Are you considering sprucing up your living area with some greenery? If you're a dog parent, you might be wondering: which plants are safe for dogs?
Many dog owners are curious about the safety of climbing plants, bamboo plants, rosemary plants, and more. At Sploot Veterinary Care, we're here to provide answers!
We've gathered the most frequently asked questions about safe plants for dogs. Keep reading to discover how to cultivate a dog-friendly indoor or outdoor garden of greenery.
1. Is Boston Fern Safe for Dogs?
- Scientific name: Nephrolepis exalta
- Safe Plant for Dogs?: Yes, non-toxic to dogs.
With graceful fronds, air-purifying qualities, and resilience, the Boston Fern is a popular indoor plant. This simple plant is also a great addition for homes that have dogs because it is considered a safe, non-toxic plant for dogs.
2. Is the Spider Plant Safe for Dogs?
- Scientific name: Chlorophytum comosum
- Safe Plant for Dogs?: Yes, non-toxic to dogs
Spider plants are resilient and beautiful plants with lush foliage bearing their distinct white streaks. This popular indoor plant is also safe and non-toxic for pups, ensuring peace of mind for plant-loving dog parents.
3. Is Basil Plant Safe for Dogs?
- Scientific name: Ocimum basilicum
- Safe Plant for Dogs?: Yes, non-toxic to dogs
Basil is known for its fragrant aroma, especially when used for a variety of recipes. The good news is that the basil plant is safe for households that have dogs because it is considered non-toxic to dogs.
4. Is Rosemary Plant Safe for Dogs?
- Scientific name: Rosmarinus officinalis
- Safe Plant for Dogs?: Yes, non-toxic to dogs
Rosemary is a beautiful plant with small light blue blooms. The leaves are also aromatic and is often used to elevate a wide range of dishes, making this plant a popular choice for herbal gardens. Rosemary is also pet-friendly and non-toxic to dogs, making it a welcome addition to households that have a dog.
5. Is Sage Plant Safe for Dogs?
- Scientific name: Salvia officinalis
- Safe Plant for Dogs?: Yes, non-toxic to dogs
Sage, with its aromatic leaves and subtle grey-green hue, is symbol of wisdom and health. Sage leaves are also a popular culinary ingredient, making this plant a great addition to your home’s herbal garden. The sage plant is also considered non-toxic to dogs, making it a safe plant for your canine companion.
6. Is the Polka Dot Plant Safe for Dogs?
- Scientific name: Hypoestes phyllostachya
- Safe Plant for Dogs?: Yes, non-toxic to dogs
With playful, pink leaf patterns and the ability to thrive in indoor spaces, the polka dot plant is a go-to choice for anybody who wants to have a unique and practical house plant. The good news is that this plant is also safe for pets; the polka dot plant is considered non-toxic to dogs.
7. Is the Sunflower Plant Safe for Dogs?
- Scientific name: Helianthus angustifolius, Helianthus annuus
- Safe Plant for Dogs?: Yes, non-toxic to dogs
Bright and vibrant, the sunflower exudes a sense of warmth and joy. The golden petals of this popular flowering plant can brighten up just about any garden. Thriving in direct sunlight, the sunflower can also be placed in indoor spaces with plenty of natural light. But is the sunflower safe for canine companions? The good news is yes, this beautiful plant is considered non-toxic to dogs.
8. Is Calathea Safe for Dogs?
- Scientific name: Calathea spp.
- Safe Plant for Dogs?: Yes, non-toxic to dogs
Exuding elegance and grace, calathea plants, also referred to as prayer plants, boast intricate leaf patterns and delicate flowers that captivate the eye. This popular indoor plant is also relatively easy to care for, thriving in indirect sunlight. But can calathea plants co-exist safely with dogs? Yes, calathea plants are considered non-toxic to dogs.
9. Is the Gerber Daisy Safe for Dogs?
- Scientific name: Gerbera jamesonii
- Safe Plant for Dogs?: Yes, non-toxic to dogs
Available in striking colors like orange, peach, pink, and red, the Gerber daisy can add a touch of joy to just about any space. Aside from having stunning flowers, this plant is also pet-friendly. The Gerber daisy is considered non-toxic to dogs, making it a great choice for homes that have a canine family member.
