How To Keep Your Monstera Plant Safe From Your Playful Pup

Can I Keep a Monstera Plant With My Dogs?

Monstera deliciosa, commonly known as Swiss cheese plant or windowleaf, has become a very popular houseplant in recent years thanks to its vibrant green leaves with iconic fenestrations. But if you have furry pets like dogs living in your home, you may be wondering – is it safe to own a monstera plant with dogs around? In this article, I will address all the concerns pet owners have and provide clear answers based on my experience as both a plant lover and dog owner.

Are Monstera Plants Toxic to Dogs?

1. The short answer is yes, monstera plants can be toxic to dogs if ingested. The sap and various plant parts contain calcium oxalate crystals which can cause mild to severe irritation to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract of dogs.
2. Symptoms of monstera plant toxicity in dogs may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and swelling of the mouth and throat. In severe cases, it can potentially damage the kidneys as well.
3. However, most dogs do not actively chew on monstera leaves unless the plant is already damaged or dying. Healthy monstera plants with intact leaves and stems are generally considered low risk for accidental ingestion by dogs.

So in summary, while monstera sap and tissues are classified as mildly toxic to dogs, an undamaged houseplant poses very little threat to curious pups as long as they are not deliberately eating pieces of it.

How to Keep Monstera Plants Safe Around Dogs?

There are a few simple steps pet owners can take to minimize any risks:

1. Place the monstera plant in an elevated location out of reach, like on a tall bookshelf or hanging basket. Dogs are less likely to interact with plants higher up.
2. Inspect the plant regularly for any damage from chewing or accidents and promptly remove any broken or fallen leaves/stems that could be ingested.
3. Use loose potting soil instead of tightly packed soil which is less appealing for dogs to dig in. Loose soil means less mess inside the house too!
4. Consider using a barrier like a plant stand or stakes if the plant is low to the ground where curious dogs may step on or paw at it.
5. Train your dog not to chew on or eat plants. Reward them when leaving plants alone with treats or praise so they understand houseplants are off-limits.

With a few precautions, it is definitely possible to peacefully cohabitate with both your monstera and pup. I’ve had great success growing various types over the years without any issues as my dogs learned early on not to disturb them. Consistent training is key.

Dealing With an Ingestion Incident

No matter how careful we are, accidents may still happen occasionally. Here are steps to take if your dog eats part of a monstera plant:

1. Remain calm and contact your vet right away. Timely medical care is important as symptoms can progress rapidly once toxins are ingested.
2. Induce vomiting only if instructed by your vet and it has been less than an hour since ingestion. Do not try making your dog throw up on your own without guidance.
3. Collect a sample of any vomit or plant material for your vet to identify. Provide detail on amount consumed and time of ingestion.
4. Monitor your dog closely for signs of distress like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy. Note any changes in behavior, appetite or activity level to share.
5. Consider activated charcoal or other binders only under vet supervision to help absorb toxins in the GI tract. Never give medications without professional advice.

With prompt treatment, most monstera ingestions cause only minor, temporary effects in dogs. But it’s always better safe than sorry, so call your vet right away with any concerns after an accident.

Other Houseplants Safe and Unsafe For Dogs

Monstera isn’t the only common houseplant that merits caution around dogs. Here are a few more to be aware of based on their toxicity risk levels:

Safe Plants:
– Snake plant
– Peace lily
– ZZ plant
– Pothos
– Chinese evergreen
– Bunny ear cactus

Moderately Toxic:
– Dieffenbachia
– Chinese evergreen
– Spider plant
– English ivy
– Lilies

Highly Toxic:
– Sago palm
– Oleander
-philodendron
-Autumn crocus
-Amaryllis

So basically, stick with tolerant, non-toxic species if you want your home and garden both dog and plant-friendly. Monitor any plant closely until you’re confident fuzzbutt understands boundaries. With diligence, it’s quite feasible to nurture your green thumb and still enjoy furry family members indoors too!

In summary, with a little care and compromise, you definitely can successfully cohabitate with both monstera plants and dogs in your home. Simply take normal precautions to prevent ingestions, provide prompt medical assistance if needed, and establish clear boundaries through training. With these guidelines, your furry friend and leafy beauties can peacefully thrive under the same roof. Let me know if you have any other plant or pet questions!

Comparison of Monsntera Plants and Dogs

FAQ

1. Is it okay for my dog to be around a monstera plant?

   Generally speaking, it’s not a good idea to let your dog go too crazy around a monstera plant. While the plants themselves aren’t toxic, there’s always a risk that curious pups could chew on the leaves or stems. It’s best to keep your monstera up high where dogs can’t reach it, or use a barrier to block off the plant area.

2. Will my dog eat the monstera leaves?

   Many dogs seem to enjoy nibbling on all sorts of plants in the home. Unfortunately, monstera leaves don’t make for very healthy dog snacks. The leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate a dog’s mouth and cause drooling or droopiness if eaten. So it’s a good idea to keep Fido away from monstera leaves to prevent any possible tummy troubles.

3. Can monstera plants be dangerous to dogs?

   While monstera plants themselves are not considered highly toxic, there is still some risk if a dog ingests large amounts of the leaves or stems. The calcium oxalate crystals could potentially cause some minor mouth irritation or even vomiting/diarrhea in severe cases. So to be safe, it’s better not to let dogs snack on monsteras. But a little accidental contact with the plant is unlikely to harm dogs.

4. Is it okay if my dog drinks the water from a monstera plant?

   For the most part, it’s fine to let dogs drink leftover water collect in the tray under a monstera plant. Any potential chemicals in the leaves that could cause issues if eaten are not usually present in significant amounts in the drained water. However, because drainage water can contain bacteria or fungi, it’s still not recommended to use it as your dog’s main water source. And you’ll want to keep water bowls out of reach of drooping monstera leaves just in case.

   

5. What should I do if my dog eats part of a monstera?

   If you catch your dog chewing on monstera leaves or stems, the first step is to remove the plant material from their mouth. You may then want to watch closely for signs of irritation or GI upset like vomiting. However, in most cases of minor accidental consumption, no treatment is needed. Still, it’s a good idea to call your vet if your pal seems to have eaten a large amount of plant material or shows symptoms. They can help determine if observation or medical intervention is required.

6. Can I put my monstera in a spot my dog likes to hang out?

   This isn’t really recommended. While a single monstera plant probably won’t do too much damage if ingested, putting one in a high-traffic dog area raises the risk of nibbling or picking. Monstera leaves and stems have itchy calcium oxalate crystals that could irritate a dog’s sensitive mouth. Maybe try designating certain plant-free relaxation zones for your pup to enjoy instead of near toxin-containing foliage. Most dogs and plants are happier with some boundaries!

7. Can I trim my monstera and give the clippings to my dog as a chew toy?

   This is definitely not a good idea. Even though monstera plants themselves may have low toxicity when ingested, there’s no reason to risk exposing your dog’s mouth to extra plant material unnecessarily. Dog chews and toys are specially made to be safe, while houseplants like monsteras contain compounds that could cause mild to moderate irritation if chewed and swallowed. So to keep Spot happy and healthy, give them pet-appropriate chew toys and keep plant parts out of their playtime.