Is Swedish Ivy Poisonous to Dogs? Is Swedish Ivy Toxic to Dogs?
Is Swedish Ivy poisonous to dogs? Is Swedish Ivy toxic to dogs? In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about if Swedish Ivy is safe for dogs including what to do if your dog ate Swedish Ivy already. We’re then going to teach you the two commands that will make sure your dog stays safe around Swedish Ivy and other potentially poisonous plants from now on.
Next, we’ll cover more things you should know about Swedish Ivy and dogs, such as how to keep dogs away from Swedish Ivy using barriers and other methods. Finally, we’ll finish up by instructing you on Swedish Ivy care (propagating, light requirements, benefits, problems, growing indoors), and more you should know about this plant when you have dogs. Keep reading!
Is Swedish Ivy Poisonous to Dogs?
Swedish Ivy is not poisonous to dogs, making it a terrific plant choice for your home. However, it’s always a good idea to teach our canine companions to avoid chewing on plants. You don’t want them to get into this habit, as some plants actually will be harmful to dogs.
Is Swedish Ivy Toxic to Dogs?
Swedish Ivy is not toxic to dogs. Contrary to its name, it is not a true ivy. The popular houseplant is recognized for its trailing growth and beautiful foliage. If eaten, Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus australis), may cause mild stomach upset, but severe symptoms are rare.
Still, it’s best to discourage dogs from nibbling on any plants, even non-toxic ones.
How to Train “Leave It” Command
Teaching your dog the “Leave It” command can be very helpful with ensuring they steer clear of plants, foods, or other objects:
- Start with treats: Hold a treat in a closed fist and present it to your dog without letting them take it.
- Command and reward: When your dog tries to get the treat and then backs off, say “Leave it” and reward them with a different treat from your other hand.
- Practice regularly: Repetition is key. Train in short sessions frequently to reinforce the behavior.
How to Train “Drop It” Command
“Drop It” is another essential command, especially if your dog picks up something they shouldn’t:
- Play fetch: During a game of fetch, when your dog returns with the toy, hold a treat near their nose.
- Issue the command: As they release the toy to take the treat, say “Drop it.”
- Repeat and reward: Consistent practice and positive reinforcement will solidify the command over time.
These commands will get your dog to stay away from Swedish Ivy and other plants that may be toxic, 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 Swedish Ivy 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 Swedish Ivy ever again!
Is Swedish Ivy Safe for Dogs?
Swedish Ivy is safe for dogs. While not a true ivy, it is not toxic to dogs. If eaten in large amounts, however, it could cause mild stomach upset. As always, it’s important to monitor your dog and ensure they don’t develop a habit of chewing on plants, even the non-toxic ones.
My Dog Ate Swedish Ivy, What Do I Do?
If your dog ate Swedish Ivy, there’s generally no need to panic due to its non-toxic nature. However, you should:
- Observe your dog: Watch for any signs of allergic reactions or gastrointestinal issues, like excessive drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Limit further access: Remove any remaining Swedish Ivy from the dog’s reach to prevent further ingestion.
- Contact your vet: If you’re concerned or if your dog shows any adverse reactions, always consult with your veterinarian for advice.
Dog Eating Swedish Ivy: How to Prevent
Preventing your dog from eating Swedish Ivy or any other plants involves a few strategies:
- Place plants out of reach: Position potted plants on higher shelves or hang them from the ceiling.
- Use barriers: Implement baby gates or playpens to create a boundary between your dog and the plants.
- Provide alternatives: Supply your dog with safe chew toys to divert their attention from plants.
Why Are Dogs Attracted to Swedish Ivy?
Dogs might be attracted to Swedish Ivy due to several reasons:
- Curiosity: Dogs are naturally curious animals and might want to investigate new items in their environment.
- Texture: The plant’s texture might be appealing for dogs to chew or play with.
- Taste: Some dogs might find the taste of certain plants appealing, leading to occasional nibbling.
While Swedish Ivy is not harmful to dogs, it’s best to deter them from eating plants in general. Training and providing safe alternatives can help in ensuring your furry friend’s safety and well-being. Learn the two commands you’ll need now by going back to the first section.
You should get this fixed now, as doing so will also keep your dog safe around other plants in the future. You then won’t have to worry about things like is Wandering Jew poisonous to dogs, are Snake Plants poisonous to dogs, are Areca Palms toxic to dogs, or are Spider Plants toxic to dogs.
