Are you a proud dog owner and want to brighten up your home with green plants? This can be a challenge, especially when young dogs love to play and sometimes nibble on houseplants or frolic with their leaves. Dogs also tend to eat grass or even houseplants to get fiber when they have digestive issues. While the visual damage can be annoying, your pet's well-being is paramount. That's why it's all the more important to look for non-toxic houseplants for dogs.
Non-toxic houseplants: Which plants are not toxic to dogs?
Many tropical plants are not safe for four-legged friends. If dogs eat leaves or other parts of plants, depending on the amount and type, severe poisoning can occur, requiring a visit to the veterinarian. When choosing plants for your home, it's therefore advisable to inform yourself about their compatibility beforehand and consciously choose non-toxic houseplants. This is especially true if you have a curious puppy living in the house. Fortunately, there are numerous pet-friendly plants that you can use to make your home safe and comfortable.
Pilea (UFO plant)
With its leaves resembling small UFOs, the Pilea peperomioides is not only a decorative eye-catcher, but is also considered non-toxic to dogs. It's easy to cultivate and propagates quickly through cuttings. In a bright location away from direct sunlight, it displays its round, deep green leaves. If the leaves turn yellow, it should be relocated.
Musa (banana plant)
A real favorite among pet-friendly houseplants is the Musa, also known as the Japanese fiber banana. The banana plant is neither toxic to dogs nor humans , making it a safe choice for households with pets. With its impressive, lush leaves, it adds a tropical touch to any room. The variegated varieties such as the Musa Variegata are a particular eye-catcher.
Calathea (Basket Maranta)
Spider plant (zebra grass)
The Green Line is also considered a non-toxic houseplant for dogs. This lily plant from Africa is extremely robust and adapts to almost any environment. It is easily recognizable by its characteristic green and white leaves, which are elongated and tapered. It is also very popular in households with cats, as it is often used as an alternative to cat grass. However, it is only fully recommended in unfertilized form and in non-smoking households, as it filters pollutants from the air and can store them in its leaves.
Is the Monstera poisonous to dogs?
Monstera Can Monstera and dogs live together? Basically, almost all species of the Araceae family are poisonous houseplants, including Monstera, Philodendron , and Syngonium . So, yes, the Monstera is poisonous to dogs, and it's not advisable to keep this houseplant within reach of your dog. Especially not unattended, since curious puppies or bored dogs like to nibble on leaves or stems.
However, that doesn't mean you have to completely forgo this tropical beauty. As long as your dog doesn't nibble on the Monstera or eat any parts of the plant, there's usually no immediate danger. With a few simple measures, you can keep the Monstera safe even in a dog-friendly home:
- In a closed plant display case or a decorative glass cylinder
- In an elevated location , e.g. on wall shelves or sideboards that are inaccessible to your dog
- As a hanging plant in a hanging basket , which is decorative and at the same time offers security
- In hydroponic containers
Is there a danger from fertilizer?
A home with poisonous plants and a dog
A home with four-legged friends and plants isn't mutually exclusive. It's important to consciously choose non-toxic houseplants for dogs or to ensure your dog can't reach the poisonous plant by choosing the right location. This way, you can make your home green and cozy while ensuring the safety of your animal companion.
