Have you noticed that cats and dogs eat houseplants? Some people believe that they do this to calm stomach discomfort and help with digestion, or to compensate for some nutritional deficiencies. While others think that cats and dogs sometimes eat houseplants in play because they perceive flower petals as toys.
Keeping a houseplant "alive" next to a pet, or saving a pet from the possible consequences of poisoning, can seem like an impossible mission. It is up to us as responsible owners to ensure that the plants we grow at home are safe and non-toxic for cats and dogs, saving us further worries.
African violet (Saintpaulia) one of the most popular indoor plants with beautiful flowers. It is easy to maintain, and due to its ability to bloom even in low light, it is suitable for standing in places that are difficult for your pets to reach.
Orchid many consider it complicated to grow, but this beautiful plant enchants with its flower. It likes the morning light, and it is watered by submerging the pot in a larger container until it absorbs a sufficient amount of water. Since it is safe for pets, we can calmly wait for its flowering and admire it.
Green lily or spider plant is an indoor plant suitable for pets, and ideal for beginners in floriculture. It does best when it does not have direct light and requires watering for 3 to 4 days. What makes it attractive are the mini plants that sprout from the main plant and spread around the pot. However, long, drooping stems can be tempting to cats, so keep it high. An additional benefit that we can have is that this plant has a great ability to absorb toxins from the air.
House or Boston fern not only is it non-toxic, but it also looks incredibly attractive in hanging baskets, which are difficult for pets to reach. This is one of the few indoor plants that is least likely to cause discomfort or stomach cramps if ingested by your pet.
Bamboo palm is ideal if you want a mini tree in the house. Although the leaves of this tropical beauty may tempt your pets to play, don't worry, it is completely safe for them, but also very beneficial for you. As an air filter, it eliminates some gases from the air and purifies it.
Choosing a non-toxic plant is the first step in creating a safe environment for pets. Indoor plants almost inevitably face common pests such as aphids, spider mites and mites. When pesky insects appear, consider non-toxic alternatives to get rid of them.
Use natural insecticides, and make some of them yourself:
Depending on the type and quantity of the plant that the pet ate, the range of reactions ranges from mild problems with the digestive tract to serious nervous disorders, failure of vital organs and death of the animal. To avoid all this, be well informed before bringing any plant into the house. Avoid these 3 plants in a broad arc:
How to recognize poisoning: your pet drools excessively, avoids food and water, and is generally in a bad mood. Some animals may vomit or in more severe cases develop swelling of the upper respiratory tract leading to difficulty breathing
How to recognize poisoning: Increased salivation and difficulty swallowing. are the first symptoms of poisoning. In addition, the animal may be agitated, whine and cough.
How to recognize poisoning: In contact with the skin, it can cause dermatitis, and in case of ingestion, drooling, vomiting and poor general condition.
With these tips, you can create a safe green oasis while keeping your furry friends healthy. But if your pet does nibble on a plant, even one that is unlikely to cause health problems, keep a close eye on it for negative reactions. Just because a plant isn't toxic doesn't mean it won't cause a stomach ache if your pet decides to eat it.
