causing vomiting and diarrhea.

3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
   Can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing.

4. Philodendron
   Causes oral irritation and gastrointestinal upset.

5. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
   Also known as Devil's Ivy, this plant can cause serious irritation and vomiting.

Outdoor Hazards: Garden Plants, Fertilizers & More

Your garden should be a safe space for your dog. Be aware of these potential hazards:

• Azaleas & Rhododendrons

• Foxglove

• Oleander

• Tomato Plants (unripe fruit and leaves)

• Daffodils & Tulips (bulbs especially)

Fertilizers and Mulches:

• Cocoa Mulch: Contains theobromine (like chocolate), which is highly toxic to dogs.
• Bone Meal & Blood Meal: Can cause digestive blockages or pancreatitis.
• Chemical Fertilizers & Pesticides: Often contain harmful chemicals that can lead to vomiting, seizures, or worse.

✅ Safe Alternatives: Use organic, pet-safe fertilizers and avoid cocoa mulch entirely.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe Around Plants

You don't have to choose between plants and a safe dog. Here's how to make it work:

1. Elevate and Contain: Use high shelves, hanging planters, or barriers to keep plants out of reach.
2. Train Your Dog: Teach commands like "leave it" to discourage plant munching. Reward them for good behavior!
3. Choose Dog-Friendly Plants: Replace toxic plants with safe alternatives like spider plants, areca palms, or Boston ferns.
4. Be Careful in the Garden: Use organic, pet-friendly fertilizers. Avoid cocoa mulch. Keep compost bins covered.
5. Monitor and Act Fast: If you suspect poisoning (vomiting, drooling, difficulty breathing, lethargy), contact your vet immediately.
   

What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Toxic Plant

If you notice signs like vomiting, drooling, trembling, or lethargy:

1. Remove your dog from the area.

2. Identify the plant they ingested, if possible.

3. Call your vet immediately, or contact a pet poison hotline:

   • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435

   • Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

Time is critical. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen.

FAQ: Plants and Dog Safety

What are the most common signs of plant poisoning in dogs?

Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, loss of appetite, lethargy, difficulty breathing, seizures.

What should I do if I think my dog ate a toxic plant?

Contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control hotline immediately. The sooner you act, the better the outcome.

Are all fertilizers dangerous for dogs?

No, but many contain harmful chemicals. Always choose pet-safe, organic options.

Where can I find a list of plants that are safe for dogs?

The ASPCA website has a comprehensive list of toxic and non-toxic plants. You can view it here!

Final Thoughts: A Safe Home Is a Happy Home

At Mawoo Pets, we believe that raising a puppy should be a joyful, worry-free experience. By taking steps to remove or secure dangerous plants and choosing safe alternatives, you’ll create a nurturing environment where both your dog and your greenery can thrive.

👉 Looking for more puppy parenting tips or safe puppy adoption resources? Explore our blog or connect with our team of experts.