Many houseplant enthusiasts have watched their prized plants get destroyed by their dogs—anyone who’s ever lost a specimen to their dog knows how infuriating it can be. Not only is it bad for your plant collection, but it can also be dangerous for your dog, and few things are more devastating for families than to see their dog injured or killed by such a preventable mistake.
- Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
We’re sorry to break it to you, but one of the internet’s most infamous houseplants—the fiddle leaf fig—is toxic to dogs if ingested. Revered by interior decorators and houseplant enthusiasts alike, the fiddle leaf fig is a medium to large-sized houseplant with a thin trunk and large fiddle-shaped leaves.
Unfortunately, consuming fiddle leaf fig foliage can cause painful symptoms for your dog including skin and gastrointestinal irritation. If your dog is prone to chewing on plants, do not bring a fiddle leaf fig into your home.
- Philodendron
Philodendron is a large genus of tropical plants that are beloved amongst indoor gardeners thanks to their stunning foliage and ease of care. Popular philodendron varieties include the heartleaf philodendron, philodendron ‘Brasil’, philodendron Selloum (tree philodendron) , and philodendron ‘Micans’, among others.
While philodendron varieties are harmless to the touch, they are toxic to both dogs and cats if ingested. Symptoms of philodendron poisoning include oral irritation, swelling, vomiting, trouble breathing, and excessive drooling.
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) have exploded in popularity in recent years thanks in part to the fact that they can survive in almost complete darkness and therefore make excellent low light plants. ZZ plants are grown from rhizomes, which means that they appreciate infrequent watering, making them an overall low-maintenance houseplant.
Sadly, ZZ plants are toxic to dogs, cats, and people if ingested and can cause oral burning, swelling, irritation, vomiting, excessive drooling, and difficulty breathing.
