The ultimate checklist for dangerous and harmless plants for dogs

Eva the flower girl

For years I grew up around plants and greenery. My father loved taking care of the garden at the house I grew up in. Therefore, there was always grass to play on and beautiful plants and flowers to look at.

Since moving to the desert, there is a bit less greenery and more yellow sand to look at. Fortunately, we moved to a small green oasis within the desert. This brings the memories of those old days back. Plants always seem to bring some sort of peace of mind. Therefore, we wanted to bring plants into our home again. However, this brought the following question to mind. Which plants are dog friendly?

The Puzzle of Pet-Friendly Plants

I never really thought of this before, but I know there are poisonous plants. As mentioned in our other blog post: “The top dangerous foods to avoid for your dog. And which to give instead” Eva does not have the best working radar in which foods to avoid. Therefore, we need to think for her and avoid bringing any poisonous plants into our home.

Eva loves rolling around in the grass and sniffing around in the dirt. I have never seen her eat any plants, however this could also be because we are mainly near plants when going for walks. During these times there is so much interesting stuff to sniff, there is no time for eating.

So, when we went to a garden centre, I noticed how unprepared I actually was. Thankfully, we live in a day and age where there is internet and Google. Whenever we saw a plant we liked, I would Google and see if it was poisonous or pet friendly. And surprisingly there were quite some plants which are not the most pet friendly.

Checklist of dangerous and non-dangerous plants for dogs

Below please find a list of some plants to bring into your home in case you have a dog and which ones to avoid. In case of doubt always check with a vet or pet care organisation.

Safety First – Tips for Pet-Friendly Plant Parenthood

This newfound knowledge inspired us to take steps towards creating a pet friendly green zone on our terrace. We will always join her when she goes outside. Eva might not be a leaf-munching expert, but better safe than sorry. Inside the apartment, we need to ensure all plants are dog friendly, in case she goes on an edible adventure when she’s at home alone. Here are some more tips to keep in mind:

Elevate and Hang: Place plants in areas that are out of your dog’s reach. Hanging planters, tall shelves, or designated plant stands can keep your plants safely above curious noses and wagging tails.

Create Barriers: For ground-level plants, create a barrier that prevents your dog’s access. This could be as simple as decorative fencing or strategically placed decorative rocks.

Use Deterrents: Certain scents and textures are unappealing to dogs. Consider using pet-safe deterrent sprays on your plants or placing materials like aluminum foil around them. This can discourage your pup from investigating further.

Training and Distraction:Teach your dog basic commands like “leave it” and “no.” These commands can help redirect their attention away from plants. Offering engaging toys and regular playtime can also curb their curiosity.

Check your current plants for safety

Remember, a pet-friendly home can be a beautifully green one too. By taking these precautions and being proactive, you’re creating a safe and harmonious space where both you and your fuury companion can thrive.

In case you think your dog ate from a toxic plant or has an allergic reaction, always visit a vet and explain exactly what happened.

Now go and check your home and garden and remove or replace the dangerous plants in your home.

Thanks for reading.

High five