The Safest, Healthiest Houseplants for Your Pets
A common priority shared among cat lovers and dog lovers is ensuring the health and wellbeing of furry companions. Whether it be buying the best cat litter for your messy feline or a small dog door for your adventurous pooch, there are many important aspects to pet ownership that one must consider. Which is why it may come as a surprise to pet owners to learn that obtaining the right houseplants could be just as important as the type of feeding bowl you buy.
Why Should You Have Plants in Your Home?
Plants have always been a staple in home decor, adding a touch of nature and bright color to a room that would otherwise be dull and gray. However, there are additional subtle benefits to having a plant in your home1:
- Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the air. By increasing oxygen levels, breathing becomes easier.
- Plants pull contaminants and toxins—up to 87 percent of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—from the air, such as formaldehyde (found in rugs, vinyl, and grocery bags), trichloroethylene (present in manmade fibers, inks, solvents, and paints), and benzene (existing in large concentrations of bound paper).
- Plants release moisture vapor, increasing the overall humidity in the surrounding air. As a result, episodes of dry skin, colds, sore throats, and dry coughs are lowered.
However, it is important to note that some air purifying plants that are beneficial to humans, may be detrimental to pets.
Safe Plant Choices
So now you may be wondering—which plants are safe for my pet? Not to worry, compiled below is a list of nontoxic plants which can make a great addition to your home—especially those located in urban/city populations.2
- Areca Palm
- Money Plant
- Spider Plant
- Bamboo Palm
- Variegated Wax Plant
- Boston Fern
- Dwarf Date Palm
For splashes of color, you can alternatively get a Barberton Daisy or an African Violet.
The Great Outdoors
While having plants can give your home an added touch of nature, nothing beats authenticity. Some pets are strictly indoor companions, but many pets enjoy the benefits of both indoor and outdoor exposure. Unfortunately, most pet owners do not have the luxury of being ever-present with their furry pals, in which case the simplest and most efficient solution are safe pet doors.
Not only will your pet have easy access to the backyard or porch area, but they will be able to relish in true nature.
The search for quality and affordable pet doors can be daunting—but it doesn’t have to be. You can explore a range of options and price points with Australia Pet Doors, and find the best option for you and your pet.
Additional note: Always keep plants away from reach of pets, even nontoxic plants should be refrained from being ingested.
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