
Bringing a puppy into your home is an exciting and joyful experience. Their boundless energy, curiosity, and playful nature add life to any space. But with all that curiosity comes the risk of them chewing on things they shouldnâtâincluding your houseplants. Some plants may look beautiful in your living room, but they could pose a serious health risk to your new furry friend. That’s why it’s important to learn about puppy safe plants and which ones you should avoid.
Puppies explore the world using their mouths, which means everything at their level is a potential chew toy. If a plant is toxic and your puppy takes a bite, it can lead to symptoms like drooling, vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, or worse. Knowing the difference between puppy safe plants and harmful ones helps you create a home that’s both stylish and safe for your pup.
Letâs explore the best puppy safe plants you can confidently keep at home, followed by a list of common toxic plants to steer clear of.
Top Puppy Safe Plants for Your Home
Thankfully, there are many beautiful and harmless plants that are safe for your puppy. These puppy safe plants are perfect for pet parents who want to enjoy a little greenery without the worry.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are one of the most popular indoor plants, and theyâre totally safe for dogs. Their arching leaves are attractive and fun for puppies to swat at, but harmless if nibbled.
Areca Palm
Also known as butterfly palm, this plant adds a tropical touch to your home and is non-toxic to dogs. It’s easy to care for and purifies the air too.
Bamboo Palm
Not only does it look lush and elegant, but bamboo palm is also a pet-friendly plant that thrives in indirect light and adds a fresh, vibrant feel to any room.
Boston Fern
Boston ferns have feathery fronds that give a soft, natural look to your space. These plants are puppy safe and love a bit of humidity, making them great for bathrooms or kitchens.
Calathea
Also called the prayer plant for the way its leaves move, Calatheas come in various beautiful patterns and are completely non-toxic to pets.
Ponytail Palm
This quirky, slow-growing plant with its long, curly leaves and bulb-like trunk is safe for puppies and very easy to care for.
All of these puppy safe plants not only brighten up your home but also give you peace of mind knowing they wonât harm your little buddy.
Common Toxic Plants to Avoid Around Puppies
While some plants are harmless, others can be quite dangerous if ingested by a curious pup. Here are several common houseplants that are toxic to dogs and should be kept well out of reach or removed entirely.
Sago Palm
Extremely toxic to dogs, the sago palm can cause vomiting, liver failure, and even death. Every part of this plant is harmful.
Aloe Vera
While aloe vera has many benefits for humans, it’s toxic to dogs. It can cause lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested.
Pothos (Devilâs Ivy)
A popular low-maintenance plant, pothos contains insoluble calcium oxalates that can irritate your dogâs mouth and digestive tract.
Peace Lily
These elegant plants contain compounds that can cause drooling, oral irritation, and difficulty swallowing if your puppy chews on them.
Philodendron
Many types of philodendron are toxic to dogs, causing pain and swelling in the mouth along with potential vomiting.
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
This plant can cause severe oral irritation, swelling, and even difficulty breathing if your dog bites into it.
Even small amounts of these toxic plants can cause health issues, so it’s best to replace them with puppy safe plants if youâre bringing a new puppy into your home.
Safety Tips for Plant-Loving Dog Parents
Even when using only puppy safe plants, it’s a good idea to keep some boundaries in place. Puppies love to dig, chew, and explore, so a little prevention can go a long way.
- Place your plants out of reach using plant stands, shelves, or hanging planters.
- Use barriers or baby gates to block off plant-filled areas if needed.
- Supervise your puppy when theyâre near your plants, especially if theyâre teething.
- Consider using pet-safe deterrent sprays to discourage chewing.
- Provide plenty of chew toys and enrichment to keep your puppyâs attention away from your greenery.
Taking these extra steps helps protect both your plants and your pup while creating a safe and happy home environment.
What to Do If Your Puppy Eats a Plant
If you suspect your puppy has chewed on a toxic plant, act quickly. Call your vet or a pet poison control center right away. Symptoms to watch for include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, drooling, or unusual behavior. Bring a sample of the plant with you to the vet if possible, as this will help with diagnosis and treatment.
Final Thoughts
Creating a pet-friendly space doesnât mean you have to give up your love for houseplants. By choosing puppy safe plants and avoiding those that are toxic, you can keep your home looking beautiful while protecting your curious companion. A little planning goes a long way in keeping your puppy safe and your greenery thriving.
So go aheadâadd some green to your home, decorate with confidence, and enjoy every playful moment with your growing pup! Petsdogpuppy