As a homeowner and pet lover, you want your living space to be both beautiful and safe for your family and your furry friends. That includes being mindful of the plants you choose for your yard and home. Some plants may look lovely but can be harmful or even toxic to pets if chewed or ingested.
At Unique Landscaping, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between great landscaping and your pet’s safety. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help Northeast Ohio homeowners find indoor and outdoor plants that are safe for dogs and cats.
Indoor Plants That Are Safe for Dogs and Cats
Adding plants to your indoor space can bring color, fresh air, and a sense of calm, but it’s important to choose varieties that are safe for pets. Here are some of the best indoor plants that are safe for dogs and cats, with care tips and benefits:
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Bright, cheerful foliage with green-and-white stripes
- Non-toxic to both cats and dogs
- Easy to grow, even for beginners
- Excellent at purifying indoor air
Spider plants thrive in indirect light and tolerate neglect. Their long, arching leaves make them great for hanging baskets, and pets can safely interact with them.
2. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
- Tall, graceful palm with feathery fronds
- Safe for all pets
- Adds tropical charm to any room
- Boosts indoor humidity
Perfect for bright corners, this palm is both decorative and functional. Just water regularly and avoid soggy soil.
3. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
- Compact, slow-growing, and ideal for low-light areas
- Great for bedrooms or offices
- Non-toxic and low maintenance
This easygoing plant works well in containers and prefers infrequent watering. Its soft fronds add a gentle touch to your indoor aesthetic.
4. Calathea (Calathea spp.)
- Stunning patterned leaves
- Loves humidity and filtered light
- Safe for pets and highly decorative
Calatheas are a favorite for bathrooms or rooms with humidifiers. Mist them regularly and keep away from drafts for best results.
5. Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
- Small, attractive houseplants with waxy, colorful foliage
- Non-toxic and compact
- Ideal for tabletops, shelves, or windowsills
Peperomia needs bright, indirect light and light watering. With dozens of varieties, it’s fun and safe to collect.
Outdoor Plants That Are Safe for Dogs and Cats
Your garden should be a sanctuary for everyone, including your pets. These outdoor plants that are safe for dogs and cats offer beauty, safety, and seasonal joy in Northeast Ohio.
1. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
- Cheerful orange, yellow, and red blooms
- French marigolds are considered non-toxic
- Naturally repel garden pests
- Bloom from spring to fall in full sun
Perfect for edging vegetable gardens or flower beds, marigolds are hardy, vibrant, and pet-friendly.
2. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
- Spiky, colorful flowers shaped like dragon snouts
- Non-toxic to pets
- Thrive in spring and fall gardens
Snapdragons grow quickly, add height and visual appeal, and are available in almost every color imaginable.
3. Basil, Sage, and Thyme
- Edible and aromatic herbs
- Non-toxic and multi-purpose
- Easy to grow in pots or raised beds
These herbs do well in sunny areas with regular watering. They also help repel insects and add flavor to your cooking.
4. Sunflowers (Helianthus spp.)
- Bright and tall, perfect for sunny gardens
- Completely safe for pets
- Attract bees, birds, and butterflies
Sunflowers are low-maintenance, fast-growing, and great for family yards where pets roam freely.
5. Camellias (Camellia japonica)
- Elegant shrubs with glossy leaves and pink, red, or white blooms
- Safe for dogs and cats
- Bloom during cool weather
Camellias prefer acidic soil and partial shade. They provide structure and beauty year-round.
Ground Covers and Grasses That Are Pet-Safe
Want to fill in open spaces or create a soft path for paws? Try these safe ground covers and grasses:
- Creeping Thyme – Fragrant, durable, and walkable
- Irish Moss – Soft, cushion-like, and perfect for shaded areas
- Blue Fescue – Compact ornamental grass with blue-green color
- Fountain Grass – Soft, flowing texture and safe for pets to brush against
These low-maintenance choices look beautiful while keeping paws protected.
Why Pet-Friendly Landscaping Matters?
Many common landscaping plants can be toxic to pets, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation, or worse. If you have curious cats or playful pups, it’s especially important to choose non-toxic plants for dogs and cats.
A safe outdoor space allows pets to roam freely, and a pet-safe indoor environment gives you peace of mind. Whether you’re refreshing your garden or styling your sunroom, selecting pet-friendly plants is a key step toward a happy, healthy home.
Your pets are part of your family. They rely on you to create a safe environment for their health and comfort. With so many people working from home or spending more time in their outdoor spaces, pets are interacting with plants more than ever. Dogs love to dig, and cats love to nibble and climb. This makes the need for safe landscaping even more critical.
What Makes a Plant Pet-Friendly?
A plant is considered pet safe when it contains no compounds known to cause harm if touched or eaten by cats or dogs. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and veterinarians often cite certain species as non-toxic plants for cats and dogs, meaning they are generally safe even if your pet decides to take a bite.
That said, even non-toxic plants can cause mild stomach upset in some pets, so it’s always best to observe your pet’s behavior and discourage chewing when possible.
It’s also important to consider not just the plant itself, but what goes into caring for it. Fertilizers, weed killers, and pesticides can also pose risks. Choose organic or pet-friendly gardening products to further reduce hazards.
Designing Pet-Safe Landscapes in Northeast Ohio
At Unique Landscaping, we specialize in creating pet-friendly outdoor environments that are both functional and beautiful. Whether you have a playful puppy or a sunbathing cat, we’ll help you design a space they can safely enjoy.
We can help you:
- Select the right pet-safe plants for your location and layout
- Add soft turf or mulch that won’t irritate paws
- Install raised beds to keep plants safe from digging
- Design shaded areas and hydration zones
- Avoid toxic mulch types like cocoa mulch
Our pet-conscious approach ensures your landscaping is as safe as it is stunning.
Tips for Creating a Pet-Friendly Garden
Even with non-toxic plants for cats and dogs, smart design choices can further protect your pets and enhance your outdoor space.
1. Use Barriers or Raised Beds
Protect delicate plantings or herbs with raised garden beds or decorative fencing. This discourages digging and nibbling.
2. Skip Toxic Mulches
Avoid cocoa mulch, which smells like chocolate but contains theobromine, a compound toxic to dogs. Stick to cedar, pine, or untreated hardwood mulch.
3. Be Cautious with Fertilizers & Pesticides
Opt for organic or pet-safe gardening products. Even with safe plants, chemical exposure can pose a serious risk.
4. Supervise Outdoor Time
If your dog likes to chew or dig, keep an eye on them during yard time. Redirect their attention to chew toys or designated play areas.
5. Consider Container Gardens
Planting in containers lets you better control access and move plants indoors during extreme weather. It also keeps your pets from trampling sensitive seedlings.
Ready to Create a Pet-Safe Paradise?
You don’t have to choose between pet safety and a beautiful landscape. With the right plants and smart design, your yard can be a peaceful retreat for everyone in your home, furry or not.
Unique Landscaping proudly serves homeowners across Northeast Ohio, including:
Aurora, Avon, Avon Lake, Bay Village, Berea, Brunswick, Lakewood, Middleburg Heights, North Royalton, Parma, Parma Heights, Rocky River, Seven Hills, Strongsville, and Westlake.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Let’s build a safe, welcoming space for your pets and a stunning yard you’ll love too.
Contact Unique Landscaping today for your free consultation, and let’s get started!