Welcoming dogs into your home is an incredible experience for the whole family, and can transform your lifestyle for the better. There are a few steps to consider when pet-proofing your home, including assessing your current and future plant options. While many plants add beauty and fresh air to our living spaces, some can be toxic to dogs, posing serious health risks. In this guide, we’ll explore 15 non-toxic plants that are dog-friendly and safe to grow around your pets. We’ll also highlight a few common houseplants that should be avoided to ensure your pup stays healthy.
Boston Fern
Credit Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_potted_Nephrolepis_exaltata_02.jpg
The Boston Fern is a lush, arching plant with feathery fronds that add a tropical feel to any room. This non-toxic plant is perfect for hanging baskets or as a floor plant.
- Sunlight: Prefers indirect light
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged
- Soil: Well-draining, rich soil
Areca Palm
Credit Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dypsis_lutescens1.jpg
The Areca Palm, also known as the Butterfly Palm, is a popular choice for homes due to its elegant, feathery fronds. It’s a dog-safe plant that thrives in well-lit indoor spaces.
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
- Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix
Spider Plant
Spider Plants are well-known for their ability to purify air and are also non-toxic to dogs. Their cascading leaves make them ideal for hanging baskets.
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
- Watering: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings
- Soil: Well-draining, loamy soil
Ponytail Palm
Credit Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Beaucarnea_recurvata_D1706.jpg
The Ponytail Palm, with its bulbous trunk and long, curly leaves, is both a striking and dog-friendly plant. It’s easy to care for and adds a touch of the desert to your décor.
- Sunlight: Bright light, but can tolerate lower light conditions
- Watering: Water sparingly; allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings
- Soil: Sandy, well-draining soil
Calathea
Calatheas are known for their vibrant, patterned leaves that can brighten up any room. These non-toxic plants are safe for dogs and thrive in humidity.
- Sunlight: Low to medium indirect light
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging
- Soil: Well-draining, rich soil
African Violet
African Violets are small, flowering plants that bring a pop of color indoors. These dog-safe plants are perfect for tabletops and window sills.
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
- Watering: Water when the soil is dry to the touch
- Soil: African Violet potting mix or well-draining soil
Friendship Plant
Credit Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pilea_involucrata_D2306.jpg
The Friendship Plant is a fast-growing, non-toxic plant with fuzzy, crinkled leaves. It’s a dog-friendly plant that’s easy to propagate and share with friends.
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix
Basil
Basil isn’t just for the kitchen—it’s also a dog-safe plant that can be grown indoors or outdoors. Its aromatic leaves are a great addition to your herb garden.
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil moist
- Soil: Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil
Phalaenopsis Orchid
Phalaenopsis Orchids, also known as Moth Orchids, are beautiful flowering plants that are safe for dogs. Their long-lasting blooms add elegance to any space.
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
- Watering: Water when the potting mix is nearly dry
- Soil: Orchid bark or a well-draining potting mix
Maranta
Marantas, also known as Prayer Plants, have eye-catching, patterned leaves that fold up at night. They are non-toxic plants, making them safe for dogs.
- Sunlight: Low to medium indirect light
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy
- Soil: Well-draining, rich soil
Cast Iron Plant
The Cast Iron Plant is a hardy, dog-friendly plant that can survive in low light and with minimal care. Its dark green leaves add a touch of nature to any corner.
- Sunlight: Low to medium light
- Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix
Polka Dot Plant
Credit Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hypoestes_phyllostachya_04.jpg
The Polka Dot Plant is a fun, non-toxic plant with speckled leaves in shades of pink, white, or red. It’s a great way to add color to your home while keeping your dog safe.
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist
- Soil: Well-draining, rich soil
Haworthia
Credit Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Succulent_haworthia.jpg
Haworthias are small, succulent plants that are dog-safe and perfect for windowsills or small spaces. Their rosettes of fleshy leaves are easy to care for.
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
- Watering: Water sparingly; allow the soil to dry out between waterings
- Soil: Cactus or succulent mix
Peperomia
Credit Wiki Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Peperomia_obtusifolia_-_%D0%91%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%BA%D0%B0_%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D0%A1%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BF%D1%98%D0%B5_(3).jpg
Peperomias are a diverse group of small, non-toxic plants with a variety of leaf shapes and colors. They’re dog-friendly and ideal for tabletops or terrariums.
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Watering: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix
Parlor Palm
The Parlor Palm is a classic, dog-safe plant with feathery fronds that can thrive in low light. It’s perfect for adding a touch of greenery to your living space.
- Sunlight: Low to medium light
- Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix
Toxic Plants for Dogs
When it comes to keeping your furry friend safe, it’s important to be aware of common plants that can be toxic to dogs. While many plants are beautiful and add charm to your home or garden, some can pose serious health risks to your pet if ingested. Below is a list of toxic plants that dog owners should avoid, along with brief descriptions of the dangers they present. By being informed, you can ensure your pup stays out of harm’s way.
Sago Palm
All parts of the Sago Palm, especially the seeds, are highly toxic to dogs. Ingestion can lead to liver failure, seizures, and even death.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is toxic to dogs due to compounds called saponins and anthraquinones found in the latex layer of the plant, which is the yellowish substance located between the outer leaf and the inner gel. When ingested by dogs, these compounds can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, dehydration, low blood sugar and changes in urine color.
Philodendron
Philodendrons contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause oral irritation, drooling, and difficulty swallowing if consumed by dogs.
Oleander
Oleander is highly toxic to dogs, and even a small amount can cause severe vomiting, heart issues, and potentially fatal reactions.
Peace Lily
Peace Lilies contain insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause oral irritation, drooling, and difficulty swallowing in dogs.
Snake Plant
Snake Plants contain saponins, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested by dogs.
Pothos
Also known as Devil’s Ivy, Pothos contains insoluble calcium oxalates, leading to oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in dogs.
English Ivy
English Ivy contains triterpenoid saponins, which can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and hypersalivation if ingested by dogs.
Ficus
Ficus plants contain a milky sap that can cause skin irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs if ingested.
Azalea
Azaleas contain grayanotoxins, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and heart arrhythmias in dogs.
Jade Plant
The specific toxins in the jade plant are not well-identified, but ingestion can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, incoordination, and a slowed heart rate. In some cases, dogs may also experience depression or more severe gastrointestinal distress.
ZZ Plant
ZZ Plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if consumed by dogs.
Caladium
Caladium plants are highly toxic to dogs, causing severe oral irritation, drooling, and difficulty breathing if ingested.
Dumb Cane
They contain insoluble calcium oxalates and proteolytic enzymes. When a dog chews or ingests parts of the plant, these sharp, needle-like crystals are released, causing immediate irritation and inflammation in the mouth, tongue, and throat. This can lead to symptoms such as drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and intense oral pain.
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Creating a safe and beautiful environment for your dog doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your love of plants. For more information on pet-safe plants and flowers, check out our guide to additional pet-safe flowers and explore our cat-friendly plants. Ready to green up your home? Browse our selection of online plants today and don’t forget to check out our guide to the best office plants for more inspiration.
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