Spider plants are the most popular house plants. They have ubiquitous nature that makes them the target of dogs, who eat the leaves of spider plants.
Are Spider Plants Poisonous to Dogs? Spider plants are not toxic to dogs, according to ASPCA. However, if your dog munch on spider plants, it ends up causing various side effects, including vomiting. Though spider plants are safe and non-toxic to your pets, they are likely to cause dogs some problems if consumed.
Why Does My Dog Eat My Spider Plant?
- Gas
Most carnivores, including dogs and cats, only ingest plant matter, including your spider plant and grass, if they are experiencing gastrointestinal upset. When the dog is feeling gassy, they will try to lessen the discomfort they are having. To alleviate the gassy feeling dogs, eat spider plants; your dog’s digestive tract cannot digest plants.
As a result, your dog will become nauseous and vomit or even have diarrhea. Although this will assist your dog in getting rid of badness in the system, it can lead to a big mess.
- Boredom
Sometimes your dog will enjoy consuming the spider plant when it’s bored. Dogs without stimulating interactions will become bored and look for activities to engage in. thus, your dog might eat spider plants to keep stay occupied.
- Taste And Smell
Your canine companion might be attracted by smell or like the taste. Interestingly, spider plants tend to release a subtle scent which human beings can’t detect, whereas dogs certainly can due to their hypersensitive sense of smell.
- Nutritional Deficiency
Also, your dog might be suffering from nutritional deficiency. Ensure you select a dog food that is nutritionally complete. Feed your dog with a full diet instead of complementary or filler food.
- Nausea
Generally, dogs eat spider plants to stop nausea through inducing vomiting, which leaves them feeling better. However, you need to take your dog for a check-up to a vet if you notice excessive vomiting. There might be an underlying issue that should be diagnosed and treated.
Should Dogs Eat Spider Plants?
Yes, dogs can consume spider plants. However, they should not be allowed to develop a habit of ingesting the plant. When dogs start consuming spider plants, it might eventually become habitual; this can be pretty difficult to stop in the future.
Since spider plants aren’t poisonous to dogs, it doesn’t mean you should allow them to eat. It would be best to keep discouraging them from eating the plant because the more your dog eats spider plants, the higher the likelihood of getting stomach upset.
If your dog becomes sick after ingesting spider plants, it shouldn’t worry you since they are not experiencing a poisonous or toxic reaction. It’s like the way you watch your dog vomit grass, the plant isn’t poisonous, but the dog’s digestive system rejects it, hence throwing it back up.
The vomiting is due to chemicals found in spider plants that are related to opium. The substances are non-toxic and minute, but they can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
What Do You Do If Your Dog Eats Some Spider Plant?
There is no need for concern when you see your dog eating a few spiders plant leaves. But if your dog has consumed the whole plant, you should undoubtedly book a consultation with a veterinarian. In a short time, your dog will start feeling the side effects of ingesting the leaves and will likely have stomach upsets and start vomiting.
If your dog is eating spider plants out of boredom, then it’s not happy. You have to eliminate the boredom by playing and exercising with the dog.
My Dog Ate My Spider Plant Will It Grow Back?
Yes, while your spider plant is non-toxic to dogs, the latter can be very toxic to spider plants. Chewing the leaves of spider plants leads to open wounds which attract various plant pests.
In addition, it will result in a high risk of bacterial or fungal infection. Although your spider plant will grow back healthy and strong, you should consider keeping it separate from your dog.
How Do You Keep Your Dog Away from Spider Plants?
As much as you care about your potentially unwell puppy, you have to protect your house plant as well. After all, the purpose of buying the plant was to improve air quality, not a convenience plant-based snack for the aspirational vegan dog.
Applying a firm and consistent training routine can rectify the behavior. If it’s not working, you have to come up with a way of keeping your spider plant away from the dog.
Here are several ways of protecting your spider plants from your dog next time;
1. Spray The Spider Plants Leaves with A nasty-tasting Spray
Most owners spray the house plants with tastes which are unfriendly to dogs. Spraying your spider plant with a spray like Stop the Chew or solutions of vinegar and citrus will make your dog think twice before taking another bite.
2. Place the Spider Plant High Using Hanging Pots
Keeping the plant out of reach is the best way of ensuring your dog doesn’t come in contact with it. You can also keep the plant away by placing it in a room where the dog isn’t allowed.
3. Ensure Your Dog Is Mentally Active
Most dogs chew the spider plants out of boredom. It could result from being left alone for a long time, experiencing anxiety after separation, or wanting some stimulation. Consider playing with your dog to avoid boredom or take a walk together at least twice a day.
Investing in dog toys to test them mentally will go a long way in keeping them mentally active since some dogs have high intelligence and energy. Toys and food puzzles will challenge their brain and make them think. Also, let them have enough time to exercise and interact with other dogs and you as well.
4. Prunes The Leaves of Spider Plants
Your dog could be munching on spider plants due to the way leaves appear and feel. Trimming the spider plants will make them unappealing to your dog.
5. Put Your Spider Plant in a Bird Cage
During warm weather, you can consider placing the spider plant outside away from your furry best friend. However, if its winter time and you don’t want to risk losing it to the elements, you can put it in a birdcage or use a different protective cover. It will keep your dog away while allowing sunlight and air to the spider plant.
