Indoor plants that are safe for your pets

INDOOR PLANTS

that are SAFE for your PETS

Author: Pagan Pretorius

Indoor plants not only make your interiors look beautiful, but many also act as natural air purifiers. But if you're a pet parent, you know that some of these can harm your animal friends, who are always curious about everything.

That's why you should choose plants that are non-toxic and pet friendly. Here are some beautiful plants that are pet safe.

Rosemary (Salvia Rosmarinus), a small evergreen plant of the mint family (Lamiaceae), the leaves of which are used to flavour foods. Native to the Mediterranean region, rosemary has naturalised throughout much of Europe and is widely grown in gardens in warm climates. The leaves have a spicy, slightly bitter taste and, dried or fresh, are generally used to season foods. Rosemary is also safe for your pet; it benefits their health and can be used as a natural flea repellant. It also contains antioxidants that may prevent cancer and heart disease. It is suitable for your pet's digestive issues, given its antimicrobial properties. Rosemary can also improve memory and mood.
Catnip, Nepeta cataria, is a common herb member of the mint family. It is easy to grow in North America and has feather-like, light-green foliage with lavender flowers.
Catnip leaves have been used to make tea, and the flowers are said to relieve coughs. Catnip can also reduce stomach pain and bloating. It's also a great way to get your cat into a bath if they have irritated or inflamed skin. It is said that Catnip helps to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and sleep. It repels mosquitoes, flies, and other biting bugs – some gardeners say that if you rub a handful of plants on your skin, the oils will repel pests for several hours.
Dill herb is safe for your pet in a moderate amount. It has a warm, slightly sharp flavour somewhat reminiscent of caraway. The entire plant is aromatic; the leaves, small stems, and immature flower umbels are used fresh or dried for flavouring soups, salads, sauces, fish, sandwich fillings, and pickles. It can provide nutrients and antioxidants and help freshen your animal's breath.
Basil leaves are solid and oblong with a point at the end. Typical sweet basil leaves have a glossy green appearance and grow between 2 and 4 inches long. The leaves often have a slight curve downward with a slightly bumpy or grooved appearance along the veins in the leaves.
Basil is healthy for your pets to eat in small quantities. It's anti-inflammatory and contains a high level of antioxidants that help prevent many types of illness, including cancer. Basil helps prevent cellular damage, calms your pet's anxiety, and eases arthritis pain.
African Violet. These dark green leaves have long petioles (leaf stems) arranged in a basal cluster at the base of the plant. The violet-like flowers are bilaterally symmetric with five petals that can be violet, white, or pink. The tiny seeds are produced in a capsule. Its essential oil has been shown as an aid to help calm dogs. Violet leaf essential oil can be beneficial when you need to soothe or calm your pet before a vet visit or a night of fireworks.

Taking the time to ensure your garden is safe for your furry friends will go a long way to keeping them safe, healthy, and ready to embark on many more adventures.