Flour is one of the most common ingredients in kitchens and pantries, especially for those who love baking. If you love to bake and tend to make a mess when you do, you might wonder if it’s safe for your dog to clean up the flour you leave behind. Dogs can safely eat flour as long as it’s not made from any toxic source.
In this article, we’ll talk more about dogs eating flour, including some concerns, such as allergies, to be aware of. We’ll also let you know the bigger danger than flour that dog-loving bakers should watch out for in the kitchen.
Flour and Dogs: The Basics
Flours of all types, including gluten-free types such as rice or almond flour, are okay for your dog to eat in limited quantities. Many homemade dog treat recipes include flour on the ingredient list. Be sure to check each of the ingredients in the flour you are using to ensure their safety for dogs.
However, your dog shouldn’t eat large amounts of flour for a few reasons. First, your dog really shouldn’t be eating much of anything that isn’t their regular, nutritionally-balanced diet. Some types of flour are healthier than others, but if your dog fills up on human foods, it may not be hungry for dinner.
When a dog eats an excessive amount of any food, including flour, it could upset its stomach or worse. Overeating can cause the dog’s stomach to expand painfully with gas, which is a condition called bloat. Bloat is most common in large dogs and is a true medical emergency.
Some dogs have sensitive digestion, and eating unfamiliar food, such as flour, could lead to an upset stomach or diarrhea.
Image Credit: Lindsay Helms, Shutterstock
What About Allergies?
Flour is made from grains, most commonly wheat. As you’re likely aware, many pet owners feed grain-free dog food partly because they believe their dogs are allergic to grains. In reality, most canines experience allergies to protein sources rather than carbohydrates like grain.
However, a study from 2016 did find that wheat was one of the four most common food allergy triggers in dogs. The other three were beef, chicken, and dairy products. Given this finding, your dog could be allergic to wheat flour. This should be discussed with your veterinarian.
Some common signs of food allergies include vomiting and diarrhea, which also may occur if flour doesn’t agree with your dog’s digestive system. It can be hard to tell the difference between a food intolerance versus an upset stomach, so don’t assume your dog has a wheat allergy without discussing it with a vet.
The best way to accurately diagnose food allergies is through a diet elimination trial, which can take weeks or months. If you suspect your dog has a wheat allergy, talk to your veterinarian about what to do next.
Image Credit: My July, Shutterstock
Yeast Poisoning: The Real Baking Danger
While eating plain flour usually won’t cause a problem for your dog, flour that’s been worked into a dough with yeast is another story. Unbaked dough with yeast, such as that used for making bread, rolls, or pizza, is dangerous to your dog if ingested.
Warmth causes the dough to rise, and a dog’s stomach is just the right environment. When a dog eats unbaked dough, it may expand in its stomach, potentially causing bloat.
As we mentioned, bloat is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate care.
Even if your dog doesn’t bloat from eating bread dough, it’s still at risk. The yeast in the bread dough ferments as it sits in your dog’s stomach, releasing alcohol. When this happens, your dog could suffer alcohol poisoning.
In dogs, alcohol poisoning can cause seizures, low blood pressure, and respiratory failure. If you love to bake, don’t leave your dough rising anywhere your dog can get to it. Should your dog eat unbaked dough, take your pet to your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Image Credit: Javier Brosch, Shutterstock
Conclusion
While your dog shouldn’t make a habit of snacking on flour, it’s generally okay and safe for them to eat. However, any unfamiliar food can upset your dog’s stomach, and some pups may be allergic to wheat. In addition, eating raw dough with yeast can cause life-threatening complications for your dog. Remember that the bulk of your dog’s daily calories should come from a nutritionally-balanced and complete, commercial diet. If you want to provide human foods as snacks, flour probably won’t be your dog’s first choice anyway!
We love our pets and plants, but sadly some of our favorite plants may be toxic for our companions. If you want to add greenery to your home and color to your garden while keeping your dog safe, you will be happy to know that there are plenty of options!
Whether you prefer bright flowers or greenery draping from a basket, there is something for you. We have put together a list of 21 outdoor and indoor plants you can grow today without posing a risk to your furry companion.
The 21 Common Plants That Are Safe for Dogs
Outdoor Plants
1. Succulents
Image Credit: leoleobobeo,Pixabay
USDA:
3–9
Sun:
6 hours per day
Placement:
Sunny area, well-draining soil
Succulents are one of the easiest plants to care for, and the variety of shapes, colors, and textures available brighten any garden. You can add a rock garden filled with a variety of pet-friendly succulents, or you can showcase them individually in containers. They are sun lovers, so a sunny spot such as the patio or sunny area of the garden is ideal, with light watering approximately every 1–2 weeks.
