
7 low-key house plants that are toxic for dogs
Houseplants can add a new dimension and homely feel to your home decor. It can even bring you closer to nature. If you are someone with a green thumb, you know how satisfying having a house full of plants is. However, having a house full of plants is not a safe environment if you have pets. Some otherwise safe plants can be hazardous for dogs and cats. So here goes our list of toxic plants for dogs.
Azaleas
Azaleas are a common choice of houseplant that help liven up any space. The bright and colorful plants are pleasing to the eye, but every part is toxic for dogs and cats. Right from its seed to its petals, contact with dogs can lead to muscle weakness. It can also trigger symptoms like slow heart rate, excessive salivation, and in some cases, cardiac failure.
Sago palm
Sago palm is an eye-pleasing plant that requires minimal effort to look after. These factors make it a common choice among houseplants. Although pleasing to the eye, even a small nibble of the Sago palm can provide your dog with cycasin that can cause fatal issues like liver failure and even death. For the safety of your dog, make sure that you are not adding this plant to your home.
Tulip
Tulip bulbs are a source of high toxin content that can result in diarrhea and vomiting. One of its concerning symptoms is depression. If you plan to add Tulips to your household, ensure they are out of your dog’s reach. And if it is a part of your landscape, consider placing it high above the ground.
Daffodils
Bright flowers that can light up and table in your house or liven up your outdoor landscape, Daffodils are another name to add to the list of toxic plants for dogs. They cause diarrhea, vomiting, and excessive salivation. If your plant happens to ingest large amounts of it, the result might be low blood pressure and convulsions.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a popular indoor and outdoor plant that provides beauty and benefits to people. However, the benefits of this plant are limited to humans as it is toxic for cats and dogs. The saponin content in aloe vera can upset your dog’s stomach and cause diarrhea. If you have to have the plant at home, ensure it is far from your dog’s reach.
Dumb cane
Dumb cane is among the houseplants of choice since it is easy to look after and requires little sunlight to grow. The tropical plant has calcium oxalate crystals that can cause nausea and vomiting if contacted by pets. If you suspect your dog has been in touch with a dumb cane, give them a thorough bath.
Elephant ear
More commonly known as Cape or Ape plant, Elephant ear is another houseplant that can be toxic for dogs. Its harmful crystals can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, irritable mouth and tongue, and excessive drooling. The result can come from chewing on any part of the leaf. It is, therefore, necessary to be wary of adding this plant to your landscaping plans if you have a dog or other furry pets to parent.
Pothos
Pothos or silk pothos are capable of irritating the mouth and tongue of your pets. They might suffer from nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing and increased saliva production on accidental pothos ingestion. However, since it is related to the philodendron class, it can cause similar symptoms to the plant belonging to the category.