We love our furry friends even more than we love our blooms, so we know how curious they can be aroundjust about any new thing we might bring home. Seemingly every new shoe, bag or ball gets sniffed, licked and even chewed on!
My cat especially loves playing with (read: destroying) flowers. We put them on a high shelf out of reach, but somehow she will always find a way toget tothem.
Unfortunately, a lot of our favourite blooms are actually toxic to cats and dogs.It's very important for pet owners to identify which plants or flowers are poisonous to cats and dogs, what their effects are and the symptoms to watch out for if they're ingested. Signs of poisoning canvary greatly, ranging from rashes and vomiting all the way to convulsions and even death.
As pet owners, our furry friends’ safety is our top priority. That's why we’ve gathered a list of some of the most poisonous flowers and plants for dogs and catsso that you can be sure you're choosing the safest options for yourfur babies.
Flowers that are toxic to cats & dogs
Let's begin with a list of a few common flowers, which you might find in bouquets but also in gardens, that are known to be toxic to our furry friends.
Lilies
Lilies are well known to be highly toxic to cats. This includes the petals, stem, leaves and even the water in the vase. Because of this, we highly discourage keeping lilies in your house when you have a cat.
Signs of lily poisoning may include depression, lethargy and vomiting. If untreated, acute kidney or renal failure may occur.
While lilies aren’t as dangerous for dogs as they are for cats, certain varieties are still highly toxic to dogs and can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and tremors if a large amount is ingested
Tulips
Tulips are members of the lily family, and are just as toxic to our fur babies. They contain Tulipalin A, a natural compound that's found all throughout the flower, but in especially highconcentrationsin the bulbs.
Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, depression, diarrhoea, and hypersalivation in cats, dogs and also horses.
For those who don't have pets, tulips are one of the most popular flower choices. You can learn moreabout tulips in our blog post.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are generally considered toxic to dogs and cats. They contain a number of potential irritants, including lactones and pyrethins. Symptoms of ingestion include gastrointestinal discomfort, dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling and lack of coordination.
Amaryllis
While they closely resemble lilies, amaryllis are not actually part of the lily family. However, they are similarly toxic to our pets. If consumed, this beautiful bulb can cause abdominal pain, tremors, diarrhoea, and hypersalivation for both cats and dogs.
Daffodils
These showy yellow blooms, known scientifically as "Narcissus", are poisonous to cats, dogs and horses.
The whole plant is toxic, the bulb especially so. Lycorine, an alkaloid present in daffodils, can trigger vomiting, while crystals in the outer layer of the bulbs are severely toxic and can cause serious conditions such as cardiac arrhythmia, low blood pressure, seizures andlaboured breathing.
Poppies
One of our favourite winter blooms, poppies arebeautiful and full of character, but they are also toxic to cats and dogs. They contain alkaloids and opioids, the kinds and quantities differing between each species.
Some particularly potent varieties can affect your cat or dog's central nervous system. Symptoms including dilated or pinpoint pupils, euphoria, drowsiness, dizziness, loss of appetite and even coma.
Hyacinths
These pretty springtime blooms can be toxic to cats, even from simply inhaling them. Ingesting a hyacinth bulb can result in drooling, vomiting, or diarrhoea.
Consuming a large amount can cause more severe symptoms, such as an increase in heart rate, violent tremors, changes in respiration, andbreathing difficulties.
Peonies
Thesepopular springtime flowers contain paeonol, a toxin known to be harmful to cats and dogs. If ingested, peonies can cause mild to moderate poisoning. Some common signs to watch for would be gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Dahlias
These showy blooms, popular fromChristmas to late autumn, make stunning additions to our gardens as well as to our bouquets. But they are also, unfortunately, toxic to cats.
While not nearly as toxic as some of the other blooms on this list, dahlias can cause mild gastrointestinalupset and skin irritation in both cats and dogs. Be on the look out for non-stop scratching, fur loss and runny bowel movements.
Wisteria
Theseenchanting blooms hang down from their branchesin curtains, looking like something out of a fairy tale. Pretty though they may be, they are also somewhat poisonous.
Wisteria poisoning symptoms may vary depending on the amount and part consumed. The seed pods in wisteria plants contain high levels of lectin and wisterin toxins that cancause serious gastrointestinal symptoms, which may be fatal.
