Tips for Pet-Friendly Plants and Landscaping

By Jessica Larson of SolopreneurJournal.com 

During the past year of lockdown and working from home, millions have turned their extra energy toward their homes. Specifically, homeowners and renters alike have become “plant people,” finding joy in collecting and caring for houseplants and completing personalized landscaping projects. Now, a year later, many of us have entire rooms devoted to Ponytail Palms and English Ivy and backyards that resemble a nursery.

While houseplants and landscaping are brilliant hobbies that connect us with nature and soothe our anxieties, our favorite plants might just be a lurking danger for our furry companions. In fact, more than 700 popular indoor and outdoor plants are dangerous – or even deadly – to pets. Sometimes, all it takes is brushing against a leaf or chewing on a stem to cause harm.

So, before we pick up another plant or plan our next projects, we pet owners should take the time to ensure we are keeping our pets safe. Here are three practical tips to help our gardens and our pets thrive.

Take Inventory

No matter if it’s one outdoor hydrangea shrub or an entire wall devoted to succulents, the first step for plant owners with pets is to know what plants they have and where they are located. First, take an inventory of your house plants. Then do some prudent Googling to find out if any of them are toxic to your pets. 

Take good notes, too. Be sure to include the various reactions that different plants may cause, and which particular part of the plant is to blame. Some plants are toxic to dogs, but not cats. Others are only dangerous to senior pets or those with allergies. Some leaves are fine, but blossoms are not. Learn all of these facts for each plant.

Then do the same for your yard. Outdoor plants are often chosen for looks above all. However, many, including the above-mentioned hydrangea, are toxic to pets. If you have an edible garden, then take note of those foods and herbs as well. Common choices, such as tomatoes and raw potatoes, can be harmful to dogs. 

While you’re at it, consider if any of your landscaping features might pose additional problems for pets. Some water features may be dangerous for small breeds, while commonly used paver materials can get blisteringly hot under the sun. 

Overall, note how pet-friendly your yard is, and ask yourself:

• Does the yard have safe areas for your pets? 
• Is there ample shade and drinking water available?
• Is sharp, metal edging used, or is it safe rock features?
• Are problematic plants and gardens secured from curious pets?

If your dog spends time outside of the home at daycare, a family member’s home, or public spaces, check those areas with care as well. Become familiar with the local parks and dog runs that you frequent. What plants are growing there? What about your friends and family—are their houses safe for pets? It may feel like you’re being overbearing, but remember: A little research and planning could literally save your pet’s life. 

Move or Remove

Depending on your pets and your space, you may have to decide if keeping certain plants is worth it. People in larger homes can designate a room for plants that’s forbidden to pets. However, smaller apartments may not have that luxury. And, without vigilance, curious pets can sneak off and start investigating dangerous plants.

Removing toxic plants is the safest option inside and outside of the house. Many are gorgeous and thrilling to care for, but are they worth the risk to your four-legged best friend? If you have the means, problematic plants can be moved out of reach. High wall shelves can keep your toxic Pothos plant happy and your pets safe. If you have nimble cats, then be sure they have no way to reach an out-of-bounds area.

There are many benefits to houseplants, other than their looks. For instance, houseplants are great at filtering the air of your home, wonderful at reducing stress, and they help bring a domestic space to life. The same is true for outdoor areas.

Landscaping projects can bring out the best of a yard. They can turn a boring patch of grass into a personal getaway. The good news is that the same thing can be accomplished with your pet’s safety in mind. 

Outdoor areas need extra attention, especially if your pets have 24-hour access. Installing motion lighting can keep them safe at all hours, and a glass storm door will help you keep an eye on them from inside. Just look for Energy Star rated choices to keep your electric bill down. 

Of course, not every dangerous plant has to be removed. If you decide to keep them in place, though, take every step to ensure they are out of your pet’s reach. In many cases, unsafe features can be fenced off to keep pets away. For example, chicken wire is a great barrier to keep pets out of existing gardens. 

Plan Accordingly

By following the above steps, you can all but ensure your house is safe for your plants and pets. Now, the next time you head to the nursery, you’ll know what to look out for. To help you with this, use plant-identifying apps. Just by snapping a quick picture, you can find out the needed information before making a purchase. Other apps allow you to place and plan new features throughout your house, and across your yard as well. 

It is also a good idea to share your new knowledge. Educate your friends and family on plant and pet safety. If a public park has unsafe features or toxic plants, then let your town know.  Neighborhood Facebook pages or communities like Next Door are great resources to share your new expertise. That way, neighborhoods can become havens for both pet safety and gorgeous landscaping.

If you’re handling an outdoor remodel, be sure to keep outdoor gardens in elevated beds or movable containers. Use gates and fences to create pet-friendly zones, and teach your pets which areas are safe and which are out-of-bounds. Ensure fencing doesn’t have gaps that can allow your pets to escape. 

And, if you’re ever in doubt, bring in an expert for a consultation. Look for a contractor who has knowledge of pet-friendly plants and landscaping, in addition to positive reviews from past customers.

With proper planning, your gorgeous plants and lovely pets can exist in harmony. Educate yourself, and take the proper steps to move or remove problem plants and landscaping features. Finally, if you need to update your landscaping for safety or curb appeal, use Billy.com to search for professional landscapers in your area.