There are two things that usually bring people happiness and peace of mind: nature and pets. If you live in a place in the city, usually bringing nature in helps you develop a sense of calm, and that can be the same for your dog.
However, dogs do tend to sniff and chew on things that are new to them, most especially plants. For you to be able to liven up your space worry-free, here’s a list of dog-friendly plants for your pet-friendly home:
If you live in a place in the city, usually bringing nature in helps you develop a sense of calm and that can be the same for your dog too.
However, dogs do tend to sniff and chew on things that are new to them, most especially plants. For you to be able to liven up your space worry-free, here’s a list of dog-friendly plants and plants toxic to dogs:
NON-TOXIC:
FLOWERS
Camellia
Camellias look sweet and precious, but these flowering shrubs require a lot of work to bloom. They prefer partial shade, and consistent watering to establish their roots.
Mature plants, meanwhile, are able to survive with little watering. Once they’re firmly rooted in your garden, they’ll keep coming back year after year with minimum effort.
Fuchsias
Fuchsias are some of the prettiest-looking flowers you can ever have in your home. These plants do best in the Pacific Northwest and other places with mild, temperate climates.
Plus, the fact that these elegant pink and purple blooms are better off hanging outdoors makes it extra safe if you have mischievous dogs running around the house.
Magnolia Bushes
Most people think that Magnolia Bushes are large and stately trees that would take so much space in the yard.
But experienced plant lovers know that they also grow like a bush with spectacular purple, pink, or white flowers. This dog-safe plant does well with full sunlight.
Sunflower
Sunflowers need a lot of space, water, and sunlight. They grow several feet tall, come in a huge range of sizes and colors, and make for a great border along fences where your dog can play or sniff around.
This annual summer plant eventually loses its petals and the seeds will mature that will attract birds through autumn.
Nasturtium
Plant lovers who are also dog owners absolutely adore the nasturtium. The flowers are edible and grow even without fertilizers. They smell lovely and can be planted in odd spots like rock walls and garden boxes.
Garden Marigold
Marigolds are stunning and calming. But these sun-like blooms aren’t just pleasing to the eyes, they also help bring butterflies and bees to your yard which act as natural pest control if you are also growing vegetables.
They can help eliminate beetles and other bugs from infesting other plants. Plus, marigolds are dog-safe plants and that’s a win-win!
HERBS
Dill
The simple and unassuming dill is obviously safe for humans to eat which makes this feathery weed a dog-safe plant to have in your home. You can use this in your culinary creations.
This herb goes well with creamy dressings, soups, and even meats. Just keep in mind to give dills plenty of space to grow because they get bigger than you expect.
Purple Basil
In nature, most animals avoid vegetation with bluish and purplish hues because they are often toxic or poisonous. But in the case of the purple basil, that is simply the opposite.
This gorgeous basil variant doesn’t just bring a unique color to your garden, you can also whip out a delicious purple pesto recipe.
You can also use fresh leaves for your salads and garnish. In terms of maintenance, purple basil requires plenty of water and sunlight until the first frost of the year.
Creeping Thyme
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/types-of-creeping-thyme-2132329_06-a6be5ff868e54b6fbb72874a04bd13fe.JPG)
Another plant that is not toxic to dogs is the gorgeous creeping thyme. It doesn’t need a lot of attention—just a little water and sun, and it’s good to go.
This herb pairs well with roasted vegetables, meat, soups, and potatoes. Lastly, creeping thyme makes a great ground cover for your yard or garden.
Rosemary
Rosemary is perfect for cooking dishes and it also makes your house look attractive. It can fill empty spaces in your yard with a low, fluffy cloud of evergreen.
It looks good cascading over the edge of a raised bed or container. They also release a waft of scent whenever your dog brushes through them.
Fennel Plant
The tasty fennel plant has attractive and feathery foliage with strong hints of licorice. It’s perfectly safe for dogs and even better for us humans who love good food.
You can put it on your salad or grill it on its own. Fennel seeds can be brewed to make tea and are also known to be a natural breath freshener.
PLANTS
Zebra Cactus Plant
Not only does it look funky and cool, but it also can be around your pets (both dogs and cats). It is a small species of ornamental succulent plant and one of the most cultivated of the Haworthiopsis. Despite it being similar to an Aloe, it does not contain any poison for your dog.
Boston Fern
This hardy indoor plant earned its common name from the fact that the leaves tend to fold together at night. They help clear the air in your home by filtering the pollutants.
Prayer Plant
This hardy indoor plant earned its common name from the fact that the leaves tend to fold together at night. They help clear the air in your home by filtering the pollutants.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons patches are sunny and pretty. They require ample sunlight and water to produce a range of colors from yellow to red on tall stems. These dog-safe plants make great cut flower arrangements too.
Pineapple Sage Plant
The pineapple sage with its pink tubular flowers doesn’t just look amazing, it is also very fragrant and perfect for salads, salsas, and cocktails. They attract hummingbirds in the warmer months which will delight your dogs.
TOXIC:
Philodendrons
These are statement pieces in a household. They are a classic, and practically no-fail houseplant because it’s so easy to grow.
However, their massive leaves can cause oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing when ingested by your pet.
Peace Lily
A popular choice for offices and homes because of its elegant look. It isn’t technically poisonous, but it contains a compound (calcium oxalate crystals) that can be extremely bothersome to pets.
Pollen from it can also cause oral irritation when licked directly or off your pet’s paws.
Aloe
Aloe vera is a rich source of antioxidants and vitamins that may help protect your skin. Although it is considered a medicinal plant to hoomans and relatively has mild toxicity, it can make your pets experience vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.
Selloum
Yet another big leafed variety of the Philodendron! It’s a hardy plant that is generally loved in the plant community. However, they can be harmful and cause severe respiratory problems when ingested by your pet.
Pothos
Also known as the “Devil’s Ivy”, it is a favorite in the plant community because of how easy it is to take care of. It is a plant that is hardy and can either be a trailing plant or a creeping one.
This plant is toxic to dogs as it can irritate the mouth and tongue. In addition, your pet may suffer from vomiting, increased salivation, and swallowing difficulties.
After reading this list, you probably felt a bit sad ’cause some of the beautiful decorative plants are considered toxic to dogs. Well, don’t worry, because there are a lot more dog-friendly plants for you.
So it’s definitely possible to fill your space up with dog-friendly (and not-so-friendly) plants even if you have a pet at home!
Now that you’re aware, you can be strategic in where you place them, allowing your plants and pets to co-exist!
