14 August 2026
Whether you’re refreshing your home with houseplants or creating a beautiful backyard garden, choosing dog-safe plants can help you enjoy greenery with added peace of mind.
Dogs are naturally curious and may sniff, dig, or occasionally nibble on plants. While many popular plants are harmless, others can cause symptoms ranging from mild stomach upset to serious poisoning. Fortunately, there are plenty of attractive indoor plants, flowers, herbs, and shrubs that are considered non-toxic to dogs.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best dog-safe plants for both indoors and outdoors, highlight common plants to avoid, and share tips for creating a pet-friendly home and garden.
Good to know: A plant being “non-toxic” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s meant to be eaten. Even safe plants can cause mild digestive upset if your dog consumes a large amount.
| Plant | Indoor | Outdoor | Dog Safe |
| Spider Plant | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Boston Fern | ✓ | ✓ (shade) | ✓ |
| Areca Palm | ✓ | ✓ (warm climates) | ✓ |
| Parlor Palm | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Calathea | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Prayer Plant | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Ponytail Palm | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Peperomia | ✓ | ✓ | |
| African Violet | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Orchid | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Rose | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Sunflower | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Petunia | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Snapdragon | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Zinnia | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Camellia | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Magnolia | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Bee Balm | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Cosmos | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Nasturtium | ✓ | ✓ |
Although dogs don’t typically eat large amounts of plants, accidents happen. Puppies, in particular, are known for chewing on just about everything they can reach.
Some toxic plants may only cause mild vomiting or diarrhea, while others can affect the heart, nervous system, liver, or kidneys.
If your dog has eaten an unknown plant, watch for signs such as:
If you suspect your dog has ingested a poisonous plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Adding greenery indoors doesn’t have to come with worry. These popular houseplants are considered non-toxic to dogs.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider Plants are one of the most popular pet-friendly houseplants thanks to their easy care and attractive arching leaves.
Why you’ll love it:
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston Ferns add lush texture to any room and thrive in humid environments like bathrooms or covered patios.
They’re ideal for hanging baskets where curious dogs are less likely to reach them.
Calathea
Known for their striking leaf patterns, Calatheas are beautiful tropical plants that are safe for dogs.
Popular varieties include:
Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Prayer Plants get their name because their leaves fold upward at night. They’re easy to care for and make an eye-catching addition to shelves and tabletops.
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
If you’re looking for a statement plant, the Areca Palm adds height and a tropical feel while remaining safe for pets.
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
A classic houseplant that’s perfect for lower-light spaces and apartments.
Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Despite its name, the Ponytail Palm is actually a succulent. Its unique trunk and cascading leaves make it a fun focal point in any room.
Peperomia
Peperomias come in dozens of varieties with different leaf shapes, textures, and colors, making them an excellent choice for smaller spaces.
African Violet (Saintpaulia)
These compact flowering plants add year-round color and grow well on bright windowsills.
Orchids
Most commonly sold orchids, including the popular Phalaenopsis orchid, are considered non-toxic to dogs and produce long-lasting blooms.
A colorful garden can still be dog-friendly. These flowers are widely considered safe for dogs.
Roses
Roses are non-toxic to dogs, making them a great addition to your landscape.
Keep in mind:
Sunflowers
Bright and cheerful, sunflowers attract pollinators while adding height and color to your garden.
Petunias
Petunias bloom throughout the growing season and work beautifully in garden beds, hanging baskets, and containers.
Snapdragons
These colorful flowers are easy to grow and add vertical interest to flower beds.
Zinnias
Zinnias are loved by butterflies, bees, and gardeners alike. They bloom in a wide variety of vibrant colors throughout the summer.
Camellias
Camellias are flowering shrubs that provide stunning blooms in cooler seasons and are considered safe for dogs.
Consider planting:
Many culinary herbs are also safe to grow around dogs.
These include:
Although these herbs are considered non-toxic, eating large amounts of any plant may still cause digestive upset.
Looking to landscape your yard? These trees and shrubs are generally considered safe around dogs.
These plants provide seasonal color and structure while being suitable for pet-friendly gardens.
While there are many dog-safe plants, some common favorites should be avoided.
These plants can cause severe poisoning and require immediate veterinary attention if ingested.
While the severity varies by plant and the amount consumed, it’s best to keep these species out of areas accessible to your dog.
What About Lavender?
Lavender is often included in pet-friendly gardens, but it should be approached with caution.
Lavender contains naturally occurring compounds called linalool and linalyl acetate. While small exposures usually cause only mild digestive upset, it’s best to plant lavender where dogs are unlikely to chew on it.
A few simple steps can help make your outdoor space safer for your dog.
Yes. Roses are considered non-toxic to dogs. However, the thorns can cause cuts or scratches, so it’s still important to supervise curious pets.
Many dogs occasionally eat grass. While grass itself is generally safe, make sure it hasn’t been treated with herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers.
Spider Plants, Boston Ferns, Calatheas, Parlor Palms, Peperomias, and Orchids are all excellent choices for pet-friendly homes.
Some are, while others are toxic. For example, Ponytail Palms are considered safe, while Aloe Vera should be kept out of reach. Always identify the exact succulent species before bringing it home.
Unlike cats, dogs typically experience mild digestive upset after chewing on many types of lilies. However, some lily species can still be harmful, and all lilies should be kept out of reach whenever possible. If your dog ingests any part of a lily, contact your veterinarian for advice.
A beautiful home and garden can absolutely coexist with a happy, healthy dog. By choosing non-toxic plants and understanding which species to avoid, you can create a safe environment where both your plants and your pup can thrive.
Before introducing any new plant to your home or garden, it’s always a good idea to verify the exact species, as common plant names can refer to different varieties with different safety profiles. And remember, even non-toxic plants can cause an upset stomach if eaten in large quantities, so it’s best to discourage your dog from chewing on any greenery.
Whether you’re filling your living room with lush houseplants or designing a colorful backyard retreat, selecting dog-safe plants is a simple way to make your space more enjoyable—and safer—for your four-legged companion.
4 June 2024
25 May 2022
28 August 2020