How To Manage Plants And Puppies

So, the fur-ball meets the fern. If you are anything like me, the chances of saying ‘No’ to another plant or puppy is hard. But what to do when you have brought them all home and disaster hits? Chunks of leaves missing, broken containers, dirt paw prints trialing away from the scene of crime. If any of this sounds familiar, keep reading.

Sometimes, even the best of pups crave a late-night nibble. Certain house plants can be toxic when ingested causing anything from seizures, tremors, vomiting or worse. Help keep your four-legged friends safe by good plant management, sturdy containers, and endless patience. Unlike the bone buried in the yard, your plants can bounce back! Wipe away the tears and grab the Swiffer. Here are some tricks and tips to keeping your potted plants puppy proof.

In the event of a ‘PLANT-astrophe’, the best thing to do is remain calm!

Roll-up the sleeves and get into the mess to save what you can. Missing a lot of dirt? Throw some back in, using a spray bottle for light watering to help establish moisture control. Remove any extremities from the wounded plant that are severely damaged. Look for deep bite marks, rips, tears, or any exposed roots. By removing the poor and broken pieces, you help encourage your plant to focus its energy on growing new and stronger bits. Some plants will even grow back with a more defined, uniformed shape. Give your plant soldiers some time to heal and try not to scold Mr. Fluffers too much.

Over time, it is recommended to give your plant a little “umph” in the soil department. Fertilizers and plant food are a great way to ensure your bounce back of good nutrition and growth. When trimming your indoor friend, keep some parts to propagate into new containers. Depending on what you are growing, you and the fur-ball may be able to salvage a part. For example, a Potho’s trimming can be placed into a water vase and eventually sprout a root.

Plant Shock is when the growth is suddenly interrupted by extreme environment changes. (Perhaps the hard knock-over of a tail!) Be patient with your repair, as some plants may require more recovery time than others.

While I encourage house plants to live everywhere and on every surface, here are some wonderful options regarding puppy safety.

• Always read the care tags and do your research on anything you are planting around your pups.
• As Grandma’s oldest kitchen accessory, the Spider Plant is a timeless selection. This easy and adaptable plant is great for beginners, grows well in cooler temps and tolerates abuse. Arching leaves and a bushy green mane make the Spider Plant a fun decoration. Let the soil dry between watering to allow for maximum growth. As one of the most popular houseplants, it is also easy to propagate. Add this not-so-creepy Spider Plant to your home.
• What better to pair your puppy with than a pony? Might I suggest a Ponytail Palm instead?
• If your pet is persistent, put plants in high places. Ceramic containers, hanging baskets, or plastic pots are great for rambunctious puppies. When deciding on the right container, be mindful of how much force your dogs’ tail may contain. Check out your local pet store for bitter-off sprays. DIY or generic sprays are generally safe to use on plants and will not cause damage. A little spritz might be needed to help tell your puppy, “don't eat this, please." Other things you can try to deter your dog is safe spices, bells, or flexible fencing. Positive training will help your pup learn the do’s and dont's of house plants.

No need to re-pot the puppy! With a little love, plants and puppies can grow in harmony. Do your research to pick your favorites as you continue to adopt needy plants and puppies!

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