Indoor plants are popular for their aesthetic value and air-purifying qualities, but not all plants are safe, especially if you have pets. Many common houseplants contain toxic compounds that can harm cats, dogs, or other household animals if ingested. In this article, we’ll explore 10 indoor plants that are toxic to pets, including the symptoms of poisoning and preventive measures to keep your pets safe.
1. Aloe Vera
While Aloe Vera is widely known for its healing properties, its saponins and anthraquinones are toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. Ingesting it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors in pets.
Symptoms of Aloe Vera toxicity in pets include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and tremors. To prevent accidental ingestion, it’s best to keep your Aloe Vera plants out of reach or consider safer alternatives like pet-friendly succulents such as Haworthia.
2. Peace Lily
Peace Lilies contain insoluble calcium oxalates. When pets chew on the plant, these oxalates can cause irritation of the mouth, tongue, and throat. It’s not fatal but can lead to significant discomfort.
Symptoms of Peace Lily toxicity in pets include drooling, difficulty swallowing, oral pain, and vomiting. To prevent such issues, it’s advisable to keep Peace Lilies in areas where your pets don’t frequent or opt for non-toxic alternatives like the Spider Plant.
3. Snake Plant
Snake Plants are known for their air-purifying abilities, but they also contain saponins, which are harmful to both dogs and cats. Ingesting the plant can lead to nausea and vomiting.
Pets that ingest Snake Plants may experience symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. For pet owners who enjoy the look of Snake Plants but want a safer option, non-toxic alternatives like Areca Palms can offer a similar aesthetic without the risk.
4. Pothos
Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, contains insoluble calcium oxalates similar to those found in Peace Lilies. When ingested, these crystals can irritate the pet’s mouth and digestive tract.
Toxicity from Pothos can lead to oral irritation, vomiting, and swelling of the mouth and throat in pets. To avoid these harmful effects, it’s a good idea to place Pothos plants in hanging baskets, safely out of your pet’s reach.
5. Philodendron
Philodendrons contain calcium oxalates as well, which can lead to oral irritation, swelling, and digestive discomfort. They are dangerous to cats and dogs.
Philodendron toxicity in pets often results in oral irritation, drooling, and difficulty swallowing. To protect your pets, it’s best to either move your Philodendrons to areas they can’t access or opt for safer plants like Boston ferns.
6. Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia is a popular indoor plant but can be toxic to pets due to its calcium oxalates. Pets that chew on the plant may experience intense mouth and throat irritation.
7. Sago Palm
Sago Palms are extremely toxic to both cats and dogs. They contain cycasin, which can lead to severe liver failure if ingested, even in small amounts.
Ingesting Sago Palms can cause serious symptoms in pets, including vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even liver failure in severe cases. Due to the high risk, it’s recommended to avoid having Sago Palms in households with pets and instead choose safer alternatives, such as the Bamboo Palm.
8. ZZ Plant
The ZZ Plant is gaining popularity due to its low maintenance, but it contains calcium oxalates that can cause mouth and throat irritation if chewed by pets.
ZZ plant toxicity in pets can lead to oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. To minimize the risk, consider placing ZZ plants on high shelves or other elevated spots, out of reach of curious pets. Alternatively, you can opt for pet-friendly plants like the Money Tree.
9. Oleander
Oleander contains cardiac glycosides, which are toxic to both animals and humans. Even a small amount can cause severe heart issues and can be potentially fatal.
Oleander toxicity in pets can result in symptoms such as vomiting, abnormal heart rate, tremors, and, in severe cases, death. Due to the plant’s dangerous nature, it’s safest to avoid keeping Oleander in homes with pets and opt for non-toxic flowering plants like African violets instead.
10. Jade Plant
Jade Plants, popular succulents, are toxic to pets. While the exact toxic compound is unknown, ingestion can cause vomiting, lethargy, and disorientation in cats and dogs.
Ingesting Jade Plants can cause pets to experience vomiting, a slow heart rate, weakness, and disorientation. To prevent such issues, it’s advisable to keep Jade Plants in hard-to-reach locations or replace them with non-toxic succulents like Echeveria.
Signs Your Pet Has Ingested a Toxic Plant
Knowing the signs of plant poisoning can save your pet’s life. In general, symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy
- Oral irritation
- Difficulty breathing
If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, it’s important to contact a veterinarian immediately. The sooner the treatment, the better the chances of recovery.
How to Keep Pets Safe Around Houseplants
- Choose pet-safe plants: Stick to houseplants that are known to be safe for pets. Some popular options include Spider Plants, Boston Ferns, and Bamboo Palms.
- Keep plants out of reach: Use hanging baskets, tall shelves, or other barriers to keep plants away from your pets.
- Training: Train your pets to stay away from indoor plants.
- Use deterrents: Consider using safe pet deterrents, like bitter sprays, around plants to discourage nibbling.