2. Marigolds
Image Credit: erwin nowak, Pixabay
USDA:
2–11
Sun:
Full sun
Placement:
Full sun, shade tolerant, 6–12 inches apart
Not only do these flowers add a pop of color to your garden, but they also serve as pest repellants that keep unwanted pests away from your vegetables and attract pollinators such as bees. They come in several varieties, offering shades of bright yellow and orange. You can enjoy an abundance of these flowers in your garden, and if your dog enjoys them too, there is no need to worry since Marigolds are perfectly safe.
3. Fuchsias
USDA:
10–11
Sun:
Full sun to partial shade
Placement:
Moist well-draining soil, shade in the hottest part of the day
Fuchsias are an elegant and dog-friendly addition to your garden, especially in containers or hanging baskets on the patio, and they are one of the most loved flowers among gardeners. Many varieties are available, ranging from white, pink, purple, and deep red. Fuchsias are safe for dogs; in fact, they even have a sweet taste, so there is a chance that your dog is more dangerous to the flower!
4. Magnolias
USDA:
7–10
Sun:
Full sun, light shade
Placement:
Moist, well-draining, slightly acidic soil
Magnolias are another gardener’s favorite that provide incomparable beauty to the garden with their waxy green foliage and elegant, creamy white blooms. With approximately 125 species available, all varieties are safe for dogs. Some grow as trees, while some grow as shrubs, and some varieties are evergreen, providing interest all year round. You can add this dog-friendly plant to any sunny area in your garden as a statement piece or as part of a shrubby border.
5. Sunflowers
Image Credit: ulleo, Pixabay
USDA:
4–9
Sun:
Full sun
Placement:
Well-draining soil with enough room for tap roots
Sunflowers will add a cheerful pop of color to a summer garden and are perfect as border plants or adding color among bushy green foliage. Sunflowers are loved by all, and you can enjoy these happy flowers in your garden while knowing they are safe for your dog. They also make stunning cut flowers for your living room, bringing an element of summer indoors. In the fall, their seeds will attract birds and bring more life to your garden.
6. Snapdragon
USDA:
7–11
Sun:
Full sun
Placement:
Rich, well-draining soil
Their name might sound like something you don’t want to expose your dog to, but these stunning flowers are harmless. They are usually grown as annuals, providing short-lived beauty to your landscape, either as border flowers or as a statement in containers to beautify your patio. When planted from seed, they are usually slow growing, so it’s best to purchase seedlings from a nursery so you can enjoy their beauty soon after planting.
7. Nasturtium
USDA:
9–11
Sun:
Full sun
Placement:
Well-drained poor soil, space to spread
Nasturtiums are a great addition to the garden for many reasons. They can tolerate poor soils and don’t require fertilizer to grow. Their flowers are edible and are a bright addition to the landscape. They also help to repel pests, which can protect your vegetable bed. Once established, you can separate the plant and easily add it to a new area of the garden or add it to hanging baskets.
8. Fennel
USDA:
4–9
Sun:
Full sun
Placement:
Open, sunny area with well-draining soil
Fennel is a delicate-looking herb that is great for use in the kitchen if you enjoy the taste of licorice. While fennel is safe for dogs, it is highly beneficial for humans. It contains vitamins that are helpful for tissue repair, collagen production, and maintaining healthy skin. You can grow this bulb in containers and add it to your salads to enjoy the taste and health benefits.
9. Rosemary
USDA:
7–10
Sun:
Full sun
Placement:
Light, well-drained soil
Rosemary is an aromatic herb that is great for culinary use. It is easy to grow and is safe for dogs, and you can grow it in abundance. Rosemary plants produce small purple flowers, which contrast beautifully against the dark green foliage, and the creeping variety is excellent for filling up spaces. Rosemary can grow indoors and outdoors as long as it receives enough light. Use this herb to season various dishes such as roasts, casseroles, and stews. Adding a small amount to your dog’s food can help support its digestive tract.
10. Creeping Thyme
USDA:
4–9
Sun:
Full sun
Placement:
Raised beds, rockeries, sunny spot with well-draining soil
Creeping Thyme is another beneficial herb you can grow in your garden that is safe for dogs and can be used to flavor various dishes. It makes a great groundcover and can be planted between pavers to create a living patio. It is easy to grow and doesn’t require much attention; it can withstand frequent foot traffic, which is another reason it is an excellent choice of plant to grow with dogs around.
11. Purple Basil
USDA:
9-11
Sun:
Bright, direct sunlight
Placement:
Moist, well-draining soil, can tolerate partial shade
Purple Basil will add some gorgeous color to your garden beds and is an easy herb to grow with a sweet and spicy flavor. Purple Basil is similar to green basil except for its more eye-catching foliage and intense aroma. This herb can be grown indoors and outdoors, either in the ground or in pots, and it is perfectly safe for dogs.
