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Which plants are safe for dogs and cats?

It's a jungle out there - but not in your backyard.

Updated

a grey cat sitting in a green garden

Key steps to combat pet poisoning:

Think your cat or dog has eaten a poisonous plant? Follow these steps:

  1. Identify the plant they've eaten, if you can.

  2. Check for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, convlusions and siezures, loss of co-ordination, or tiredness.

  3. Keep them comfortable and stay calm so as not to distress them further.

  4. Call or take them to your vet for an emergency appointment. Give them as much information as you can.

We all want to have a beautiful garden to relax in, but have you ever thought about how other members of the family might cope with your idea of a green paradise? A number of common plants are toxic to cats and dogs which makes them a hazard to pet-friendly homes. Learn which ones to avoid here.

Think keeping poisonous plants for dogs and cats out of reach will do the trick? You'll be surprised how agile pets can be - it's best not to bring toxic plants into your home at all!

Poisonous plants for dogs

It’s not uncommon for dogs to eat things they shouldn’t - particularly when out in the back yard. By learning which plants are toxic to dogs, you can keep your pooch safe and happy.

Symptoms you should look out for with these plants include: vomitting - with or without blood, diarrhea, low blood pressure, convulsions, tremors & siezures, mouth irritation & drooling, loss of coordination, and low energy levels.

  • Azalea

  • Daffodil

  • Tulips

  • Sago palm

  • Oleander

  • Chrysanthemums

  • Peonies

  • Black walnut

This list of plants dangerous to dogs covers the most common examples but you should always check if a plant is safe for pets before you introduce anything new to your home. Look for plants safe for dogs when working on your garden.

Plants poisonous to cats

As with dogs, there are plenty of plants toxic to cats.

Symptoms you should look out for with these plants include: difficulty breathing, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, drinking and urinating more than usual, and changes in your pet’s heartbeat.

  • Daffodil

  • Azalea

  • Hydrangea

  • Rhododendron

  • Poinsettia

  • Morning glory

If you don't own cats, but your neighbours do, it's still important to avoid toxic plants in your garden. Keep cats out of your yard safely with our tips instead.

Why is it important to avoid plants poisonous to dogs and cats?

While known of the symptoms mentioned above are pleasant, there are a number of other complications that can arise from your dog or cat eating toxic plants. These include live failure, heart problems, and other life-threatening conditions.

Are there any dog- and cat-friendly plants?

Yes! There are plenty of plants safe for cats and dogs, including:

  • Haworthia

  • African violet

  • Boston fern

  • Staghorn fern

  • Parlor palm

  • Christmas cactus

  • Spider plant

Invest in pet-friendly plants and avoid the toxic ones to create a back yard every member of your family can enjoy.

Originally published