By: Mandy Hatman
Many common houseplants and garden favorites can be toxic to pets if ingested. Here are some of the most common offenders and how to keep your pets safe.
Aloe Vera
Known for its skin-soothing qualities, aloe vera is also toxic to cats and dogs. If ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. If you love succulents, try a pet-safe option like Haworthia, which looks similar but is safe for pets.
Lilies
Certain types of lilies, especially true lilies like the Easter lily, tiger lily, and Asiatic lily, are highly toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure. Even small amounts can be deadly, so it’s best to avoid having lilies in homes with cats.
Sago Palm
Often kept as a decorative plant, the sago palm contains cycasin, a toxin that can lead to liver failure and severe gastrointestinal symptoms. The entire plant is toxic, but the seeds contain the highest concentration, so be especially cautious.
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
Popular in homes for its easy care and lush foliage, dieffenbachia contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause severe mouth and throat irritation, drooling, and difficulty swallowing if pets chew on its leaves.
Philodendron
This easy-to-grow houseplant is popular for its ability to thrive in low light, but it
contains toxins that can irritate pets’ mouths and throats, leading to vomiting, drooling, and swelling. Consider swapping philodendrons with pet-safe options like parlor palms or Calathea.
Pet-Safe Alternatives:
For a safer indoor garden, consider plants like Boston ferns, areca palms, and prayer plants, which are non-toxic to pets and easy to care for.
Many common houseplants and garden favorites can be toxic to pets if ingested. Here are some of the most common offenders and how to keep your pets safe.
Aloe Vera
Known for its skin-soothing qualities, aloe vera is also toxic to cats and dogs. If ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. If you love succulents, try a pet-safe option like Haworthia, which looks similar but is safe for pets.
Lilies
Certain types of lilies, especially true lilies like the Easter lily, tiger lily, and Asiatic lily, are highly toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure. Even small amounts can be deadly, so it’s best to avoid having lilies in homes with cats.
Sago Palm
Often kept as a decorative plant, the sago palm contains cycasin, a toxin that can lead to liver failure and severe gastrointestinal symptoms. The entire plant is toxic, but the seeds contain the highest concentration, so be especially cautious.
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
Popular in homes for its easy care and lush foliage, dieffenbachia contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause severe mouth and throat irritation, drooling, and difficulty swallowing if pets chew on its leaves.
Philodendron
This easy-to-grow houseplant is popular for its ability to thrive in low light, but it
contains toxins that can irritate pets’ mouths and throats, leading to vomiting, drooling, and swelling. Consider swapping philodendrons with pet-safe options like parlor palms or Calathea.
Pet-Safe Alternatives:
For a safer indoor garden, consider plants like Boston ferns, areca palms, and prayer plants, which are non-toxic to pets and easy to care for.
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