10. What Climbing Plants Are Safe for Dogs?
- Scientific name: varies
- Safe Plant for Cats?: Some species are safe
a. Grape Ivy (Venezuela treebine)
Bring a touch of pet-friendly elegance to your home with grape ivy, featuring cascading, evergreen vines and non-toxic properties. Grape ivy is considered non-toxic to dogs, making it an ideal choice for dog parents.
b. Purple Passion Vine (Gynura aurantica)
Add a purple pop of color to your home with the captivating purple passion vine. This plant boasts vibrant foliage and is considered non-toxic to dogs — a great choice for a dog-friendly garden.
c. Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
The winter-hardy star jasmine is a refreshingly beautiful plant that will brighten up any outdoor or indoor space with its sprawling greenery and star-like, white flowers. The good news is that this lovely plant is also non-toxic to dogs, making it a pet-friendly addition to any home.
11. Are Bamboo Plants Safe for Dogs?
- Scientific name: varies
- Safe Plant for Dogs?: Yes, if the plant is considered a true bamboo.
Celebrated for their elegant demeanor, swift growth, and associations with good fortune, bamboo plants lend an air of serenity and auspiciousness to any environment.
But are bamboo plants safe for dogs? Some species are — and when it comes to choosing pet-friendly bamboo for your home, we recommend looking closely at the plant’s species. What’s considered ‘true bamboo’ is generally not toxic to dogs. Here are some examples of pet-friendly true bamboo species:
a. Golden Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea)
Golden Bamboo brings a touch of elegance and natural charm to any setting, whether as a focal point or a subtle privacy screen. As a true bamboo variety, it's worth noting that this plant is non-toxic to dogs.
b. Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra)
Adding depth and sophistication to indoor or outdoor spaces, Black Bamboo captivates with its unique dark allure. As part of the true bamboo plant classification, it's important to know that this bamboo species is also non-toxic to dogs.
Note: The non-toxicity of ‘true bamboo’ is worth noting — because lucky bamboo and heavenly bamboo, which are NOT ‘true bamboo’ plants, are considered toxic to dogs.
12. Are Palm Plants Safe for Dogs?
- Scientific name: varies
- Safe Plant for Cats?: Some species are safe
Admired for their tropical charm, palm plants infuse indoor spaces with an exotic touch. But are palm plants safe for dogs? The safety of palm plants for dogs varies depending on the plants’ species.
For dog owners seeking pet-friendly palm plants, here are some beautiful palm plant species that are considered safe for dogs:
a. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Elevate your indoor space with the graceful Parlor Palm, boasting delicate fronds that exude botanical elegance. Not only is this plant a charming addition to your home, but it's also safe for canine companions, and considered non-toxic to dogs.
b. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Add a whimsical touch to your indoor decor with the Ponytail Palm, known for its unique, swollen trunk and cascading foliage. This charming succulent tree isn't just a visual delight — it's also non-toxic to dogs, contributing to a safe environment for your furry companions.
c. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Bring a touch of tranquility to your home with the Areca Palm, featuring arching fronds that purify the air and create a serene ambiance. As a bonus, this palm variety is safe and non-toxic to dogs, making it an ideal choice for pet-friendly households.
Final Thoughts on Safe Plants for Dogs
As a final reminder, we urge dog owners to ensure the safety of plant species before introducing them into their homes. To learn more about common toxic plants for dogs, explore our article: Toxic Plants for Dogs to Avoid [Vet-Approved].
In addition to the thorough resources provided by Sploot Veterinary Care, the extensive databases of the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline offer valuable references for pet owners.
Sploot Veterinary Care: Primary & Urgent Care for Dogs
At Sploot Veterinary Care, we provide comprehensive primary and urgent veterinary care services for dogs, all in one convenient location. Whether your dog needs a routine wellness exam, a quick check-up, or urgent veterinary care, our dedicated team is here to assist you.
Our veterinary clinics are available every day of the year, open for extended hours. We gladly accept same-day appointments and urgent drop-offs. You can easily schedule appointments online or through the Sploot Vets app. For urgent matters, please don't hesitate to call our team directly.
Till next time, we’re with you every pounce of the way!
