Pets and Plants: How to Keep Both Safe and Happy at Home

There's no denying that houseplants can bring joy and beauty into our homes. However, if you're a pet owner, you must know the potential risks associated with certain types of plants. 

Common houseplants are toxic to pets and can cause anything from mild irritation to severe illness. But don't worry; there are plenty of pet-friendly plants that you can enjoy without worrying about your furry friends' safety. Here's how you can create a safe and harmonious environment for both your pets and plants.

Benefits of Houseplants

Houseplants are more than just beautiful decorations; they're living organisms providing numerous health benefits for humans and pets. Here are some of the benefits of keeping houseplants in your home:

1. Improving air quality - Houseplants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, improving air quality and reducing toxins in your home.
2. Boosting mood and productivity - Studies have shown that being around plants can reduce stress, boost mood, and improve productivity.
3. Adding beauty and life - Houseplants add a touch of nature to any room, making a space feel more welcoming and alive.

Creating a Safe and Harmonious Environment

When combining plants and pets, it's crucial to ensure that your furry friends are safe and happy. Here are some tips for creating a safe and harmonious environment:

1. Research pet-friendly plants - Before bringing a new plant into your home, ensure it's safe for your pets.
2. Train your pets - It's essential to teach your pets how to behave around plants from a young age. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise to encourage good behaviour.
3. Provide designated play areas - Give your pets safe toys and designated play areas to keep them away from your plants.
4. Choose pet-friendly plants - There are plenty of pet-friendly plants that you can enjoy without worrying about your furry friends' safety. 

Teaching Your Pets to Behave Around Plants

If you have a new pet, teaching them how to behave around plants from a young age is essential. Puppies and kittens are naturally curious and tend to chew on anything within their reach, including plants. However, you can train them to respect your plants' boundaries with patience and consistency. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, toys, and praise to encourage good behaviour. Additionally, provide your pet with their own safe toys and designated play areas to keep them away from your plants.

Avoiding Toxic Houseplants

Some houseplants are highly toxic to pets and can cause symptoms ranging from vomiting and diarrhoea to seizures and even death. Poisonous plants to avoid include aloe, anthuriums, and bulbous plants like lilies, asparagus fern, dieffenbachia, dracaena, oxalis, cycads, snake plants, and ZZ plants. Doing your research before bringing a new plant into your home is crucial to ensure it's safe for your pets. If you need more clarification, consult with a veterinarian.

Pet-Friendly Plants

Fortunately, there are plenty of pet-friendly plants that you can enjoy without worrying about your furry friends' safety. Here are some of our top picks:

1. Cacti - These low-maintenance plants are perfect for busy pet owners who want to add some greenery to their homes without a lot of fuss. They come in various shapes and sizes and require minimal watering and attention.
2. Calathea - Known for their colourful and patterned foliage, calatheas are an excellent choice for pet owners who want a beautiful and safe plant. They prefer low to medium light and need to be watered regularly.
3. Maranta - This easy-to-care-for plant is ideal for pet owners who want a low maintenance and attractive plant. They have a reputation for forgiving, and their leaves fold up at night, making them an exciting addition to any room.
4. Palms - Palms are perfect for pet owners who want a larger plant that's safe for their furry friends. They come in various sizes and shapes and are known for their lush, tropical foliage.
5. Peperomias - These small, attractive plants come in various colours and textures, making them an excellent choice for pet owners who want to add variety to their homes. They require minimal attention and thrive in medium to low light.
6. Spider plants - Known for their air-purifying properties, they are an excellent choice for pet owners who want to improve their home's air quality while keeping their pets safe. They're easy to care for and require minimal watering.
7. Air plants - These unique plants require no soil and are incredibly low maintenance, making them perfect for pet owners who want a safe and easy plant. They come in various shapes and sizes and can be mounted on walls or displayed in hanging planters.

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This list is incomplete and always ask for advice when in doubt.