Plants and Furry Friends

Yes, most plants are toxic to our furry friends but, it is possible to have both!

If you're like me, you have to have the best of both worlds when it comes to plants and furry friends. My pets have always lived in the same environments as my plants so they have never shown any interest in eating them, digging in them, or destroying them in any other way.

Well...that is until I got a puppy over a year and a half ago. It's all about training them to live in the same environment as your plant besties. I have over 50 houseplants and most live on elevated plant stands, windowsills, shelves, etc. but I also have a few that reside at furry friend eye level.

For some, this can be more difficult and if they won't leave them alone, you may have to put your plants in higher places and/or only buy non-toxic (pet friendly) plants just to be safe.

If you already have plants prior to furry friends, it may be best to slowly introduce them to your plant besties. From the start, train them to either stay away or observe but not interact. I know, I know, all easier said than done. This can be done with regular training as you would with commands, food training, crate training, etc. If you aren't having any luck and they just won't seem to leave the plants alone, it may be best to keep your plants in rooms they can't access or higher up so they can't reach them.

Additionally, you may want to tend to your plant besties when your furry friends aren't around. Water, fertilize, pot, etc. when your pets are sleeping, outside, or distracted by yummy treats/food. This will decrease their encouragement to play with or eat your plants.

Non-toxic Plants (pet friendly)

Do we want our furry friends to treat our plant besties as a snack? No. It's always best to keep your furry friends away from your plant besties but in the event they do get into any of your plants, here are a few that are pet friendly.

• Calatheas

• Hoyas

• Pileas

• Trandescantia zebrina

• Pilea peperomioides

• Snake plant

• African violet

• Spider plants

• Ponytail palm

Toxic Plants (keep pets away)

Plants to definitely keep away from your plants are listed below. Toxic plants can upset their stomach, cause diarrhea, vomiting, mouth irritation, to name a few.

• Fiddle Leaf Fig

• Pothos

• Monsteras

• ZZ plants

• Rubber trees

• Alocasia

A full list of pet non-toxic and toxic plants for pets can be found at the following ASPCA link: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

The ultimate goal is to have both plants and furry friends cohabitate in perfect harmony. But let's face it, anything can happen even in the most optimate environments. Hopefully, they will both be able to tolerate each other on a daily basis and you too can have the best of both worlds because let's face it, I don't want to live in a world without my furry friends or plants.

Disclaimer: if your pet ingests any plants, toxic or non-toxic, it's best to consult with your veterinarian. In more serious cases, please contact Animal Poison Control.