Are Areca Palms Poisonous to Dogs? Are Areca Palms Toxic to Dogs?
Are Areca Palms poisonous to dogs? Are Areca Palms toxic to dogs? In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about if Areca Palm is safe for dogs including what to do if your dog ate Areca Palm already. We’re then going to teach you the two commands that will make sure your dog behaves around Areca Palm and other potentially poisonous plants.
Next, we’ll cover more you should know about Areca Palm and dogs, such as how to keep dogs away from Areca Palm using barriers and other methods. Finally, we’ll finish up by instructing you on the proper care of Areca Palm (outdoors, indoors, handling brown tips, diseases, soil, growing for privacy or in pots), and more to know when you have dogs. Keep reading!
Are Areca Palms Poisonous to Dogs?
Areca Palms are not poisonous to dogs. These palms, scientifically known as Dypsis lutescens and commonly referred to as butterfly palms or golden cane palms, are pet-friendly. While they don’t contain any toxins harmful to dogs, if eaten, the roughage might lead to mild stomach upset.
Are Areca Palms Toxic to Dogs?
Areca Palms are not toxic to dogs. They’re often recommended as one of the safe houseplants for households with pets. That said, while the plant itself isn’t toxic, if your dog were to chew on it, there’s a possibility they might experience mild stomach upset due to the roughage.
Teach the “Leave It” Command
Even though Areca Palms are not harmful to dogs, some plants will be, making training them on the “Leave It” command invaluable:
- Start with a Treat: Hold a treat in your closed fist and present it to your dog without letting them eat it. Say, “Leave it.”
- Wait for the Reaction: Your dog will try to get the treat by licking, sniffing, or pawing. Ignore these behaviors.
- Reward for Ignoring: Once your dog stops trying and pulls away, reward them with a different treat or verbal praise.
- Practice Regularly: Gradually make the exercise more challenging by using more enticing treats or practicing near plants.
This command ensures that your dog avoids potentially harmful items, including certain plants or food.
Teach the “Drop It” Command
The “Drop It” command is vital if your dog picks up something they shouldn’t:
- Play a Tug Game: Using a toy, engage your dog in a game of tug.
- Introduce the Command: While playing, say “Drop it” and stop tugging.
- Wait for the Drop: Once your dog releases the toy, reward them with a treat.
- Practice: Regularly practice this command, and over time, your dog will learn to drop whatever they have in their mouth when asked.
These commands will get your dog to stay away from Areca Palm and other plants, but it’s important to remember that the underlying behavioral issues (curiosity, anxiety, boredom, etc.) that were causing all of this to begin with will still be present. And until you address those, any positive changes you see are only going to be temporary.
“Well, how do I make these changes last?”
By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.
The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like your dog chewing Areca Palms and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.
In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about your dog eating Areca Palms ever again!
Is Areca Palm Safe for Dogs?
Areca Palm is safe for dogs. It is a non-toxic plant and won’t cause any harm if ingested by pets. However, as with any plant, consuming large amounts may result in mild digestive upset.
My Dog Ate Areca Palm, What Do I Do?
If your dog ate Areca Palm, there’s no need for immediate panic. Areca Palm is not poisonous to dogs. Nevertheless, monitor your pet for any signs of digestive distress such as vomiting or diarrhea. These mild symptoms can arise due to the roughage of the plant rather than any toxic compounds.
If your dog displays severe symptoms or you suspect they’ve ingested a different potentially toxic plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Dog Eating Areca Palms: How to Prevent
While Areca Palms are not toxic to dogs, it’s still best to prevent them from developing a habit of chewing on plants. Here are some steps to deter this behavior:
- Use Barriers: Place the plant in an inaccessible area or use pet barriers.
- Provide Chewing Alternatives: Offer your dog chew toys or treats to divert their attention from plants.
- Train Commands: Commands like “Leave It” can be effectively used to prevent dogs from approaching plants. Learn it now in the first section.
- Regularly Prune the Plant: Trim any low-hanging leaves or stems that might be easily accessible to your dog.
What Attracts Dogs to Areca Palms?
Dogs may be attracted to Areca Palms due to their curiosity and natural instinct to explore using their mouths. The plant’s texture and the motion of its fronds in drafts or breeze can also catch a dog’s attention. Moreover, if a dog is bored or lacks enough physical and mental stimulation, they might turn to plants and other objects around the house as chew toys.
In summary, Areca Palms are safe for dogs and pose no toxicity risks. However, it’s always recommended to prevent your dog from chewing on plants, both for the plant’s sake and to avoid any potential digestive issues in your pet.
