If you are a budding botanist or horticulturalist, or if you just want to spruce up your home with some pet-friendly trees, shrubs and flowers; then have we a list for you! This list of plants blend nicely in any outdoor garden or indoor atrium. Not only that, but they are all beneficial for both dogs and cats, helping to support their immune systems and promote a healthy lifestyle. Find out what these plants can do for you and your pet if you decide to add them to your home.
Healthy Plants for Pets (Indoor and Outdoor Gardens)
Astragalus: Delicate and unpretentious, these light pinkish/purple blooms improve digestion, lower blood pressure and blood sugar, and are an all-around winner for any garden where cats and dogs like to roam.
Milk Thistle: At first blush the spike purple flower can look almost weed-like, and should be maintained carefully to avoid over-growth. However, this plant provides excellent support for canine and feline livers.
Goldenseal: Not many people know about this plant, but the benefits of goldenseal are undeniable. It helps dogs with itchy, watery eyes, helps indigestion and stomach pain, and has been used as an antibiotic treatment for injuries.
Aloe Vera: This plant has a rustic, desert-like appeal to it. Though it is less attractive to some than the leafy greens and bright flowers, aloe vera is a practical plant to keep around for treating scrapes, cuts, rashes and burns. Most topical skin ailments on pets can be soothed with aloe vera.
Peppermint: This fresh herb has been one of the most beloved house plants for centuries, bringing refreshment to any residence. Sniffing and even nibbling on the harmless peppermint leaves will help soothe an animal’s stomach, and can even calm anxious pets.
California Poppies: There is a reason these are the official state flower. The orangey-golden blooms have been known to lower blood pressure and calm hyper dogs who play in the garden. When planted near chamomile and valerian this combination also helps with respiratory issues like asthma.
Rosemary: Like peppermint, rosemary is a favorite herb to add to human dishes, but it is also a great immunity support for dogs and cats. People who add rosemary to their kitchen herb gardens or side yard will have to keep it trimmed as this plant can grow thick, knotting roots.
Burdock: These gray fuzzy buds are aesthetically beautiful, but they are also used in medicines all around the world. Burdock minimizes allergies, and supports digestion and fights kidney failure in pets. Best for the outdoors, this plant can grow extensively.
Notes: Planting these herbs and flowers indoors will require plenty of sunlight and space to grow. If you are worried that your outdoor plants might suffer from pests and bugs, go to the local gardening store for some pest repellent spray that is organic, natural and not harmful for domestic pets.
