We love our plant pals. We love our dog pals. Unfortunately, the two don’t always get along as well as we’d like - and we’re not just talking about muddy pawprints in the potting compost. 🐾
Some of the most popular houseplants could be harmful to your four-legged best friend if nibbled, chewed or munched on.
In this guide, we’ll cover some of the most common indoor plants poisonous to dogs, signs to watch out for, and because we’re Blooming Artificial, we’ll also throw in some pet-safe (and totally faff-free) faux alternatives to keep your home looking lush without the stress. If you have a feline friend, check out our guide to houseplants that are harmful to cats.
Important note: This isn’t an exhaustive list and shouldn’t replace veterinary advice. If you think your dog has ingested a plant and is showing symptoms, always contact your vet immediately.
Short answer? Sometimes, sadly, yes. According to our pals at the RSPCA and Blue Cross UK, plenty of popular plants pack some not-so-pet-friendly ingredients.
A sneaky nibble could cause anything from a bit of a tummy wobble to some seriously scary health issues. Symptoms to watch out for include drooling (the not-adorable kind), vomiting, diarrhoea, feeling super sleepy, losing their appetite, and in rare, severe cases, seizures. If you’re ever worried, a quick call to your vet is always best.
If you are looking to choose a new houseplant or replace one you already have, here’s a quick-fire list of some houseplants that are toxic to dogs - the ones we see in homes everywhere, but should be avoided if you have a curious canine underfoot:
|
Plant name |
Why it’s toxic |
Safer faux alternative |
|
Peace lily |
Contains calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth and throat |
|
|
Pothos (Devil’s Ivy) |
Causes vomiting, oral irritation and difficulty swallowing |
|
|
Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant) |
Calcium oxalate crystals cause burning and swelling |
|
|
Aloe vera |
Contains saponins, which cause vomiting and diarrhoea |
|
|
Sago palm |
Cycasin toxin can cause liver failure |
|
|
Snake plant |
Saponins cause nausea and vomiting |
|
|
Philodendron |
Calcium oxalate crystals irritate the mouth and gut |
Hanging artificial philodendron scandens |
Source: Blue Cross, ASPCA
Elegant? Yes. Peaceful? Not if your dog chews on it. Peace lilies are infamous for causing mouth pain, drooling and vomiting. Fun fact: They’re not true lilies, but they still pack a punch.
Want to know if ivy is poisonous to dogs? The answer is, sadly, yes. Chewing on these leaves can cause irritation, drooling, and stomach upset - not exactly the cute Instagram moment you'd planned.
They may be trendy enough to have their own TikTok hashtag, but indoor plants poisonous to dogs include this interior design icon. Monstera's big, bold leaves can lead to burning sensations and swelling of the mouth and tongue if bitten.
Great for sunburned humans, but not so great for inquisitive pups. Aloe contains compounds that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea if ingested.
This one’s a heavy hitter. The sago palm is highly toxic to dogs - just a small amount can lead to severe liver damage. Yikes. Best to keep this tropical beauty out of your plant-pal collection entirely.
The snake plant is beloved for its hardiness, but also contains saponins that can make your pooch very poorly.
Another delight of the Pinterest world, philodendron brings a lush, tropical feel indoors, but its calcium oxalate crystals can seriously irritate your dog’s mouth and tummy.
If you’re wondering what flowers are poisonous to dogs or looking for indoor plants that are safe for dogs, the good news is that not every green friend is a threat. Some safer options include;
Spider plants
Areca palms
Bamboo palms
Prayer plants
Calatheas
Orchids.
Or, if you want zero risk and zero faff, our range of faux indoor plants safe for dogs gives you all the botanical beauty, with no stress.
And yes, for our statement-makers, we also have large indoor plants that are safe for dogs - think sprawling faux palms and oversized ferns, perfect for creating that ultimate zen oasis.
Real plants are beautiful, but risky if you have a plant-munching mutt around. Artificial plants let you keep your space bright, fresh and green, without worrying about houseplants poisoning your dog.
Faux foliage gives you instant greenery - no waiting for sprouts, blooms or sad droopy leaves. Plus, zero risk to curious pets (because let’s face it, if it looks fun, they’ll try to eat it). 🙈
Say goodbye to watering schedules, weeding and those dreaded “Why is this brown?” moments. Our faux plants are so lifelike that even Mother Nature might do a double-take. The best thing is that you’ll have peace of mind knowing your home and furry friend are safe and happy.
If you want the wow factor, our artificial orchids bring elegant, timeless beauty. Check out our guide to choosing the perfect faux orchid, and when you’re ready, here’s how to style them like a pro!
We get it, you want your home to be a little slice of paradise and a safe haven for your dog. With a bit of knowledge, a little careful planning (and maybe a cheeky faux upgrade), you can have it all - a happy pup, a beautiful home and a lot less faff.
Right now, it’s not just the plants stealing the show - plant and pot trends are blooming too. From rustic ceramics to bold, sculptural planters, styling your greenery has never looked better.
If you’re ever unsure about a plant, stick to indoor plants safe for dogs - or fake it ‘til you make it with Blooming Artificial. If you need a hand picking the perfect faux-liage to keep your pets safe, we’re all ears. Drop us a message, tag us on Instagram, or... well, maybe skip the carrier pigeon (the dog’s still recovering from the last one). 🙈
Paws up for pet-safe plants! 🐶🌿
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