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Pet Safety and the Barletta Floral Plant: A Guide for Pet Owners

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Even though it’s easier than ever to buy plants online, keeping them alive is still a challenge. So we’re digging up everything you need to care for every type of houseplant. Welcome to Plant Week.

Even though it’s easier than ever to buy plants online, keeping them alive is still a challenge. So we’re digging up everything you need to care for every type of houseplant. Welcome to Plant Week.

Pet owners, note: Many of the most popular indoor plants are toxic if ingested by cats or dogs. Philodendron, ficus, ZZ plants, and aloe can be problematic for your pet (a complete list of plant toxicity in cats and dogs can be found here). While you should keep your flourishing fiddle-leaf fig (part of the ficus family) out of your cat or dog’s reach, there are plenty of pet-safe options. “I generally tell people to prevent their pets access to houseplants, even just the fertilizer that the plant sits in can be a problem,” said Stephanie Liff of Pure Paws Veterinary. We spoke to plant experts and veterinarians to find out which plants are in fact safe for both cats and dogs, even if you’re dealing with a kitten who likes to chew.

ISA-certified arborist and environmental educator Ben Team of K9ofmine.com stressed the importance of shopping by scientific name when looking for pet safe plants. “Make sure that you identify plants properly before putting them in your home. Many plants go by several different common names, which can lead to serious problems.” For example the mint that we humans like to eat can be toxic to dogs and cats. But one common name for catnip (a safe and enjoyable plant for cats) is catmint, which is very different from peppermint or spearmint.

While some plants are safe for dogs and not cats (or vice versa), for simplicity’s sake, we’ve only included plants that are safe for both. And while it may seem obvious, Liff also stressed keeping your pets away from cacti or other spiny plants. “I recently saw a pug that ingested a cactus and had needles in his tongue and muzzle, so a plant may not necessarily be toxic but can be problematic.”

Just because something is safe for us humans to eat doesn’t mean it’s safe for animals (think about chocolate and dogs). So when it comes to the herbs your pet has access to, you want to choose wisely. “Most herbs are toxic to dogs and cats, except for basil,” said George Pisegna, deputy director chief of horticulture at the Horticultural Society of New York. “If your cat chews on basil it’s probably because they really like it. Not because it’s just something to chew on. It’s one of the few herbs that are safe for pets.”

At the top of every one of our experts’ lists of safe plants for pets was the spider plant. Joshua Woolsey, chief medical officer at the Humane Rescue Alliance, said, “A common houseplant that’s considered nontoxic to pets is the spider plant; however, it is important to remember that the ingestion of plant material and/or soil from nontoxic plants can cause gastrointestinal upset for animals and people.” So while chewing on the leaves a bit won’t hurt your pet, eating the entire plant (or any entire nontoxic plant) might give them some digestive issues.

Though many ferns are not safe for pets, the Boston fern is one of the exceptions. “There are many safe indoor plants that you can get,” said Sara Redding Ochoa, veterinary adviser for doglab.com. “Some ferns — such as Boston fern, bird’s-nest fern, and staghorn fern — are safe for pets.” And because it makes such a nice hanging plant, it’s easy to keep out of your pet’s reach.

Rachel Barrack, founder of concierge NYC-based practice, Animal Acupuncture, highlighted Swedish ivy as one of the best safe plants to have in your home. As did Pisegna, who also mentioned that “it’s a really vigorous grower and super easy to propagate.”

Another favorite of Pisegna is the entire echeveria family of succulents. “Echeverias, which we call hens and chickens, are all safe for pets,” he points out. “They come in a huge variety of colors shapes and sizes.”

Hoyas are defined as semi-succulents, making them easy to care for and slow to wilt. They come in a ton of shapes and sizes all of which are safe to have around pets. “All the Hoyas are pet and human safe,” said Jesse Waldman of Pistils Nursery in Portland, Oregon.

