Adding houseplants to a windowsill, fireplace, or coffee table is an easy way to brighten up your home decor - but dog owners should be cautious. Some common indoor plants can be extremely dangerous and even toxic to pets.
Holly, an assistant canine trainer at Will Atherton's Canine Centre in Derbyshire, issued a warning about these plants on TikTok just last month. She urged dog owners to 'keep them out of reach of prying noses' to ensure pets remain safe.
"Did you know these three plants are toxic to dogs?" she asked on the social media platform. "Keep them out of reach of prying noses if you have them in your home. Another reason to control your dog's environment if you can't be supervising them."
You may be surprised to hear that lilies came first on Holly's list. Many variants of these elegant flowers contain toxic components, such as insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and cardiac glycosides, which can cause various dangerous symptoms in dogs.
According to PetMD, this often includes vomiting, seizures, diarrhoea and potentially even death in severe cases of eating a lily of the valley. Meanwhile, the consumption of a peace lily plant may similarly lead to drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing in dogs.
Although some species, like the Peruvian lily, tiger lily and Easter lily, are generally considered nontoxic to canines, they still may cause unpleasant reactions.
In light of this, Holly said: "Even a small nibble can cause vomiting and kidney damage. Our second one is aloe vera, safe for the skin, but toxic if eaten. It can cause diarrhoea and lethargy in dogs."
Holly's thoughts on aloe vera are also echoed by numerous other experts, including specialists at PetMD. Aloe vera's white sap is deemed the biggest threat to dogs, which is found inside the plant's leaves.
However, PetMD adds: "The gel inside aloe leaves is generally safe, but many aloe-based products may contain other harmful ingredients, so always check labels if your dog accidentally ingests any type of aloe vera product. If you suspect your dog ingested any part of an aloe plant, contact your vet or Pet Poison Helpline to determine next steps."
Last, but certainly not least, Holly urged owners to keep sago plants out of reach of dogs. She added: "Sago palm is our last one on the list and one of the deadliest. Ingesting seeds can lead to liver failure.
"So, remember - lilies, aloe vera and the sago palm are not safe for dogs. Keep them out of reach." If you're concerned your dog has eaten something toxic, it's crucial to seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.
The quicker you act, the sooner your dog might get treatment, resulting in a better outcome. However, in no circumstances should you attempt to medicate your dog, especially with drugs designed for human use.
Advice from the RSPCA also adds: "Never attempt to make dogs vomit. Don't use salt water as it's extremely dangerous. If the skin or fur is contaminated, wash with a mild shampoo and water, then rinse well and dry.
"Keep dogs away from other animals to avoid cross-contamination." It's also important to recognise that many other plants and household items are toxic to dogs as well.
It's best to consult your vet for the most suitable advice on items that should be kept away from pets.