Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Getting Started

5 pet-safe plants to have in your home in October

Mary Johnson
By
Purple asters growing in a garden.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The days are growing shorter, there’s a crisp note in the evening air, and our favorite spooky classics have begun to play on network television. If you’re a fan of giving your interior decor an autumnal boost, you’re not alone. Decorating with rich reds, deep oranges, and golden yellows brings a touch of the outdoors into your home. As temperatures fall, we love to retreat indoors with a cup of hot chocolate, a warm blanket, and our beloved fur babies. But you should decorate your home carefully: Not all autumn-themed plants and flowers are safe for pets. Here are five of our favorites that can brighten your home without endangering your pets. 

Plants safe for cats and dogs

1. Aster (Callistephus chinensis)

While pink isn’t known for being a fall color, these stunning flowers also come in purple and white. Using purple flowers helps create a rich, cozy atmosphere, while white keeps things fresh and allows other colors to shine. Asters bloom in late summer and fall, yielding star-shaped flowers that resemble daisies. Asters require part to full sun and a well-draining, loamy soil. If you’re inexperienced with caring for flowers, asters are an ideal choice since they require little care. Fertilize them once a month with plant food, keep the leaves dry to prevent powdery mildew, and you’ll have one of the most beautiful plants safe for cats just in time for your autumn redecoration efforts. 

Recommended Videos

2. Caryopteris (Caryopteris × clandonensis) 

This remarkable flowering shrub, which is also known as bluebeard, produces uniquely shaped blooms from August until October. Caryopteris requires full sun, a rich soil, and protection from the wind, so it’s best not to store your plant near an open window on breezy days. For best results, you should pot caryopteris in a mixture of planting soil mix and gardening soil. Caryopteris is a low-maintenance, hardy plant capable of withstanding cold weather, drought, and all known plant diseases. You can find caryopteris in several different shades, including White Surprise, Summer Sorbet, Autumn Pink, and Dark Knight. Whatever your decorating style, there’s a caryopteris that will look wonderful in your home, making it one of our favorite plants safe for dogs and cats. 

A cluster of feather reed grass backlit by the sun.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

3. Feather reed grass (Calamagrostis × acutiflora)

This perennial, sometimes known simply as reed grass, is perfect for creating those Instagrammable tablescapes during the autumn months. Feather reed grass needs a rich, moist soil and full sunlight to thrive. It grows in clumps of narrow reeds that can reach up to 3 feet tall, with pinkish-purple blooms that turn a golden color during the cooler months. While it looks stunning in your yard, it also makes a beautiful addition to your indoor garden when grown in a pot, especially if you live in a hot, humid climate where feather reed grass struggles to establish roots. 

4. Pansies (Viola tricolor var. hortensis)

Known for their beautiful, heart-shaped petals, pansies come in a variety of colors. Pansies aren’t hardy enough to survive sweltering heat, but they’re surprisingly resistant to low temperatures. They need a well-draining, moist soil and are partial to full light. When planted outdoors, they need a location that shields them from the afternoon heat. Indoors, however, they need only potting soil and sunlight, making them an indoor gardener’s dream come true. Remember to water them regularly, around once a week or as long as it takes for the soil to become slightly dry between watering. 

5. Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

Don’t let its name fool you: Russian sage isn’t sage at all. A member of the mint family, Russian sage yields stunning purple flowers accented by pale green leaves and silver stems. Russian sage needs full sun and a well-draining, dry soil. Humidity is Russian sage’s worst enemy, but it thrives in heat and is more or less drought resistant. Russian sage can grow up to 3 to 5 feet outdoors, but it also does well in large pots. 

A bee pollenating Russian Sage.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Decorating with seasonal plants and flowers is the perfect way to spruce up your home. But many plants are toxic to your fur babies, and no amount of greenery is worth their safety. Even nontoxic plants and flowers may cause stomach upset if nibbled, so keep plants out of reach and make sure you consult the ASPCA’s guide to pet-safe plants and flowers before making any purchases. With a bit of research and a secure location for your new plant, you can create an autumnal paradise that won’t make your fur babies sick. 

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mary Johnson
Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
Could it be a dog paw infection? Signs, symptoms, and treatments for these pesky, painful issues
Dog paw infection 101: How to avoid and treat this problem
Dog paws on a wood slab

It's hard not to relish daily walks with your dog. You both get fresh air and much-needed exercise, and seeing your dog explore and discover the world is oh-so-fun. Afterward, you and your pup might even engage in a cozy snuggle session on the couch. What could be better?
Dogs also walk in small amounts at home, whether during a play session or a trip to the backyard, and paw health is essential to keep them comfortable and walking. If one or more of your dog’s paws gets injured or infected, mobility can be tricky, painful, and sometimes impossible. As a pet parent, the last thing you want is to see your fur baby in pain. Injuries might be inevitable, but understanding the causes, signs, and treatment for a dog paw infection can ensure your pet gets the proper care as soon as possible. After all, early detection and treatment can prevent the condition from getting worse.
Here’s what you need to know.

What causes a dog paw infection? You can help your pup avoid paw discomfort if you know what to look for
As much as we'd like to give you an easy answer, several factors can contribute to a paw infection. Here are a few common ones.

Read more
Does your dog drink a lot of water? Here’s when you should be concerned
Is your dog thirstier than usual? This could be the reason why
A pug drinking water from a sink faucet

Ensuring your furry best friend gets plenty of water is one of the most important parts of being a pet parent. But how much water should your dog drink on a daily basis? Veterinarians claim the general rule of thumb is a simple equation: The majority of dogs require around 1/2 to 1 ounce (about 1/8 of a cup) of water per pound of body weight each day. Don't want to reach for your measuring cup? Make sure your pup has round-the-clock access to clean water, and everything should be fine.

That being said, if your dog empties their water bowl several times a day, or you notice their intake has increased drastically, you should probably keep a close eye on things. If your dog drinks a lot of water, you may be wondering, "Why is my dog always thirsty?" We'll share how to monitor your pup's water intake, the most common reasons your dog may be thirsty, and when you should speak with your vet.

Read more
Is your puppy breathing fast while sleeping? Here’s when you should worry and how to help your dog
When to call a vet because your pup is breathing fast while sleeping
A Jack Russell terrier lies in bed between the feet of his owner

It’s hard not to love watching your puppy sleep. In fact, they might somehow manage to get cuter as they snooze. They look so content and peaceful, especially if they're snuggled up to you. Though experts frequently recommend giving your pet their own sleep space, like a crate, it’s ultimately up to you. Regardless of where and when your puppy is sleeping, you want them to be comfortable and safe. If you notice your puppy breathing fast while sleeping, you may get worried. Should you be? It depends.
Here’s what experts want you to know about labored breathing during sleep and when to call a vet.

Different puppy sleeping patterns
Before we get into breathing patterns, it could help to have some knowledge of puppy sleeping patterns. They're similar to ours, though puppies cycle through them more quickly than humans. A puppy may experience 20 sleep cycles nightly. Humans typically go through about four or five cycles. These are the phases.

Read more