No, zebra plants are non-toxic to dogs.
When you do a quick search online for the term “zebra plant,” the results show two plant varieties. The first is the aphelandra squarrosa, a plant native to Brazil. The other is the zebra haworthia, a succulent originating from South Africa. Both plants have noticeable white stripes that mark their green leaves, hence the name. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), both saffron spike zebra and zebra haworthia plants are not poisonous to dogs and even cats.
Aside from these two species, prayer plants are also sometimes called zebra plants. They do not contain poisonous compounds as well.
What to do if your dog accidentally comes into contact with, chews, or eats zebra plants: Don’t worry if your dog accidentally chews on or eats a leaf from these three zebra plant species. Since they don’t contain toxins, nothing alarming should happen to him.
However, if your zebra plant was sprayed with toxic chemicals or applied with fertiliser unsafe for pets, get in touch with your veterinarian immediately. Take the plant immediately away from your dog. Remove any plant material found on his mouth, paws, or skin.
In addition, monitor him for poisoning symptoms. Skin, digestive, and respiratory issues may manifest depending on the toxins. Watch for vomiting, drooling, nausea, diarrhea, unsteadiness on feet, convulsions, and agitation. He may also have pale gums, tremors, abnormal heart rate, and difficulty in breathing.
In summary: Zebra plants are beautiful canine-safe additions to your indoor or outdoor garden. As a responsible pet parent, make sure you only apply non-toxic substances to your houseplants to prevent accidents from occurring.
Aside from zebra plants, discover which plants and flowers are canine-safe by visiting ASPCA, PetMD, and Pet Poison Helpline. They’ll help you learn which ones are toxic or safe for dogs.
References:
Aphelandra squarrosa – Wikipedia
Haworthiopsis attenuata – Wikipedia
Dog poisoning: Signs of poisoning in dogs and what you need to do
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