Indoor Plants
12. Spider Plant
Image Credit: t50, Shutterstock
Size:
12”–15”
Light:
Bright, indirect light
Placement:
Sunny spot with humidity. Small pot or hanging basket
Contrary to its name, the spider plant is the perfect dog-friendly indoor plant. It is easy to grow and resilient and makes a great air purifier. The long, arched leaves make it an excellent plant for a hanging basket as long as it receives enough light. In the summer, spider plants produce long stems with small white flowers.
13. Zebra Cactus
Size:
5”–8”
Light:
6–8 hours of sun
Placement:
South or east-facing window sill
The Zebra Cactus is a popular succulent that will make a striking statement in your living room. Even though they are safe for dogs, their pointy shape will be unwelcoming for a curious dog. With that being said, it’s best to keep them in an area your dog can’t reach so that it doesn’t get a jab in the nose or eyes. They are low maintenance, can go weeks without water, and can adapt to various light conditions.
14. Prayer Plant
Image Credit: Maritxu, Shutterstock
Size:
10”–12”
Light:
Bright, indirect light
Placement:
Close to window, but they can tolerate low light
The prayer plant is a unique and decorative plant that gets its name from the flat leaves that fold up at night and resemble praying hands. The leaves are dark green with yellow patches down the center and arching red veins stemming from them. It is tolerant of low light, so it is ideal for apartment living and safe for your furry roommate. Place this plant near a window where it can receive indirect sunlight and keep its soil moist.
15. Areca Palm
Image Credit: URAIWONS, Shutterstock
Size:
6”–10”
Light:
Bright, indirect light
Placement:
South or west-facing window
If you are looking for more of a statement piece to beautify an empty space in your home, a palm is a perfect choice. While some palms, like the sago palm, can be toxic to dogs, the Areca Palm is perfectly safe and will give your space a calming, tropical feel. Because of the plant’s long arching fronds, a curious pup may be tempted to chew on them, so consider placing it somewhere your pup can’t reach it. Your palm will need to be placed next to a window to receive enough light, but it will also benefit your plant to bring it outdoors in warm weather.
16. Parlor Palm
Image Credit: iluphoto, Shutterstock
Size:
10”–12”
Light:
Medium to bright indirect light
Placement:
Avoid direct sunlight
The Parlor Palm is another popular indoor plant that is easy to care for and non-toxic to dogs. It can adapt to low light and handle low temperatures, so it is an ideal plant for beginner gardeners. Place a Parlor Palm in a large pot near a window where it can beautify your space and add a tropical ambiance. You can add this beautiful plant to your indoor patio or bathroom for a pop of greenery.
17. Money Tree
Image credit: NeginMinaee, Shutterstock
Size:
8–10 feet
Light:
Bright, indirect light
Placement:
Workspaces, bright kitchens, said to be bad luck in your bathroom
Money Trees are easy to grow and will brighten your home with their green foliage and braided stem. While they are safe for homes with pets, they are also considered to bring luck and prosperity, so that’s reason enough to add one of these plants to your space. In their native environment, they can reach up to 60 feet tall, but when grown indoors, they reach approximately 8 to 10 feet tall and can even be trained as bonsai.
18. Moth Orchid
Size:
Up to 19 inches
Light:
Light areas
Placement:
Keep away from direct sunlight and wind or draughts
Any home is incomplete with the pop of elegance that an Orchid provides; fortunately, the Moth Orchid is dog friendly and easy to care for. They are gorgeous all year round and provide color to your living room. They are one of the easiest orchids to grow, so there is no need to feel intimidated, especially if you are new to Orchids.
Place your Moth Orchid where it can receive indirect sunlight and add some water when the bark or moss it is growing in is dry to the touch. While the Moth Orchid is safe for dogs, it may be wise to place it somewhere where an excited pup can’t easily knock it over.
19. Baby Tears
Image Credit: Bilalstock, Shutterstock
Size:
4” tall
Light:
Medium light
Placement:
Hanging baskets, east or west-facing window
The tendrils of the Baby Tears plant display a beautiful cascade of greenery when planted in a hanging basket. While this plant is non-toxic and safe for dogs, if you have a cat, it may be too much of a temptation for it to jump up at it and play with it, and your kitty will most likely cause more harm than the plant. They are easy plants to care for but require a bit of attention to grow their best.
20. Polka Dot Plant
Size:
Up to 12 inches
Light:
Medium to bright light
Placement:
East or south-facing window
Add a splash of pink to your house plants with the dog-safe Polka Dot plant. High humidity, warm temperatures, and regular watering are key to growing these plants. They have a moderate growth rate, and when grown indoors in pots, they will remain small even once they reach maturity. This plant is perfect to spruce up your kitchen or bathroom since it will thrive in humid conditions.
