If you're a dog owner in Frederick, MD, you know how curious and playful pups can be. But that curiosity can sometimes get them into trouble—especially when it comes to the plants in your home or backyard. Many common indoor and outdoor plants can be toxic to dogs, leading to anything from mild discomfort to serious health emergencies.
At DoodyCalls of Frederick, we know your dog is more than a pet—they're family. And just like baby-proofing your home, pet-proofing your space is key to keeping them safe. Let’s talk about which plants you should keep away from your dogs and how to create a safer, dog-friendly environment both inside and outside your home.
Indoor plants that are toxic to dogs
Houseplants bring life and color to our homes, but some of the most popular indoor greenery is actually dangerous for dogs. Here are a few common plants Frederick pet owners should avoid:
Pothos (Devil’s Ivy): This low-maintenance plant is popular for beginners, but if ingested, it can cause severe mouth and stomach irritation, vomiting, and drooling.
Peace Lily: While beautiful, peace lilies contain calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate your dog's mouth and throat, causing drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Aloe Vera: Known for its healing properties for humans, aloe can actually cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in dogs.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): This trendy plant is toxic if chewed or swallowed and can cause gastrointestinal distress in dogs.
Snake Plant: Another favorite in homes across Frederick, the snake plant contains saponins, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs.
If you’re unsure whether a plant in your home is safe, check with your vet or use an online database of pet-safe plants before bringing anything new into your home.
Outdoor plants that pose a risk to dogs
Many backyards in Frederick are filled with beautiful landscaping—but not all of it is safe for our furry friends. Here are some common garden and outdoor plants that are dangerous to dogs:
Sago Palm: Even a small amount of this decorative plant can be fatal to dogs. All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the seeds.
Azaleas and Rhododendrons: These flowering shrubs are common in Frederick yards but can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and even heart problems in dogs.
Tulips and Daffodils: The bulbs of these spring favorites are the most toxic part. Ingestion can lead to stomach issues, heart problems, and respiratory difficulties.
Foxglove: While beautiful, this plant contains cardiac glycosides, which can cause serious heart issues if your dog chews on it.
Oleander: Not common in every yard, but worth mentioning—oleander is extremely toxic and can be deadly if ingested.
How to protect your Frederick dog from harmful plants
It can feel overwhelming to learn that so many common plants are harmful to dogs. But with a few thoughtful steps, you can create a safe, pet-friendly environment in your home and garden.
1. Do a plant audit
Take a walk through your home and yard and identify any potentially harmful plants. Remove or relocate them to areas your dog can't access. Better yet, replace them with dog-safe alternatives like spider plants, Boston ferns, or marigolds.
2. Use barriers or raised planters
If you’re not ready to give up your favorite plants, consider putting up physical barriers or using elevated planters that keep them out of reach from curious noses.
3. Train and redirect
Training your dog not to chew on plants can go a long way. Use commands like "leave it" and provide chew-safe toys as an alternative.
4. Be extra cautious with puppies
Puppies explore the world with their mouths, so they’re especially at risk. Frederick pet owners with new puppies should be even more diligent about what plants are in and around the home.
5. Know what to do in an emergency
Keep your vet’s number handy, and know the location of the nearest emergency animal hospital in Frederick, MD. If your dog eats a toxic plant, time is of the essence. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Safe and dog-friendly landscaping ideas for Frederick homes
Being a dog owner in Frederick doesn’t mean you have to give up having a beautiful garden. Focus on pet-safe plants and thoughtful landscaping:
Choose dog-friendly grasses like fescue that are soft on paws.
Plant herbs like basil and rosemary—safe for dogs and great for cooking.
Install mulch alternatives like pea gravel, which is safer than cocoa mulch (which is toxic to dogs).
Designate a digging zone to give your dog a place to explore without damaging your plants.
As a Frederick dog owner, keeping your home and yard free of harmful plants is one of the simplest but most powerful things you can do to keep your dog safe and healthy. At DoodyCalls of Frederick, we’re all about supporting a cleaner, safer outdoor experience for you and your pup. While we take care of your yard's waste, you can focus on making it a pet-safe oasis.
If you’re ready to spend more time enjoying your yard and less time worrying about it, contact DoodyCalls of Frederick today for professional pet waste removal services. Let us help make your outdoor space cleaner—and safer—for everyone.