ONE OF the major joys of houseplants is that they are an opportunity to bring the outside in, whatever the weather.
Proven to lift moods, purify the air, and improve physical health – it’s also claimed they can increase human productivity.
All in all – a perfect boost to health and happiness.
But not for your dogs, a plant expert has revealed.
In fact, some of the greenery happily growing indoors can make your furry friends very poorly indeed.
Gardening expert Christopher Young, who works at the Glasshouse at RHS Wisley, has revealed three of the worst plant families to effect pets.
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He told the Sun Online: “There are a lot of plants that are completely nontoxic to pets.
"But if you’re considering buying a houseplant, then you need to try and avoid those with a resinous sap.
“These contain all sorts of irritants for pets – and can cause them severe discomfort.”
Mr Young, who is currently spearheading the Houseplant Takeover at RHS Wisley, warned that one of the plants – an innocent Aloe Vera – is anything but. Thought to be medicinal for humans, it's a very different story for dogs and cats.
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It contains unprocessed latex which could cause vomiting and diarrhea if they decide to make a meal of the leaves.
Other best-avoided plants for animal lovers are members of the Crassulaceae family, such as Crassula – known as the Money Tree or Jade plant – and Kalanchoe – best known as a Flaming Katy.
Both are popular indoor succulents, which are becoming more and more fashionable. But Mr Young warned that their sap contains cardiotoxins which cause illness if ingested or if the sap comes in contact with the skin.
Vets claim to have seen pets in distress with vomiting or slow heart rates and depression after their pets have munched on the Jade.
And in very rare cases, dogs have died from eating Kalanchoes, which can also cause sickness, seizures and abnormal heart rates.
Vets also advise that if your pet has eaten either the Jade plant or Flaming Katy, you should bring them in for a once-over as soon as possible.
Mr Young revealed that the final in the trilogy of toxic plants are Euphorbiaceae plants – which include the Christmas favourite Poinsettia and the succulent Euphorbia.
Both of which are commonly sold in high street supermarkets.
Once again, their sap is an irritant and contains numerous phytochemicals.
The Kennel Club said about Poinsetta: “Its milky white sap is an irritant that can cause dogs to dribble, be sick or sometimes have diarrhoea.
"Although these effects are usually only mild, it’s still best to keep these colourful festive plants out of paws reach.”
Bath Cats and Dogs Home said: “Keep an eye on your pet – if they are off their food for several days, vomiting, have diarrhoea, are drooling or pawing at their mouth, then get them to a vet and let them know which plant may have contributed.
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The Wisley Houseplant Expert added: “There’s a whole host of houseplants out there that are safe for animals – spider plants, indoor ferns and birds of paradise are popular and poison free.
“Just beware the ones with sap, as they really can cause problems for pets.”
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