Plants make a home feel calmer. They also tempt curious dogs who think every leaf is a snack. The challenge: a lot of popular houseplants, pothos, monstera, snake plant, lilies, are toxic to dogs.
The good news? You don't have to choose between a beautiful home and a safe one. Here are the houseplants you can keep without losing sleep.
Truly Pet-Safe Houseplants
These are non-toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. They're also forgiving plants that look great in real homes.
Easy and Forgiving
- Spider Plant: Hardy, fast-growing, and tolerant of low light. Cats love them too, but they won't hurt your dog.
- Boston Fern: Lush and dramatic in a hanging basket. Likes humidity, so bathrooms are a great spot.
- Areca Palm: A safe alternative to the popular but toxic majesty palm. Adds height and that tropical look.
- Parlor Palm: Tolerates low light beautifully. Smaller than the areca if you have less space.
For More Light
- Calathea (most varieties): Striking patterned leaves. Likes bright, indirect light.
- African Violet: Compact flowering plant. Perfect for windowsills.
- Polka Dot Plant: Pink-spotted leaves that look like art. Bright indirect light keeps the colors vivid.
Statement Plants
- Bird's Nest Fern: Sculptural, ribbed leaves. Looks expensive, costs the opposite.
- Friendship Plant: Quilted leaves with a velvet feel.
- Peperomia (most varieties): Compact and drought-tolerant. Forgiving for forgetful waterers.
Common Houseplants That Are NOT Safe
Avoid or rehome these if you have a dog:
- Pothos and Philodendron (very common, toxic to dogs)
- Monstera Deliciosa
- Snake Plant
- ZZ Plant
- Aloe Vera
- Lilies (all true lilies, especially dangerous to cats but also harmful to dogs)
- Sago Palm (one of the most dangerous, can cause liver failure)
- English Ivy
- Jade Plant
- Dieffenbachia
If you already have these, place them somewhere completely out of reach, high shelves your dog can't access, hanging planters, or rooms they don't enter.
Tips for a Pet-Safe Plant Setup
- Check labels at the nursery. Most retailers don't label for pet safety, so search the plant name + "toxic to dogs" before buying.
- Watch your soil. Some fertilizers and soil additives are toxic even when the plant isn't. Keep bags sealed and stored away.
- Skip the rocks and bark mulch. Cocoa mulch is toxic, and small decorative rocks are a choking hazard.
- Train "leave it." Even with safe plants, you don't want a daily salad bar. A solid leave-it cue protects your plants and your dog.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Plant
Stay calm. Identify the plant if you can, a quick photo or the plant tag is helpful. Then:
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply).
- Note the time, the amount eaten, and your dog's weight.
- Watch for vomiting, drooling, lethargy, tremors, or breathing changes.
- Don't induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet.
Building a Beautiful, Safe Setup
You can absolutely have a plant-filled home with a dog, it just takes a little planning. Start with two or three safe plants in spots your dog can reach. Save the toxic ones for high shelves, hanging planters, or rooms that are off-limits.
Want to make the rest of your home safer too? See our guides on household items that are toxic to dogs and foods that are toxic to dogs.