What plants to have in a house with animals?

At home or in the garden, there are plants that our dogs and cats love, whether for their stimulating scent, flavor, or beneficial effects. However, there are others that are toxic and should be avoided.

Plants that dogs and cats like

- Wheatgrass, oats, and corn (1)

These edible plants, besides being nutritious, rich in fiber and folic acid, are excellent for digestion and, in the case of cats, for eliminating hairballs. Having a pot of one of these herbs in your home is a great way to dissuade your pet from trying other houseplants.

- Valerian (Valeriana officinalis -2) and Catnip (Nepeta cataria -3)

The scent of these two species causes a feeling of euphoria in 75% of cats; in dogs, on the contrary, the effect is calming.

Although it is not addictive and has no negative effects, it is advisable to limit your pet's access to the plant to prevent them from becoming immune to it.

Plants that are safe for dogs and cats

- Succulents and Cacti

Most of these species are safe for animals; you should just avoid cacti with aggressive spines and Aloe vera. Many species can be used both indoors and in pots in gardens. Examples include Schlumbergera truncata (1), Haworthia fasciata (2), and Echeveria spp. (3).

- Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata - 1), Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum - 2), and Areca (Dypsis lutescens - 3)

Besides being safe for animals, they are easy to maintain, do not require frequent watering, and prefer indirect light. They are ideal plants for creating cool environments in apartments with animals.

- Roses (Rosa spp. -1), Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus -2), and Gerbera Daisies (Gerbera jamesonii -3)

Dogs and cats don't see the world in the same colors as humans. Dogs see primarily shades of yellow and blue and have difficulty distinguishing between green and red, while cats see colors between the blue-violet and yellow-green spectrums. For this reason, plants with flowers in these colors will be the most eye-catching and interesting for our pets. They are suitable for gardens with good sunlight.

Plants that are toxic to dogs and cats

- Aloe (Aloe vera -1), Kalanchoe spp. (Kalanchoe spp. -2), Azalea (Rhododendron spp. -3), Ivy (Hedera helix -4), Hydrangea spp. (Hydrangea spp. -5), Tulip spp. (Tulip spp. -6), Weeping fig (Ficus spp. -7), Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata -8), Geranium (Pelargonium spp. -9)

These are just a few of the plants you should avoid or keep away from your pets. For a full list, visit the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) website (https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants).

If you're thinking about buying plants for your home or garden and still have questions about which species to choose, contact me!