When decorating your home, it’s easy to focus on aesthetics and forget that some popular decor choices can actually be dangerous for your dog.
While many items seem harmless to us, they can pose serious health or safety risks to our four-legged friends.
Here are five common home decor items that dog owners should be cautious about.
Table of contents
1. Houseplants
Plants add life and beauty to any room, but many popular varieties are toxic to dogs.
Common culprits include (but are not limited to):
- Sago Palm: Extremely toxic and can cause liver failure.
- Aloe Vera: Soothing to humans, but can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
- Philodendron and Pothos: Can irritate a dog’s mouth and cause swelling or difficulty breathing.
Safer alternatives include spider plants, Areca palms, or prayer plants—all pet-safe and still stylish.
2. Essential oil diffusers
While great for ambiance, essential oils can be harmful or even fatal to dogs when inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin.
Oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, citrus, peppermint, and cinnamon are particularly dangerous. Dogs may experience symptoms like drooling, vomiting, tremors, or even respiratory distress.
3. Decorative bowls of potpourri
Potpourri may smell nice and look appealing in a decorative bowl, but it’s a mix of dried plant materials and synthetic fragrances that can be highly toxic to dogs. If ingested, it can cause mouth irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, or chemical burns.
4. Candles and open flames
Candles create a cozy atmosphere, but dogs, especially curious puppies or large breeds with wagging tails, can accidentally knock them over, causing burns or starting fires.
Additionally, scented candles may contain essential oils that are harmful to pets.
5. Glass or fragile decorative objects
Glass vases, ceramic statues, and fragile figurines look lovely on tables or low shelves, but dogs can easily bump into or knock them over, leading to nasty cuts or more serious health issues if the broken pieces are swallowed.
Final thoughts
While you don’t have to sacrifice style to live safely with dogs, it’s important to make thoughtful choices in your decor. If unsure about any new items, keep them well out of your dog’s reach until you’re certain they’re safe.
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