You have to be really careful about certain flowering plants in your home like lilies, daffodils, tulips, and paperwhites (again check the ASPCA’s list of toxic plants before buying anything new). But one flower you can definitely keep around, according to our experts, is the African violet. “African violets are easy to grow and they’re a really safe plant — some cultures even eat the blooms,” said Pisegna.

The prayer plant was mentioned by both Team and Pisegna as a plant that’s safe for cats and dogs. It’s also very tolerant of low light — because of its origins on the floor of the Amazon rain forest — making it great for NYC apartments.

“The parlor palm, which is from Central America, and the butterfly palm, which is from Madagascar, are two safe palms,” said Pisegna, who told us that in general palms can be very iffy. And a few of our other experts recommended putting your palm in a big, tall, heavy pot to keep your pets from digging in it.

Lastly, if your cat just won’t stop chewing your plants, Waldman recommends putting them up high or in a room that’s off-limits. You could also get them a plant distraction. Pisegna said, “If a cat’s looking out the window and there’s a plant there, the cat will chew that plant. By getting some wheatgrass, catnip, or catmint, you encourage the cat to go there so they won’t go for other plants.”

If you’re a pet owner, you know that keeping your furry friends safe is a top priority. One potential indoor plant hazard that pet owners should be aware of is the barletta floral plant. While lovely to look at, this plant contains toxins that can be dangerous if pets ingest any part of it. In this guide, we’ll cover everything pet owners need to know about barletta floral plant safety.

What is Barletta Floral Plant?

Barletta floral plant goes by a few common names including alocasia, elephant ear plant, and regal shields It has large, glossy, arrowhead-shaped leaves that point upward from the base of the plant The leaves can grow over 3 feet long on mature plants. Small white flowers may bloom seasonally.

This tropical plant is native to Asian rainforests but has become popular as a houseplant. It thrives in warm humid conditions with bright indirect light. The barletta floral plant grows best when potted in a peat moss or bark-based potting mix. During the growing season it benefits from regular watering and monthly fertilizing.

Why is Barletta Floral Plant Toxic to Pets?

All parts of the barletta floral plant contain calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals are needle-shaped and cause swelling, pain, and irritation when chewed or swallowed. Just a small amount can lead to throat swelling, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.

For dogs and cats, chewing on the leaves or stem can quickly lead to mouth pain. But the biggest risk is pets ingesting parts of the plant, which can cause more systemic reactions. Severe oxalate poisoning can cause kidney failure.

Cats tend to be more likely to chew on houseplants than dogs. But dogs may eat fallen leaves or flowers from the barletta floral plant. Puppies also have a tendency to put anything in their mouth, so extra precautions should be taken if you have a young pet.

Keeping Pets Safe from Barletta Floral Plant

If you want to keep barletta floral plant in your home, there are ways to do it more safely with pets:

  • Place it totally out of reach of pets, either in hanging baskets or on high shelves they cannot access.

  • Wipe up any fallen leaves, stems, or flowers immediately.

  • Use pet deterrents like citrus smells or double-sided tape around the plant.

  • Keep pets confined to non-plant areas of the home when unsupervised.

  • Teach pets the “leave it” command so they don’t focus on the plant.

  • Remove the plant to a screened porch or greenhouse pets cannot get into.

  • Opt for plants listed as pet safe instead of barletta floral plant.

Taking preventative steps is key to avoiding barletta floral plant poisoning incidents. Be extra vigilant if you have curious, mouthy, or destructive pets prone to chewing.

Signs of Barletta Floral Plant Poisoning in Pets

If you think your pet may have ingested part of a barletta floral plant, watch for these common signs of poisoning:

  • Drooling, lip smacking, or pawing at the mouth

  • Vomiting

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing

  • Swollen tongue or mouth

  • Loss of appetite

  • Lethargy and depression

  • Increased thirst and urination

  • Blood in the urine

  • Kidney failure (rarely)

If you see any symptoms of plant poisoning, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center hotline immediately. Speedy treatment is vital for the best outcome.

What to Do if a Pet Ingests Barletta Floral Plant

Time is of the essence if a pet eats any part of a toxic barletta floral plant. Follow these steps:

  • Call your vet or poison control hotline – They’ll advise you on what to do next.

