Are Orchids Poisonous To Dogs?

Are orchids poisonous to pets? Orchids are beautiful flowers that bloom during springtime. They come in various colors such as purple, white, pink, red, orange, yellow, etc. These plants also produce fragrant blooms that attract insects and birds.

The popularity of orchid plants has increased over time due to their beauty and fragrance. This plant is often planted in gardens, parks, and other public places.

So, when you are trying to make the decision as to what plants to put in your homes we need to consider the wellbeing of our pets. 

Well, if you are looking to put orchids in your house but are worried about them being poisonous to your dog, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will go through whether or not orchids are poisonous to dogs. 

What Are Orchids? 

Orchids are the largest family of flowering plants in the world. They can be found on almost every continent. Some would say they mean a lot to plant lovers.

In fact, it can be said that the bond between orchids and plant lovers is as strong as the bond between dogs and dog lovers. So if you happen to be a plant and a dog lover, you might be feeling a little unsure. 

There are around 30,000 natural wild-growing species of orchids in the world. Orchids are the flowering plant species that have the most variations when it comes to size, color, patterns, and where they grow.

There are even over a hundred thousand species of man-made or hybrid orchids. There are so many different types of orchids, it seems like it would almost be impossible to tell if they were poisonous to your dog. 

Are Orchids Poisonous To Dogs? 

Dogs are notorious for eating things they shouldn’t touch. Although you may have measures in place to stop them from eating things they shouldn’t, somehow they work out a way to get to them.

So when you are bringing plants into your homes, you need to know that if your dog accidentally eats the plant, it won’t cause your dog any harm. 

So, are orchids poisonous to dogs? The good news is that orchids are not poisonous to dogs. In fact, orchids aren’t poisonous to cats or other household pets. However, this doesn’t mean that there isn’t a threat. 

Whilst the orchid plant itself isn’t poisonous, it is what can be found on orchids that make them dangerous to dogs. Pesticides and fertilizers used by farmers are known to be harmful to animals.

If your dog gets an accidental dose of these chemicals, it could end up being fatal. These chemicals are too harsh for your dog to handle and can cause burns in their throats, stomachs, and even their lungs. 

If you want to keep your pet safe then it would be a good idea to not use insecticides and fertilizers on your orchids. Also, once you bring them home, make sure to wash them before you place them in your house. This is just an extra measure to keep your dog safe. 

How To Stop Dogs From Eating Plants?

One of the biggest problems when owning a dog is watching them devour your lovely plants. Here are some tips and tricks to stop your dog from eating your plants. 

Create A Barrier

It might be harder than you think but if you can create a barrier between your dog and the plants this will stop your dog from eating it. Hopefully, once your dog has got used to the plant being there you can then remove the barrier. 

Use The Leave Command

If your dog knows the leave command, it is a good idea to make use of it. Reward your dog every time they leave the plant alone when you have commanded it. Eventually, your dog should leave the plant alone automatically. 

Put It Away Safely

If you need to leave your dog alone unattended, put the orchid away. This way there won’t be any temptation for your dog to eat your plant. 

Redirect Your Dog

If you see your dog attempting to eat your plant then you should redirect them to a toy or bone. Once your dog has eaten the bone, you can reward them with treats. By rewarding your dog after they have eaten the bone, they will associate bone with rewards. 

Other Plants That Are Safe For Your Dog

There are plenty of plants that are safe to be in the house with your dog. Here are some more plants that are safe, even if your dog eats them. 

Spider Plants

Spider plants are completely safe to house with dogs. They also make a great houseplant since they are able to grow in most environments. 

Succulents

Succulents are easy to care for and don’t require much water so naturally, most of us want them in our homes. Most succulents are completely safe for dogs to be around. However, succulents such as the jade tree can be toxic to dogs if they eat them. 

Cacti

Cacti are another type of plant that is safe for dogs and do not have harmful toxins. Although, as you can imagine, the problem with cacti doesn’t come from the toxins.

Cacti are probably going to make your dog unhappy from time to time if they happen to touch them. Hopefully, your dog is a quick learner and eventually knows to avoid touching the cacti. 

Final Thoughts

So orchids are not poisonous to dogs. So plant lovers and dog lovers can rejoice knowing they can live in harmony together.

Although orchids themselves are not poisonous, make sure to watch out for any insecticides or fertilizers that might be on the orchids. These can cause harm to your dogs. 

Hopefully, we have helped to alleviate any fear you might have had about bringing orchids into your homes. We also hope you like our recommendations for other plants that you can safely keep in your home with a dog. 

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