Want to bring some green indoors but worried about your four-legged bestie? Don’t stress, you’re not alone. Selecting plants that are safe for pets is not very difficult, but it does require some thought. Not every leafy beauty is amenable to wagging tails and inquisitive noses!
To keep things safe (and stylish), it’s best to go for non-toxic indoor plant species—the ones that won’t harm your pet if they get a little too... snacky. What’s better? There are many beautiful, pet-friendly plants available that will add colour to your room and keep your animal friends secure.
Continue reading to know all about gorgeous dog-friendly houseplants that would look great in your living room, kitchen garden, or even a small vertical arrangement. But first, let’s break down what actually makes a plant safe—or dangerous—for pets.
What makes a plant safe for pets?
Some plants are dangerous because of the natural substances they manufacture to protect themselves against insects, fungi, and herbivores. These include, among other things, cardiac glycosides, cycasin, and calcium oxalate crystals. Your pet may have symptoms like moderate discomfort and vomiting, or more serious problems like liver failure or organ damage if they chew or consume them. Yikes.
The good news? Plenty of plants are non-toxic and pet-safe. These "friendly greens" don’t contain harmful compounds. And while your furry friend might still experience mild stomach upset from nibbling, it won’t lead to anything serious.
Expert tip: Always check the scientific name of any plant before bringing it home; common names can be confusing or misleading.
Top pet safe houseplants for dog owners
Ready to green up your space without worry? Here are some of the best houseplants that are safe for dogs, easy to care for, lovely to look at, and totally tail-wag approved!
1. Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
With its long, arching green-and-white leaves, the spider plant adds instant freshness to any room. They are considered Non-toxic, making them a great option for anyone seeking dog-friendly houseplants. Plus, they act as a natural air purifier, removing pollutants like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, a huge bonus! Are you a busy bee? No problem! Spider Plants don’t mind a bit of neglect. An indirect sunlight spot and watering when the top inch of soil seems dry, and they're ready to thrive!
Quick tip: Some dogs find the dangling leaves irresistible to bat at or chew, so make sure you hang your Spider Plant in a basket or place it on a high shelf to keep playful pups at bay.
2. Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Looking for a dog plant that can add a touch of tropical greenery to your house? Meet Areca Palm, priced for its graceful, feathery appearance. Native to Madagascar, this plant can grow several feet tall indoors with no toxic worries at all! They love bright, indirect light and regular watering, plus they're pretty forgiving if you forget a drink now and then.
Quick tip: Keep an eye on your pup at first — the fronds can look like great toys for a curious nose.
3. Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Celebrated for its graceful, arching fronds and lush green foliage, the Boston fern is a highly sought dog plant. The soft fronds can add a lovely old-fashioned charm to your space. They love humidity, so a bathroom or kitchen spot works well.
Quick tip: Ferns can be messy when dry leaves drop — place them somewhere easy to clean!
4. Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
If you're searching “ indoor plants safe for dogs”, then Parlor Palm, cherished for its elegant and graceful is a popular choice
and for good reason! Native to the rainforests of Southern Mexico and Guatemala, it's a relatively slow-growing plant that makes it a perfect choice for a small space. The best part? It doesn't demand much attention; occasional watering, wiping down dusty leaves, and you're done!
Quick tip: Place it in a decorative pot that’s heavy enough so your dog doesn’t knock it over during zoomies.
5. Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
If you're looking for easy-to-care dog-friendly houseplants, the ponytail palm gives you no reason to skip. Its long, cascading leaves and bulbous trunk give it a quirky look that fits modern, minimalist spaces. Plus, technically, it's not a palm, but instead a succulent native to semi-arid regions of southeastern Mexico. All it requires is water sparingly and bright light.
Quick tip: Put it in a sturdy pot so your dog doesn’t turn it into a tug toy.
6. Calathea (Calathea spp.)
Love bold foliage? Calatheas are priced for their striking, patterned leaves in vibrant shades including green, purple, and pink. Luckily, these beauties are non-toxic to dogs, making them a perfect option for any dog parent. These plants thrive in moderate light, consistent watering, and humidity.
Quick tip: If you see your plant closing its leaves at night, don't worry! It's completely normal with some varieties.
7. African violet (Saintpaulia)
African Violet is perfect to add a splash of colour to any space. If your search keywords are “dog-friendly plants indoors”, it comes among the most beloved options. Celebrated for velvety, incredibly pretty flowers and fuzzy leaves, they're super easy to grow and thrive in bright, indirect light. Make sure you don't splash water on their fuzzy leaves when watering.
8. Baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)
Don't mistake it to be a toxic plant like a rubber tree! Baby Rubber Plant is a sturdy little plant that isn't related to the Rubber Tree at all. With thick, glossy leaves and a compact growth habit, it's a great option for beginners or simply anyone seeking small, attractive cat and dog friendly plants. It tolerates lower light and only requires watering when the top inch of soil feels dry.