Do you find yourself with the growing urge to decorate your home with plants? What about feeling the need to try your hand at gardening? It’s not hard to see why. Studies have shown that plants can promote health 
benefits. From removing toxins in the air to improving your state of mind – there’s no shortage of reasons to enjoy gifts from the garden. However, if you are the proud owner of any four-legged friends it’s important to be aware of the potential risks some of these plants can pose and learn how to make your home a safe space for pets and plants alike.
Pay attention to where you put your plants in the house. House plants like Aloe Vera, Begonias, or Philodendron are common and are ideal for the homeowner with a novice green thumb; however, these innocuous decorations can hold hidden dangers for your dogs and cats. Many of these plants contain substances that can be harmful and even life-threatening to pets. While this might seem like you have to pick one or the other, there are some ways to ensure Fido and your ficus can cohabitate safely.
Make sure that all house plants are out of reach from pets. This means placing them on windowsills or hanging them from the ceiling. While this doesn’t guarantee some frisky feline or determined dog won’t get to it, this mindful placement of your plants can help mitigate the risk of your pets discretely ingesting anything they shouldn’t. If you have plants in your home that are too large to be tucked away, consider gating off areas or rooms that you don’t want your pet wandering around unattended. This tactic might be more common for toddlers, but it’s a great way to keep your fur babies safe as well.
Don’t forget the flowers. Tulips and Lilies are amongst the most popular flowers worldwide. They come in a dazzling array of colors, shapes, and sizes. They’re beautiful reminders that Spring is in full swing and best of all, they aren’t too difficult to grow! Although they might be pretty, you should be wary of your pets getting their paws on the petals. These common flowers can be toxic to our pets.
Not only can these flowers be dangerous, but pets might also come into contact with other harmful substances around your yard. Gardening products, fertilizer, and herbicides all pose a threat to pets roaming the lawn unattended. So be vigilant when getting your yard in tip-top shape this Spring. Consider fencing off areas where potentially dangerous flowers or plants may be growing, even if they aren’t toxic, you don’t want your hard 
work in the garden to be ruined by a curious pet. Also be sure to keep your pets away from areas of your lawn that may be freshly sprayed with various lawn products.
Call a professional. Plants can be a great addition in and around any home. They look nice and can even provide health benefits. But when it comes to the safety of your pets, it’s important to be vigilant and educated about the health risks they pose to the fuzziest members of your family. Be sure to reach out to your veterinarian if you suspect your pet has ingested any dangerous plants or is showing any of the symptoms listed above.
Resources:
- https://www.aarp.org/home-family/your-home/info-2018/spring-safety-pet-tips-fd.html
- https://blog.aarpmedicaresupplement.com/2018/01/26/gardening-brown-thumb-hard-kill-plants/
- https://www.aarp.org/relationships/pets/info-10-2010/pet_myths_facts_becker.html