Because some plants are not suitable for pets

Not all plants and pets are compatible, and I don't mean that pairing cats with hanging ferns isn't the best of ideas (don't ask me how I discovered this) or that there are dogs that will want to train for the national pot-digging contest; but there are plants that can be harmful to your furry best friend. Learning how and which plants you should keep away from your pets is essential to ensure their good health and avoid unnecessary scares.

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Why are there toxic plants?

As plants are so static, we tend to forget that they are also living beings and as such they develop strategies that are aimed at conserving and prolonging their existence. Just as there are animals that develop an appearance that allows them to go unnoticed to avoid their predators or acquire colors and vivid patterns to warn that they are poisonous, plants also undergo changes in adaptation and defense.

One of the great enemies of plants are herbivorous animals, which consume them for food. Some plants have managed to synthesize secondary metabolites that allow them to defend themselves against animals, making them bitter or toxic when consumed. They are resistance mechanisms that have been developing for millions of years, but there are also others that guarantee their reproduction. For example, there are plants that attract certain creatures (butterflies, bees, birds) that can help pollinate plants, so they create symbiotic relationships.

Some of these secondary metabolites may be toxic to animals, but they can be used by humans, such as lemon. Others cause uperficial irritations, while some cause stomach discomfort. The vast majority of these substances have one thing in common: they must be consumed in order to act.

This means that you can have a mute cane or hydrangea, which are poisonous plants, in your home. You can touch her, talk to her, dance with her and tell her about your life (remember that at Be.Green we don't judge you) and you will be fine and free of toxins. The problem occurs when any part of the plant is ingested and precisely for this reason it is essential that if you have small children or pets, you know well which are the plants that produce these secondary metabolites because these small beings usually explore the world with all their senses, and that includes the mouth.

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Plants vs Pets: Avoiding Conflicts

It is imperative that you train your pets so that they do not get used to chewing on plants. Believe it or not, even cats can learn. First of all, you should know that adult cats and dogs start investigating and playing with plants because they are bored and need to be stimulated properly. In the case of puppies, it can be a little more complicated due to their curious and playful nature, but they still respond to proper training.

When you bring a new plant home, bring something for your pet, too: a new toy, something to chew on, anything that takes his attention away from the plant. It's also a good idea to place it in a non-prominent place. Some corner, on a table, on a shelf. If you have dogs it's much easier, because you can place them in a high place and you'll avoid temptation, but if you have cats, the story changes.

Avoid hanging plants. Cats are fascinated by things that move languidly in the breeze, like a branch hanging from a plant. If you're putting in hanging plants, make sure they are tall and not in a place where they can swing and get the cat's attention (for example, avoid a hanging Boston fern with a light pot).

When you see your pet approaching the plant, firmly say NO and offer a toy to distract them. You can have your own mini herb garden for cats (they sell them ready to water and let grow), they will have their fiber needs met and leave your plants alone. In any case, don't be overconfident and only have pet-friendly plants inside the house.

There

are a lot of popular houseplants that are toxic to animals, so we won't be able to mention them all. Anyway, you can start with this short list:

• Aloe vera. It has a yellowish latex that causes irritation and vomiting.
• Anthuriums: The whole plant is toxic. It causes vomiting, paralysis of the tongue, and swelling of the face.
• Croton: The latex of the plant irritates the mucous membranes and skin, causes vomiting and conjunctivitis, among others.
• Adam's rib: The whole plant is toxic. It causes itching of the face, swelling, vomiting, and paralysis of the tongue.
• Hydrangea: the leaves and suckers are poisonous. It causes stomach problems and cyanosis, in high doses it can produce seizures and coma.
• Kalanchoe: This succulent is very toxic. It affects the heart, causes vomiting, tremors and diarrhea, then can lead to death from heart failure.
• Mute cane: the whole plant is toxic, especially the white latex. It causes dermatitis, irritation, excessive salivation, severe pain and shortness of breath.
• Peace Lily: The whole plant is toxic. It has irritating effects similar to those of the mud cane.

Remember that you can use Be.Green's very intelligent search engine to find pet-friendly plants, as there is a dedicated search option. You can also find the file by species, where we tell you if it is suitable or not.

A few minutes of research can make all the difference for the well-being of your furry friends.