  • Identify what part of the plant was eaten – The plant material may help identify toxins present.

  • Estimate the amount eaten – Small ingestions can be managed at home while large ingestions need ER veterinary care.

  • Collect any vomit – To examine or test for toxins.

  • Get prompt veterinary care – Your vet can induce vomiting, provide IV fluids, prescribe medication, and provide supportive care.

With quick action, most cases of barletta floral plant poisoning can be treated successfully. However, kidney damage may occur after several days in severe poisonings. Let your vet know immediately if you see signs of kidney problems like blood in the urine. They can provide intravenous fluids and kidney function testing.

Pet-Safe Houseplant Alternatives

To avoid the risks of barletta floral plant toxicity, consider these safe houseplant alternatives:

  • Philodendrons – All varieties are pet-friendly.

  • Ponytail Palm – Interesting trunk and leaves.

  • Pothos – Easy to care for vining plant.

  • African Violets – Colorful blooms.

  • Boston Fern – Cascading fronds.

  • Spider Plant – Produces baby plantlets.

  • Christmas Cactus – Flowers seasonally.

  • Air Plants – Unusual texture.

There are fortunately many beautiful houseplants that pose no toxicity risk to pets. Opt for these instead of barletta floral plant in homes with curious pets.

The barletta floral plant can pose a poisoning risk to household pets. Taking preventative safety measures and knowing the signs of plant poisoning are important for pet owners. Quick veterinary treatment can manage most cases successfully. However, avoiding this plant altogether and choosing pet-friendly alternatives is the safest option when you share your home with four-legged friends.

pet safety and barletta floral plant a guide for pet owners

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28 Low Light Indoor Plants Safe for Cats and Dogs | Pet Safe Plants #petsafe

FAQ

How to care for a Barletta plant?

It grows best near a sunny window. FIDDLE LEAF FIG IS LIKE A LIVING SCULPTURE: Set a Fiddle Leaf Fig into a room and it will become an instant focal point. The tall, leafy shape of this plant is like a living piece of art. Fiddle Leaf Fig requires bright indirect light and likes regular watering.

Are flower plants safe for pets?

Rose petals, violets, sunflower petals, pansies, snapdragons, and some marigolds can all be eaten raw, by dogs and people. A word of caution: it’s essential to make sure your flowers aren’t treated with insecticides, fungicides, or weed-killers, as those are poisons that can cause you and your dog serious harm.

What ornamental plants are safe for dogs?

Snapdragons, dahlias, and marigolds are just a few beautiful pet-safe flowers that make great additions to your home and garden. Two of the very best things that life has to offer are the companionship of our pets and the wide variety of flowers and plants we can turn to when color and aroma therapy are needed.

Are polka dot plants bad for pets?

Bamboo ( Bambusoideae) isn’t a bad bet for pet owners and garden enthusiasts. It’s nearly indestructible from pets and pests and makes for an interesting and natural barrier. 50. Polka Dot Plant Native to Madagascar, Polka Dot Plants ( Hypoestes phyllostachya) are pink and a great solution to add some volume to a thinned out area of your garden.

Are Royal Velvet plants safe for pets?

It’s true. Royal Velvet Plants ( Gynura aurantiaca) are, in fact, velvety smooth. Also called Velvet Plant, Purple Velvet Plant, and Purple Passion Vine, this pet-safe plant produces furry leaves in violet colors.

Are Houseplants toxic to pets?

Despite some being toxic to pets, houseplants actually remove toxins from the air, helping boost our home’s air quality and by some counts even removing dust by as much as 20%. Work-wise, their benefits are also aplenty. Plants have proven to increase productivity, spark creativity, and improve memory and attention spans.

Are plants poisonous to cats & dogs?

When two things make you happy, the last thing you want is for them not to live in harmony. As pet owners, we know all too well that this struggle is real when it comes to plants. So many are poisonous to cats and dogs, and sometimes finding a pet safe plant can feel as painstaking as getting an anxious pup in the car.

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