Top Houseplants Safe for Dogs to Enjoy at Home
If you’re a pet parent who loves plants, finding houseplants safe for dogs is a top priority.
Many common houseplants can harm pets, but plenty of options add life to your space without putting your furry friends at risk.
Understanding which plants are safe houseplants for dogs and how to care for them can make all the difference in creating a safe, welcoming home for everyone.
What Houseplants Are Safe for Dogs?
Choosing houseplants that are safe for dogs is essential for creating a pet-friendly home. Many common houseplants can pose significant risks to your furry friends, so understanding which ones to avoid and what makes a plant pet-safe can prevent accidents and keep your dog healthy.
General Guidelines for Pet-Safe Plants
When selecting houseplants, it's crucial to know which varieties are non-toxic and safe for pets. According to the ASPCA 2023, over 351,000 cases of pet poisoning are reported annually, with plants ranking as the 6th most common toxin. Approximately 8.1% of these poison incidents are caused by toxic plants. This highlights the importance of awareness and proactive choices in plant selection.
Toxicity in plants varies significantly:
- Highly toxic plants: These can cause severe illness or even death if ingested. For example, Sago Palms have a mortality rate of 32% to 50% in dogs.
- Moderately toxic plants: These may result in symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort if eaten.
- Mildly toxic plants: While ingestion may not be life-threatening, these can cause irritation, rashes, or mild digestive issues.
Even safe houseplants for dogs should be kept out of reach, as excessive chewing can still lead to minor stomach upset or choking hazards.
Toxic Plants to Avoid
Some plants are widely known to be hazardous to pets and should be kept out of reach or avoided altogether.
- Lilies: Extremely toxic to cats, with a mortality rate of up to 50%, and also dangerous for dogs.
- Sago Palm: Highly toxic to dogs, with severe liver damage often leading to death.
- Aloe Vera: While beneficial for humans, it is mildly toxic to pets if ingested.
- Philodendrons and Monstera: These contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation and swelling.
1. Moss Amigos Moss Ball (Marimo Moss Ball)
The Moss Amigos Moss Ball is a unique and adorable addition to any home. It’s a small, velvety moss ball kept inside a jar of water, making it an allergy-friendly choice for dogs and humans alike.
As one of the easiest "houseplants safe for dogs," it requires minimal care, changing water every 2-3 weeks, and occasionally sunlight. Its compact design fits perfectly on desks or shelves, bringing a calm, natural feel without risk to your furry friends.
Why It’s a Perfect Pick for Pet Owners
- Low-maintenance and allergy-friendly for sensitive pets.
- No soil or fertilizers are required, keeping things tidy.
Features:
- Compact, hypoallergenic, and hassle-free.
Must Read: Are Moss Balls Pets? What You Should Know
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are a classic favorite for homes, loved for their cascading green and white leaves. These hardy plants thrive with little effort, making them great for beginner plant parents.
Spider plants are safe for pets and humans, so you can relax knowing your curious pup won’t be harmed if they nibble on a leaf. They are also easy to propagate, meaning you can share plant “babies” with friends.
Why It’s a Perfect Pick for Pet Owners
- Pet-friendly with a forgiving care routine.
- Brings interest with its distinctive, lively foliage.
Features:
- Easy to grow, quick to propagate.
3. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The Parlor Palm is another great addition to your home without worrying about your pets. Its tall, feathery fronds create a sophisticated look, while its non-toxic nature ensures it’s a safe addition to your collection of houseplants safe for dogs.
This palm thrives in low-light spaces and requires minimal watering, making it ideal for busy households.
Why It’s a Perfect Pick for Pet Owners
- Thrives with little attention, even in shaded areas.
- Safe and soothing for homes with pets.
Features:
- Elegant design, low-maintenance.
4. Calathea (Calathea spp.)
With its vibrant patterns and striking colors, the Calathea plant brightens any room while keeping pets safe. It’s a humidity-loving plant that thrives in indirect light, making it a great choice for bathrooms or kitchens. Its beautiful leaves are not only safe for dogs but also add a bold and stylish element to your decor.
Why It’s a Perfect Pick for Pet Owners
- Adds a pop of color while keeping your pets safe.
- Thrives in medium light and humid environments.
Features:
- Gorgeous patterns, humidity-loving.
5. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston Ferns are a timeless addition to pet-friendly homes and feathery foliage that looks soft and inviting. They do best in humid areas with indirect sunlight, making them a great choice for bathrooms or kitchens. Completely non-toxic, they bring peace of mind and natural beauty to your indoor spaces, helping to improve air quality too.
Why It’s a Perfect Pick for Pet Owners
- Perfect for creating a soft, cozy look.
- Helps purify the air while keeping pets safe.
