Don’t you know that you’re toxic?

WORDS BY EMILY KIMBER

Houseplants might be the new standard in mindfulness and self-care, but are we unwittingly poisoning our pets? Here are nine plants that any pet owner should steer clear of.

Your plants are bound to liven up any room, and so will your pets. With that said, there are some cases where the two do not mix as some common houseplants are toxic for your cats and dogs. With that in mind, here is a list of the nine most common houseplants that any pet owner should steer away from, along with the symptoms of poisoning to watch out for.

If you do happen to have any of the plants we mention below then we recommend making the difficult decision to rehome your plant babies. The good news, however, is that there are plenty of options for finding your plant a more suitable home. You could donate your plant to a community centre or a friend. You could also organise a plant swap for a more pet-friendly alternative. Or perhaps you can use the opportunity to make a bit of extra money by using sites such as Facebook Marketplace or Etsy. In any case, it pays to go the extra mile in keeping your fur babies safe.

DEVIL’S IVY Epipremnum aureum

Also known as Satin or Silk Pothos, Devil’s Ivy is toxic to both dogs and cats. This plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals which can irritate the mouth and tongue and cause difficulty swallowing.

ALOE VERA Aloe Barbadensis

Aloe Vera has miraculous healing properties for humans, but adverse effects for your pets. If pure aloe is ingested by small pets it can cause excessive vomiting, severe diarrhea, and low blood sugar.

SNAKE PLANT Dracaena trifasciata

Also known as golden bird’s nest and mother-in-law’s tongue, large doses can cause nausea and vomiting. The poison found in this plant has a numbing effect, causing the tongue and throat to swell.

DRACAENA Dracaena marginata

Dracaena is a perfect pick for the houseplant novice. However, the dracaena species plant contains saponin, a chemical compound which can cause weakness and incoordination when ingested.

ASPARAGUS FERN Asparagus setaceus

True ferns are typically non-toxic such as the Boston or the Parlour Fern. But there are still some which you need to be aware of such as the Asparagus Fern which can cause abdominal pain.

JADE Crassula arborescens

While being incredibly useful in treating stress, anxiety and disorders of blood circulation, Jade can cause vomiting, decreased heart rate and depression if consumed by your pet. PEACE LILY Spathiphyllum

Peace lilies will not help your dog find inner zen, but will instead cause oral pain, drooling and a loss of appetite. In severe cases, your pet may have trouble breathing due to an inflamed airway.

HYDRANGEA Hydrangea macrophylla

There are many species of the hydrangea plant, all of which are toxic to pets. Consumption may lead to vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, hydrangea poisoning can cause lethargy and depression.

RUBBER TREE Ficus elastica

The Ficus Elastica, better known as a Rubber Tree Plant, will look great in any home with its distinctive leaf pattern. However, if consumed, irritation of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract may occur.