Training and providing alternative chew toys can go a long way in ensuring your dog stays safe and your plants remain intact. Learn the “leave it” and “drop it” commands now by going back to the first section.
It’s a very good idea to get this taken care of now, as doing so will also keep your dog safe around other plants in the future. You then won’t even have to think about things like is Wandering Jew toxic to dogs, are Snake Plants toxic to dogs, are Spider Plants toxic to dogs, or is Swedish Ivy poisonous to dogs.
Areca Palm and Dogs
The Areca Palm is not toxic to dogs. However, even non-toxic plants can lead to digestive issues if consumed in large amounts. Therefore, while there is no inherent danger from the plant itself, it’s beneficial to prevent dogs from chewing on them.
How to Keep Dogs Away From Areca Palms
Ensuring that your beloved canine doesn’t munch on your Areca Palm requires a bit of planning and precaution:
- Physical Barriers: Using baby gates, playpens, or enclosures can effectively keep pets away from certain areas in the house. Additionally, placing the plant on higher shelves or hanging them can put them out of your dog’s reach.
- Decorative Fencing: Small decorative fences around the plant can act as a deterrent, making it harder for the dog to access the plant.
- Plant Placement: Simply relocating the plant to a room where the dog doesn’t frequently go can be an effective solution.
Benefits of Areca Palms for Indoor Environments
Areca Palms are not just ornamental; they offer several advantages:
- Air-Purifying: Known for their air-purifying qualities, they can filter indoor air pollutants, providing a fresher environment.
- Humidity Control: Areca Palms release moisture, helping in maintaining optimal humidity levels, especially beneficial in dry climates or during winters.
Why Dogs Might Be Attracted to Plants
Dogs, being curious creatures, use their mouths to explore their surroundings. The texture of the Areca Palm, along with its gentle movement, can pique a dog’s interest. Additionally, if a dog is bored or lacks adequate toys and stimulation, they may turn to plants as a source of entertainment.
While Areca Palms are not poisonous to dogs, it’s always wise to ensure that they don’t develop a habit of chewing on houseplants. By providing ample stimulation, toys, training (learn more in the first section), and setting up barriers, you can keep both your dog and your plants in great condition.
Care of Areca Palm
Properly caring for an Areca Palm ensures that it thrives and retains its vibrant, lush greenery. Although they’re relatively easy to maintain, they require certain specific conditions to flourish, especially when pets are around.
Areca Palm Care
Areca Palms are typically fuss-free. Regular watering, ensuring proper light conditions, and periodic feeding are key. Water when the top inch of the soil is dry, ensuring that the pot has ample drainage to prevent root rot. Fertilize with a balanced liquid fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.
Areca Palm Outdoors
When planted outside, Areca Palms can grow up to 20 feet tall. They thrive in partial shade to full sun and prefer humid conditions. Protect them from direct midday sun and ensure they’re planted in well-draining soil.
Areca Palm Indoors
For indoor Areca Palms, place them in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. They prefer temperatures between 65-75°F and high humidity. To increase humidity, place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and a little water.
Areca Palm Brown Tips
Brown tips on an Areca Palm usually indicate over-watering, fluoride in tap water, or low humidity. Use distilled water for watering and increase humidity using a room humidifier or by misting the plant.
Areca Palm Diseases
Common diseases include root rot due to over-watering and fungal infections. Ensure good drainage, avoid letting the plant sit in water, and keep the leaves dry to minimize fungal attacks.
Areca Palms for Privacy
With their dense growth, Areca Palms can be used as natural screens or hedges in outdoor spaces. When planted in rows, they offer an attractive and effective privacy barrier.
Soil for Areca Palm
A well-draining potting mix is ideal. You can use a mix of peat, pine bark, and coarse sand. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Areca Palms in Pots
Areca Palms in pots require repotting every 2-3 years or when the roots outgrow the pot. Choose a pot 2-3 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes.
In summary, Areca Palms are versatile plants suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. Proper care, especially concerning watering and light, ensures they remain healthy. Given their non-toxic nature, they are a suitable and attractive option for households with dogs.
Ensure they’re kept in conditions that support their growth while also being mindful of curious pets. Learn two commands that will help keep your dog safe around all types of plants by going back to the first section now.
I’m sure you’re happy to have all of your questions about Areca Palm and dogs answered, so I’ll let you get started now. Good luck, and thanks for reading our article “Are Areca Palms Poisonous to Dogs? Are Areca Palms Toxic to Dogs?”