I'm a bit new to plant care and mainly stick to beginner-friendly options. I recently bought a rubber tree plant and realized it's toxic to dogs. A few other plants I have are also on that list. My dog typically leaves things alone, but I'm wondering if I should stop getting potentially toxic plants or even get rid of the ones I have. I'd love to hear from those with more experience on how to manage this situation safely!
3 Answers
If your dog doesn’t usually chew on your plants, I wouldn’t stress too much. Just make sure to remove any dead leaves quickly so they don't become chew toys. If you ever get a new pet, just keep an eye on the toxicity of plants and maybe confine them to a safe room until you know how they’ll react around your plants.
Training your dog can really help if they show any interest in your plants. Try to avoid using strong-smelling fertilizers, as those might attract their attention. It can depend on your dog's behavior, but it is worth the effort to teach them to leave your plants alone!
It's really smart to check the toxicity of your plants. Some are only mildly toxic and only cause a temporary upset stomach, while others, like lilies, can be very dangerous. I keep my plants on shelves and in windows that my pets can’t reach just to be cautious.