Dogs and Plants: How to Create a Safe Environment for Both

Bringing greenery into your home can make the space feel more alive, fresh, and calming. But if you’re a dog owner, there’s an extra layer of consideration—you need to make sure your home is both dog-friendly and plant-safe. Some common houseplants can be toxic to dogs, and some curious pups just can’t resist digging in the soil or chewing on leaves.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to create a safe, harmonious space where both your dog and your plants can thrive. From choosing non-toxic plants to training your dog to respect green zones, we’ll cover everything you need to know.

1. Know Which Plants Are Toxic to Dogs

The first and most important step is identifying which plants are dangerous for dogs. Even small amounts of certain plant materials can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and more serious issues.

Common toxic plants to avoid:

• Aloe Vera – causes vomiting, lethargy
• Sago Palm – highly toxic, can cause liver failure
• Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) – causes swelling, vomiting, and breathing issues
• Pothos (Devil’s Ivy) – irritates mouth and stomach
• Philodendron – toxic to the digestive system
• Lilies – some types are extremely dangerous for pets
• ZZ Plant – contains calcium oxalate, causes oral irritation

Before bringing any plant home, cross-check it with a reliable source like the ASPCA’s toxic and non-toxic plant list.

2. Choose Dog-Safe Plants Instead

Luckily, there are plenty of beautiful plants that are safe for dogs. These options allow you to decorate without worry:

Dog-friendly indoor plants:

• Spider Plant
• Areca Palm
• Calathea
• Bamboo Palm
• Boston Fern
• Prayer Plant
• Peperomia
• African Violet
• Polka Dot Plant

These plants won’t harm your dog even if they happen to nibble a leaf or two—but it’s still a good idea to discourage chewing.

3. Keep Plants Out of Reach

If your dog is the curious or destructive type, one of the easiest ways to avoid accidents is by placing plants where your dog can’t reach them.

Tips for dog-proof plant placement:

• Use hanging planters near windows
• Install wall-mounted shelves
• Place tall plants in corners blocked by furniture
• Use barriers or pet gates around plant areas
• Elevate pots using plant stands or stools

This method works especially well for puppies or breeds known for chewing.

4. Use Dog-Safe Potting Materials

It’s not just the plant that matters—your soil and fertilizer choices can also pose risks. Some fertilizers and composts contain ingredients like cocoa mulch or bone meal that are toxic to dogs.

Safe potting practices:

• Avoid using chemical pesticides or herbicides indoors
• Stick with organic, pet-safe fertilizers
• Use covered pots or decorative rocks to block access to soil
• Don’t allow water runoff from fertilizer-rich soil to be accessible

Also, watch out for mold growth in plant saucers, especially if your dog drinks from them.

5. Train Your Dog to Respect Plant Areas

Like any house rule, training your dog to stay away from plants takes consistency and positive reinforcement.

How to train plant-friendly behavior:

• Use commands like “leave it” or “no” consistently
• Redirect their attention with a toy or treat
• Praise them when they ignore or walk away from plants
• Use pet deterrent sprays (citrus-based or bitter apple) on pots
• Block access temporarily with baby gates during the training phase

Some dogs are naturally uninterested in plants, while others need more structured training over time.

6. Create a Separate Green Zone (If Needed)

If you love your plants and have a particularly mischievous pup, consider creating a separate area for your plants where your dog doesn’t go.

Ideas for separation:

• A sunroom or balcony with pet-safe railings
• A plant stand behind glass or inside a greenhouse cabinet
• An elevated shelf garden out of your dog’s reach
• A vertical wall garden or hanging garden setup

This allows you to enjoy more variety in plant types without risking your dog’s safety.

7. Offer Alternatives for Your Dog

Sometimes dogs mess with plants simply because they’re bored or seeking stimulation. You can reduce this behavior by giving them their own engaging activities.

Dog-friendly enrichment ideas:

• Chew toys and bones
• Snuffle mats or treat puzzles
• A sandbox or digging box (for digging-prone breeds)
• A cozy rest area near your plants so they can enjoy the ambiance too

By giving your dog something better to do, you’ll reduce their temptation to chew on your ficus or dig into your fern.

8. Watch for Allergies or Sensitivities

Even non-toxic plants can cause mild irritation in some dogs. Keep an eye out for:

• Sneezing or watery eyes
• Excessive paw licking
• Rash on the skin or snout
• Reverse sneezing (from sniffing certain leaves)

If you notice symptoms, try removing specific plants one by one to see if the issue resolves.

9. Keep the Environment Clean

Fallen leaves, dropped petals, and water spills are part of plant maintenance—but they can be dangerous for dogs if ignored.

Daily maintenance tips:

• Sweep up plant debris regularly
• Keep water saucers clean and dry
• Wipe muddy paws before your dog enters plant areas
• Check for signs of mold or fungus in pots and trays

Maintaining a clean environment is important for both your dog’s and your plant’s health.

10. Enjoy a Safe and Beautiful Home

With a little planning, it’s completely possible to create a home that feels like a green oasis while remaining 100% safe for your dog. Choose your plants wisely, train your pup gently, and enjoy the beauty of a space where nature and pets coexist in harmony.

Whether you live in a spacious house or a small apartment, these tips can help you design a relaxing environment where both your dog and your plants can thrive.