The combination of pets and plants in a household has always been thought to be dangerous. If you live in Liberty Village, however, you probably have a dog, household plants or both. If you don’t have plants, you’ve probably put off the addition in order to keep your furry friend safe. Perhaps plant ownership has always been in the back of your mind – but how do you keep your best pal safe, while having the plant collection you’ve always dreamed of?

Well, what if we told you both your best fluffy pal and your household plants could live in harmony? Would you believe us if we said that some plants and herbs could actually benefit your pet’s health? In this blogpost, we will help guide you through the household plant journey while keeping your furry friend safe.

Background & book guidance

Did you know that herb gardens were present in nearly every monastery during the Middle Ages?

At that time, herb garden was defined as “medicine or healing as an art or profession.” Today, it refers to something that lifts the spirit or energizes.

Growing a herb garden is a good option for dog owners. These plants give off a healthy aroma and it’s safe for your dog to be around them.

According to Natural Dog by Deva Khalsa, here is a list of herbs that may be beneficial to both you and your dogs:

Chamomile

With chamomile in your herb garden, you can use its leaves and flowers for making steeped tea and home-cooked meals. It is also helpful for allergic and itchy dogs. You may add it to their diet or apply on the skin to help heal rashes and soothe irritation.

Calendula

Thanks to its anti-bacterial components, calendula is useful for treating wounds. That’s why it is a common ingredient in ointments, creams, and other European products that are formulated to heal cuts, sores, and mild burns.

Parsley

Often incorporated into recipes, parsley helps maintain a strong level of pH in your dog’s inner core. This is an excellent way to prevent diseases. Plus, it leaves your dog with fresh breath—and who wouldn’t want that?

Suggestions from a plant store

Judee Zhang of Toronto plant shop, The Convenience, recommends the following:

Cat Palm or Ponytail

They feature big beautiful foliage, which really brings out the feeling of “Southern Vocation!” These plants are also especially easy to care for with limited direct sunlight required, which means that the inside of your balcony would be an ideal location.

Hanging plants

A few nicely sized hanging plants are another great option, such as wandering jews (tradescantia). While these are not pet-safe plants, their high storage places them out of our furry friends’ reach.

These trailing plants offer bright colors, stunning foliage, and seamless maintenance through direct sunlight.

Tradescantia “fluminensis tricolor”, “pink lady”, and zebrina “purple tinge” are some good ideas to start with.

Succulent-like plants

Additionally, Judee recommends certain smaller pet-safe plants such as peperomia “hope”, peperomia clusiifolia, peperomia obtusifolia, and obtusifolia variegata. They work perfectly on a shelf or balcony countertop.

Talk to a plant consultant

Investing in a plant consultant’s advice is a worthwhile idea to consider. In addition to providing expert tips, they can assess your balcony area to determine sunlight level and how hot it gets during peak periods.

Julia, also known as @torontoplant.girl on Instagram, is a plant consultant and stylist who shares personalized guidance for you and your plant journey. While the overload of online information can be overwhelming for a beginner, Julia simplifies things and makes navigating greenery a breeze!

With the right knowledge, living with plants and dogs is completely possible.

Have you decided on a plant? If you’re not in a rush, feel free to do more research. Ready to start now? Go for the last two options outlined in this article!

Share your plant journey with us in the comments. We’d love to hear your experience!

Kylie Solway

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