Pets and Plants: Can They Live in Harmony?
Having houseplants can provide a range of benefits. They can improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants, increasing humidity, and adding a welcome touch of green to indoor spaces, which can have a positive impact on mental well-being!
Caring for houseplants can be a rewarding hobby and can help improve your connection to nature; however, if you also have pets in your home, certain plants may pose a problem.
Some plants can be toxic to animals if ingested. It's important to research and identify which plants are safe to have around pets and which ones should be avoided. Being aware of which plants are safe and which are harmful can help you create a pet-friendly environment at home and ensure the safety of your furry friend.
Responsible pet owners should consider keeping potentially harmful plants out of reach and providing alternative pet-friendly greenery for their homes.
It takes a little information, but it is possible to have the plants you love live side by side with your precious pets!
Here are our pet safety tips when it comes to plants.
Keeping Curiosity at Bay
Pets can be curious creatures. Some of them have a habit of inspecting every square inch of a space. If you've got a house plant, it's at risk of being investigated by a curious critter.
Not only is this a potential health hazard, which we'll address soon, but it's also likely to cause a mess or damage to your plants. Regardless of the species of plants in your home, try some of these tactics to divert your pets away from potted plants.
You can try using a physical barrier like a fence or a plant stand to make plants less accessible. Placing plants where pets can't reach is a start. Pet repellents also prove successful at steering pets away from plants. There are sprays available on the market, or you can try a natural approach using citrus peels or vinegar. Simply treat the area around the base of your plants regularly.
Another option is to give your pets their own area designated for play and exploration. It helps when they're provided with and trained to use a safe space to exercise their energy and curiosity.
Picking Non-Toxic Plants
Generally, according to Veterinary Centers of America, these plants are the most common houseplants considered potentially toxic to pets. (1)
Lilies
Philodendron
Oleander
Aloe
Chrysanthemum
Hyacinth (includes tulips)
Jade plant
Sago palm
Daffodil
Asparagus fern (also known as foxtail fern or emerald fern)
It's a good idea to avoid these altogether if you have a pet in your home.
While at Pangel™, we do consider ourselves the pet safety experts, please know this is not an exhaustive list. We've compiled information regarding the most commonly encountered plants; it's advisable to consult your pet's veterinarian for complete information on specific plants and your specific pet.
It's always better to be cautious and informed when it comes to the safety of your furry friends!
So, what should you pick? Let's defer to another pet expert.
The ASPCA has a list they like to share with pet owners. As a trusted source for pet information and protection for over 150 years, they're a reliable reference for topics related to the well-being of animals.
Here's their list of non-toxic houseplants for a pet-friendly home. (2)
American rubber plant
Spider plant
Cast iron plant
Christmas cactus
African violet
Phalaenopsis Orchid
Boston fern
Donkey's tail
Gerber daisy
Parlor palm
They also note that any plant could cause vomiting or diarrhea; however, these are unlikely to result in severe injury or death. If you want to liven up your home with some greenery, these are your best bet with pets.
A Plan if Your Pet Does Ingest a Toxic Plant
If your pet ingests a toxic plant, it's important to act quickly. First, try to identify the plant and then contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline for advice.
Keep any remaining parts of the plant to show to the vet, and monitor your pet for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or any unusual behavior. The sooner you seek help, the better the chances of a positive outcome for your pet.
The Pangel app is a convenient way to store all your pet's pertinent information. In the moment of a crisis, Pangel™ allows you to have your veterinarian's information at your fingertips.
Other Safety Perks of the Pangel™ App
In addition to storing relevant information, the Pangel™ pet safety app is meant to keep your pet safe, comfortable, and cared for even when you can't.
Our innovative tool provides a way for pet owners to choose guardians for their pet who agree to step in if, as the owner, you're unable to reach your pet. Unforeseen circumstances could keep us from returning home and, therefore, leave our pets vulnerable and in potential danger. With Pangel™ there's no need to worry.
Using the app is simple. Once you set up a profile for your pet, you simply choose your guardians, allow notifications from the app, and rest assured your pet will be cared for in your absence. The Pangel™ app will alert your chosen guardians should the need arise.
Pangel™ is the solution that supports the comfort and safety of your pet by assisting owners in a time of need.
Choose Pangel™ as Another Pet Safety Measure
Pet-proofing your home, especially regarding potentially toxic plants, is an important step for all pet owners to take. What makes a beautiful addition to your decor could end up deadly if your pet ingests the wrong plant.
Take our advice and do your research to make sure that your pets and plants are compatible; they can live in harmony.
At Pangel™, we want your pet to be safe from any dangerous circumstances. That's why our pet safety app is the best supplement to any pet safety routine. We offer consistent, reliable service that guarantees care when your pet needs it most.
Right now, you can try Pangel™ for a 14-day trial! It's the perfect opportunity to explore the app and discover how to make Pangel™ a part of your pet's care.
"Top 10 Toxic Household Plants for Pets." VCA Animal Hospitals, vcahospitals.com/shop/home/articles/top-10-toxic-household-plants-for-pets.
"Liven Up Your Space With These Pet-Friendly Plants!" ASPCA, 22 July 2020, www.aspca.org/news/liven-your-space-these-pet-friendly-plants.