21. Venus Flytrap
Size:
5”– 6”
Light:
Bright, indirect sunlight
Placement:
South facing window
A Venus Flytrap is a fascinating plant that can quickly become your favorite. It is a carnivorous plant that feeds on flies that land inside their alien-like mouths, which greatly benefits you and your dog if flies are abundant in your area. Although this plant may seem intimidating, it is dog-friendly and low-maintenance. Place it somewhere where it will receive at least 4 hours of direct sunlight and ideally somewhere where it can catch flies passing by.
Conclusion
Whether it’s a big garden or indoor greenery you are looking for, there are plenty of dog-friendly plants for you to add to your landscape or home. Now you can enjoy your love of plants with peace of mind, knowing that your dog isn’t going to eat something it shouldn’t. While these plants are non-toxic, it’s essential to consider the placement to prevent your curious pup from chewing it up, knocking it over, or getting poked or scratched in the face. Happy planting!
You might find cat toe beans treading lightly through the dirt in your garden, digging up catnip plants and giving your cat some plushy support on their daily adventures. Or maybe you’ll find them first thing in the morning as they gently nudge your face when you open your eyes. Cat toe beans are a popular nickname for paw pads because they’re small, oval shaped appendages that look like jellybeans.
Unless your cat is polydactyl, which means they have more toes than usual, cats have four toe beans on each paw with an additional one or two on their front paws. These extra toe beans are also known as dew claws. Besides appearing cute to us, toe beans serve many practical purposes in your cat’s life. Let’s dig up some more interesting facts about your cat’s feet.
The 9 Most Fascinating Facts About Cat “Toe Beans”
1. “Toe beans” refer to a cat’s digital pads.
The anatomical name for what many of us call “toe beans” are paw pads, or digital pads. Ironically, many cats have an obsession over laptop keys, much to our utter dismay.
2. The skin on your cat’s pads differs greatly from the skin that’s on the rest of their body.
Skin of the digital pads tends to have a tough texture like the skin on the bottom of your feet. Despite their rough appearance, however, these pads are also a super sensitive part of your cat’s body with many nerves to help them navigate and make decisions about their environment. This is why your cat will sometimes gingerly touch an unfamiliar object with their feet before deciding whether they should engage with it or leave it alone.
3. Not all cats will let you play with their digital pads.
Since their paw pads are so sensitive, not all cats like being touched there. If they let you, respect their decision by only delicately dealing with their toes as this is a sign of trust.
4. Manipulating the digital pads can assist in nail trims.
Given their retractable claws, sometimes cat claws are hard to find. If you gently press on their pads, their nails will pop out!
5. Cats can sweat through their feet.
Even though they can’t break out into a full sweat all over their body, cats (and dogs) can sweat through their feet. You might even see little puddles or imprints of your cat’s paws on a pliable surface when they’re nervous.
6. Cats may use their paws to claim your blanket.
Scent glands dwell in between their pads, which means that your cat releases their scent as they “make biscuits.”
7. Digital pads can absorb the shock of a daring leap or accidental tumble.
Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock
Cats are excellent acrobats who can dive bomb off a deck, land on their feet, and scamper off before you have time to process their actions. Despite their sensitivity, digital pads have dense fatty tissue that support them when they land. The rougher texture allows them to grip and climb up trees effortlessly.
8. The color of your cat’s digital pads depends on the color of their coat.
There’s a link between the color of a cat’s toes and the color of their fur. For example, black cats tend to have black pads, orange cats have orange pads, etc. Sometimes the color of the toe bean does not match their skin color, such as pink pads in white cats. Occasionally, they may change colors since the color is linked to melanin absorption. It’s not unusual for the color to gradually change as your cat ages. However, you should take them to the vet if they suddenly change color since that’s may be a sign of an illness or injury, such as scorching their paws on hot concrete or cutting themselves on broken glass.
9. Watch out for Plasma Cell Pododermatitis (pillow foot).
Image Credit: sarocha wangdee, Shutterstock
If your cat’s toe beans suddenly swell and turn purple, they could be dealing with an infection that’s commonly called pillow foot. It’s not a life-threatening condition, but it can lead to secondary infection and cause pain to your cat, so you should take them to the vet for treatment as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Cats are amazing creatures with unusual features that set them apart from other species. While other mammals also have paw pads, including canines, a cat’s digital pads allow them to perform all their unique maneuvers, such as jumping from roofs without a scratch. Next time you’re petting your cat, you can admire their toes and appreciate what they actually do (with your cat’s permission, of course).
The anatomical name for what many of us call “toe beans” are paw pads, or digital pads. Ironically, many cats have an obsession over laptop keys, much to our utter dismay.
Since their 
Even though they can’t break out into a 