Features:
- Air-purifying, versatile placement.
6. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The Areca Palm, also known as the Butterfly Palm, brings tropical vibes indoors with its long, graceful fronds. It’s a favorite among pet owners for being non-toxic and easy to maintain. This palm thrives with bright, indirect light and occasional watering, making it a stress-free way to introduce into your home.
Why It’s a Perfect Pick for Pet Owners
- Safe for dogs
- Low-effort care routine with big visual impact.
Features:
- Tropical elegance, simple care.
7. Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)
The Baby Rubber Plant is a compact and glossy-leafed beauty that’s perfect for pet-friendly homes. As one of the easiest houseplants safe for dogs, it adapts well to various lighting conditions, from bright indirect light to lower-lit corners.
Its thick, succulent-like leaves make it both drought-tolerant and forgiving for forgetful plant parents, ensuring it stays healthy even with occasional neglect.
Why It’s a Perfect Pick for Pet Owners
- Safe for dogs and perfect for small spaces.
- Thrives in diverse lighting and watering conditions.
Features:
- Drought-tolerant, versatile placement.
8. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Named for its folding leaves that “pray” at night, the Prayer Plant adds a dynamic, interactive element to your home. With its patterned leaves and pet-safe nature, it’s a wonderful way to introduce color and movement to your living spaces. It thrives in humid environments with indirect light, making it a great addition to kitchens and bathrooms.
Why It’s a Perfect Pick for Pet Owners
- Unique “praying” leaves create an engaging decor piece.
- Completely safe for dogs and thrives in humid spaces.
Features:
- Unique movement, striking patterns.
9. Cast-Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The Cast-Iron Plant lives up to its name by thriving in conditions most other plants can’t. It’s an ultra-durable, pet-friendly option for homes with limited sunlight or irregular watering schedules. Its dark green leaves make it a great choice for busy pet owners who want a low-maintenance plant.
Why It’s a Perfect Pick for Pet Owners
- Withstands neglect and tough conditions.
- Adds a simple element to any space.
Features:
- Durable, low-light tolerant.
10. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.)
The Christmas Cactus is a festive favorite and a beautiful houseplant safe for dogs. With its bright, colorful blooms and non-toxic nature, it’s a perfect addition to pet-friendly homes during the holidays and beyond. It thrives in indirect light and needs minimal watering, blooming beautifully with just a little care.
Why It’s a Perfect Pick for Pet Owners
- Safe for dogs and adds a bright, seasonal feel.
- Easy to care for, with cheerful seasonal blooms.
Features:
- Seasonal beauty, non-toxic.
What Makes a Houseplant Safe?
Houseplants safe for dogs lack harmful compounds that could affect pets if ingested or handled. These non-toxic varieties, such as Spider Plants, Boston Ferns, and Marimo Moss Balls, are excellent examples of safe houseplants for dogs that add greenery to your space without compromising your pet's health.
Related: 8 Best Cat Friendly Plants (Including One You Can’t Miss!)
Wrapping Up - 10 Best Houseplants Safe for Dogs
Adding plants to your home can make your space feel more welcoming, but it’s important to choose options that are safe for your pets.
Selecting houseplants safe for dogs means you can enjoy the benefits of indoor plants without worrying about harmful effects on your furry companions. Plenty of safe and attractive plants suit any home or lifestyle.
Knowing which plants are safe and which to avoid is essential. Even with safe houseplants for dogs, keeping them out of reach is a good idea to prevent overeating or accidents.
With the right choices, you can create a pet-friendly home filled with natural beauty.
FAQs
Which house plant is safe for dogs?
Safe plants for dogs include Moss Amigos, ferns, and certain palms. These non-toxic choices are perfect for pet-friendly homes.
What low light indoor plants are safe for dogs?
Cast-Iron Plants, Spider Plants, and Moss Amigos thrive in low light and are safe for dogs. They’re great for shaded spaces in your home.
Are succulents safe for dogs?
Some succulents, like Burro’s Tail, are safe, but others, such as Aloe Vera and Jade Plants, are toxic. If you want a safe, low-maintenance option, Moss Amigos moss balls are a great alternative.
What tall houseplants are safe for dogs?
Safe tall houseplants include Areca Palms and Cast-Iron Plants. These options add height to your decor while being safe for your furry friends.
References:
The official Top 10 pet toxins of 2023. (2024, March 21). ASPCA. https://www.aspca.org/news/official-top-10-pet-toxins-2023
Team, A. V. (n.d.). Sago Palm toxicity in dogs. AVES. https://austinvets.com/sago-palm-toxicity-in-dogs/#:~:text=In%20some%20cases%2C%20an%20extended,to%2050%20percent%20in%20dogs.
