Toxic Indoor Plants for Dogs: 3 Common Houseplants to Avoid
Dog looking up at a hanging plant in a bright, plant-filled room with a cozy atmosphere and natural light.
Hooray! I can officially call myself a dog mom!
And y’all, let me tell you—sis is on the struggle bus. It’s been ruff (pun absolutely intended), but I’m so grateful for this new chapter with Milo, my adorable 2-month-old pup.
With this new addition, I’ve found myself in full-on nesting mode, and that includes making my home safe for him. Naturally, this week’s blog is inspired by the little guy, focusing on toxic plants you’ll want to keep away from your fur baby.
Pup-Proofing My Plant Collection
I love my plant babies, but now I’ve got to balance my love for greenery with Milo’s safety. That meant researching my beloved collection and evaluating the levels of toxicity in my plants.
This isn’t just about keeping plants out of reach—though that helps! You also need to plan for worst-case scenarios. For instance:
• What if a pot gets knocked over?
• What if a leaf sheds and falls to the ground?
Things happen, and small accidents can quickly turn into expensive vet visits—or worse. So, let’s dive into a few common plants that could pose a risk to your pup.
Plants to Watch Out For
1. Aloe Vera
Detailed view of the spiky, green leaves of an Aloe Vera plant with white spots, showcasing its vibrant and unique texture.
Aloe is the MVP of skincare routines, but for dogs? Not so much. This plant contains saponins and aloin, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy if ingested. So, while it's amazing for your sunburn, it's not amazing for your pup.
If you don’t want to part, keep it up high, secure and out of reach-better safe than sorry!
2. Peace Lily
Close-up of vibrant green Peace Lily leaves, with their smooth and glossy texture, standing out against a white background.
Despite its name, the Peace Lily is anything but peaceful for dogs. Ingesting this plant can cause mouth irritation, excessive drooling, and vomiting. Keep this one far, far away from your pup.
3. Snake Plant
Close-up of tall, green, striped leaves of a snake plant, also known as Sanseveria, against a light background.
Also known as “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue” (yikes), this plant is mildly toxic to dogs. If ingested, it can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea—not exactly the welcome-home gift you want for your fur baby.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Accidents happen, so it’s important to know your plants and their toxins. Here’s how to stay ready:
1. List Your Plants:
Write down all the plants in your home, including their names. If an accident happens, you’ll have quick info for the vet.
2. Know the Toxins:
Dumb Cane: Irritates mouth and throat.
Peace Lily: Causes drooling and stomach upset.
Snake Plant: Leads to vomiting and diarrhea.
3. Save Emergency Contacts:
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435.
Your vet’s number and the nearest emergency clinic.
Pet-Friendly Plants Are Just a Click Away
Okay, so maybe Aloe, Snake Plant, and Peace Lily are off the table—but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy gorgeous greenery in your home! You can find a variety of pet-friendly plants in our online store, handpicked to keep your furry friends safe while still making your space look amazing.
A Final Note
Even if you have a small dog like Milo who can’t reach the top shelf, you can’t count on that alone to keep them safe. Remember: pots can fall, leaves can shed, and curious pups can find their way into the most unexpected places. That’s why it’s so important to research the plants in your home and have a plan in case of an emergency.
If you’re not sure about a plant’s safety, always double-check resources like the ASPCA’s toxic plant database or consult your vet. Your fur baby will thank you!
Plants are natural stress relievers. When you choose ones suited to your environment and lifestyle, caring for them helps you slow down, step away from the chaos, and focus on something calming. It’s like hitting a mini pause button for your brain. The key to reaping these benefits is picking plants that fit your space and schedule. The right plant in the right place can make all the difference!
At The ZEN Succulent, we know plants are more than decor—they’re part of your home. But let’s face it, not all plants are safe for our furry family members. This blog is here to help you spot the ones that are toxic to dogs and find safer, pet-friendly options. Because a happy pup and beautiful greenery can totally coexist!
How do you keep your plants and pets living in harmony? Drop your tips in the comments or tag us online. Let’s grow together—mind, body, soul, and paws!
Words By The ZEN Succulent
Inspiring everyone to embrace the world of plants, our collection features articles penned by The Sill's team of seasoned plant experts. Covering a range of plant care topics, because we truly believe Plants Bring Life, Joy and Inspirations™