Swedish Ivy and Dogs
Swedish Ivy is a popular houseplant known for its cascading growth and beautiful leaves. For dog owners, the primary concern is often the safety of their pets around household plants. The good news is that Swedish Ivy is non-toxic to dogs. However, it’s still a good idea to keep dogs from chewing on it or any other plant.
How to Keep Dogs Away From Swedish Ivy
Ensuring that your dog does not munch on your Swedish Ivy, or any other plant, can be achieved through various methods:
- Placement: Keep the plant in an area inaccessible to your dog, such as elevated shelves or in hanging planters.
- Barriers: Use baby gates, playpens, or protective barriers to separate your dog from the area where the plant is located.
- Repellents: Safe, dog-friendly repellents can be sprayed on or around the plant. These products have a taste or smell that’s unpleasant for dogs, deterring them from approaching the plant.
Benefits of Swedish Ivy in Homes with Dogs
Apart from being safe for dogs, Swedish Ivy offers several advantages:
- Air Purification: Like many houseplants, Swedish Ivy can help purify the air in your home, making it healthier for both you and your pet.
- Non-Toxic Beauty: Its non-toxicity ensures that if a pet does ingest some of the plant, it won’t suffer from poisoning.
Other Dog-Safe Plants
For dog owners looking to add more greenery to their homes, several plants are non-toxic to dogs. Some options include:
- Spider Plant: Not only attractive but also safe for dogs.
- Bamboo Palm: A great indoor plant that’s non-toxic to pets.
- Areca Palm: Another safe palm variety that’s also an excellent air purifier.
Having plants in a home with dogs requires some precautions. By choosing dog-friendly plants like Swedish Ivy and setting up effective barriers, you can ensure a safe and green environment for your beloved canine companion.
Learn the two commands that will help keep your dog safe around all plants by going back to the first section now.
Swedish Ivy Care
Swedish Ivy, with its cascading growth and vibrant leaves, makes a lovely addition to homes. Fortunately for pet owners, Swedish Ivy is not poisonous to dogs. To ensure that this plant thrives while also maintaining a pet-friendly environment, understanding its care requirements is essential.
Propagating Swedish Ivy
Growing more Swedish Ivy is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s how:
- Cuttings: Take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem. Ensure it has a few leaves attached.
- Root in Water: Remove the lower leaves, leaving a few at the top. Place the stem in a jar of water, ensuring the nodes (where leaves were removed) are submerged.
- Planting: Once roots appear, usually after 2-4 weeks, transplant the cutting into a pot with well-draining soil.
Swedish Ivy Light Requirements
For optimum growth, it’s essential to provide the right amount of light:
- Bright, Indirect Light: Swedish Ivy prefers bright but indirect sunlight. Direct exposure can scorch the leaves.
- Filtered Sunlight: If using a window sill, ensure it’s either a north-facing window or protected by sheer curtains.
Swedish Ivy Benefits
This plant isn’t just beautiful; it also brings several advantages to your home:
- Air Purification: Swedish Ivy helps purify indoor air, removing certain pollutants.
- Pet Safe: Unlike some other houseplants, Swedish Ivy poses no toxic threat to dogs, making it a worry-free addition to pet households.
Swedish Ivy Problems
Though generally hardy, the plant can encounter a few issues:
- Overwatering: This is a common mistake. Ensure the soil is well-draining and water only when the top inch is dry.
- Pests: Keep an eye out for pests like aphids or spider mites. If detected, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to address the problem.
Swedish Ivy Care Indoors
To ensure your Swedish Ivy thrives indoors:
- Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix. Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
- Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Reduce watering in the winter months.
- Humidity: Swedish Ivy likes higher humidity. Consider misting the plant or placing it on a humidity tray.
To conclude, Swedish Ivy is a wonderful addition to households, especially those with pets. With the right care, this plant can flourish, offering beauty and air-purifying benefits. For dog owners, its non-toxic nature provides peace of mind, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between pets and plants.
Learn the two commands which will help keep your dog safe around all types of plants by going back to the first section now.
I’m sure it’s good to have your questions about Swedish Ivy and dogs answered, so I’ll let you get started. Best wishes, and thanks for reading our article “Is Swedish Ivy Poisonous to Dogs? Is Swedish Ivy Toxic to Dogs?”