Safe or Sorry: A Complete Guide to Toxic and Non-Toxic Indoor Plants for Dog’s and Cat’s

When it comes to creating a beautiful indoor space, plants are a popular choice for adding life and color to our homes. However, if you're a pet owner, it's essential to consider more than just aesthetics. Many common houseplants can be toxic to dogs and cats, posing serious health risks if ingested. In this guide, we'll explore both toxic and non-toxic indoor plants, helping you create a pet-friendly environment where your furry friends can thrive safely alongside your greenery.

Toxic Indoor Plants

Philodendron Plant

Philodendron

Philodendron plants contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. When a dog or cat chews on or ingests any part of the plant, these sharp crystals can cause irritation and injury to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract. 

Some symptoms in dogs can include: Cardiac arrhythmia, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, pawing at the mouth or face and excessive drooling.

Some symptoms in cats can include: Choking, drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting and pawing at the mouth

Peace Lilies

Peace Lilies’s

Peace lilies contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, similar to those found in philodendrons. When a dog or cat chews on or ingests any part of a peace lily, these needle-like crystals can embed themselves in the tissues of the mouth, tongue, and throat, causing immediate irritation.

Some symptoms in pets can include: Drooling, oral pain, vomiting, decreased appetite and trouble swallowing.

English Ivy

English Ivy

English ivy contains a substance called ‘hederagenin’, a type of saponin, along with other compounds like polyacetylene. When a dog or cat ingests any part of the English ivy plant, these toxic compounds can irritate the gastrointestinal tract.

Some symptoms in pets can include: Diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain and drooling.

If ingested in large amounts, the toxins can potentially lead to more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or even coma.

Snake Plant

Snake Plant

Snake plants contain saponins, which are natural chemicals the plant produces as a defence mechanism against insects, microbes, and fungi. When a dog or cat chews on or ingests any part of a snake plant, these saponins can cause gastrointestinal distress.

Some symptoms in pets can include: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and excessive drooling.

Aloe Plant

Aloe Plant

Aloe plants are toxic to pets primarily due to the presence of compounds called ‘anthraquinone glycosides’. These compounds are found in the latex, a yellow sap that lies just beneath the outer skin of the aloe leaves.

Some symptoms for dogs can include: Dark urine, breathing difficulties, high body temperatures, seizures and vomiting

Some symptoms in cats can include: Change in urine (becomes red), abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea and in rare cases, tremors

If your pet has consumed any of these items or showing signs of symptoms, please seek medical advise from your vet immediately.

Safe Household Plant

Spider Plant

Kentia Plant

Money Plant

Prayer Plant

Sword Fern