Azaleas& Rhododendron
Grayanotoxin located in the leaves, petals and even pollen of azaleas can cause digestive problems, excessive drooling, weakness, and loss of appetite when ingested. Depending on how much of the plant your pet has eaten, tremors or seizures, as well as coma, may also occur.
House plants that are toxic tocats & dogs
Unfortunately, it's not only flowers that are toxic to our pets. A variety of common plants, succulents and trees are also poisonous to cats and dogs.
Aloe Vera
While aloe vera may offer many health benefits to humans, the latex it produces can cause problems for your dog or cat. This latex contains anthraquinone glycosides, which encourage bowel movements. Ingestion can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, which may in turn lead to dehydration.
Eucalyptus
While our own koalas may enjoy eating eucalyptus leaves,theyare toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Eucalyptol, the chemical present in the leaves and bark of eucalyptus trees, is a neurotoxin and gastrointestinal irritant.
Symptoms of ingestion may include vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, dilated or pinpoint eyes, general weakness and excessive salivation, as well as seizures if consumed in large quantities.
In addition to keeping your fur babies away from eucalyptusbark and leaves, make sure you keep them away from any productscontaining eucalyptus oil, too. This may include aromatherapy oils, cleaning products and beauty products.
Philodendrons
A number of popular house plant varieties belong to this genus of plants, including fiddle leaf figs and monstera. Thankfully, they are only mildly toxic to dogs and cats.
The sap contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat and stomach if ingested, and even the skin if touched.
Other plants that containoxalate crystals includeZZ gems, calla lilies and pothos. Like philodendrons, they belong to the araceae plant family.
Othercommon plantsthat are harmful to cats & dogs
Here are a few other plants and flowers to be wary of if you have a cat or dog, or are sending flowers to someone who does:
- Ammi
- Clematis
- Monkshood
- Iris
- Asparagus Fern
- Tanacetum
- Yew
- Autumn Crocus
- Lantana
- Anthurium
- Caladium
- Bird of Paradise
- Delphinium
- Boxwood
- Hydrangea
- Morning Glory
- Gladiola
This is only a partial list of plants that are toxic to cats and dogs. For a more detailed list of flowers, plants and substances which are toxic to pets, visit the Pet Poison Helpline, Top Dog Blog or speak to your vet.
What to do if your dog or cat has ingested a toxic plant
If you suspect your pet has ingested any potentially harmful flowers or plants, we advise contacting your vet immediately to ask for their professional advice.
The veterinarian will need all the details you can give about when your pet ate the plants, how much was consumed and the symptoms you have observed. It would also help if you bring along the flowers that may have caused the problem.
Protectingyour pets from toxic plants
Dogs and cats are such curious creatures. We recommend keeping your flowers out of their reach and being especially careful around the flowers and plants listed above.
Tulips, lilies, chrysanthemums and other beautiful flowers can still be enjoyed in a pet-friendly household, just as long as you know the risks and keep them out of reach ofyour pets.
Pet-safe flowers & plants
While it may seem like a large number of plants and flowers are toxic to dogs and cats, there are still plenty of safe options that pet mums and dads canenjoy.
Here are some pet-safe flowers and plants you can send to your family and friends with cats and dogs, or enjoy in your own home with peace of mind.
Roses
Thankfully, this most romantic of blooms is considered pet-safe. These elegant flowers are available basically all year round, so are always a safe option to send to your pet parent friends and family.
While red roses are often given as a gesture of love and affection, different rose colours can have different meanings. Pink roses are given as a gesture of friendship, yellow for happiness, and white for sympathy. To learn more about the symbolism and colour meanings of roses, check out our blog.
Just remember to watch out for thorns!
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Sunflowers
Just when we thought we couldn't adore sunflowers any more than we already do. These iconic yellow blooms will instantly brighten anyone's day, and thankfully they are a safechoice for cat and dog owners.
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Alstroemeria
These are also known as Peruvian lilies, so it may come as a surprise to learn that they are non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses! Available in a variety of lovely colours, you'll find alstroemeria as a filler flower in several of our bouquets.
Phalaenopsis Orchids
Otherwise known as moth orchids, these elegant blooms look wonderful in a little pot, are long-lasting and make a really great present. Another great thing about them is that they are considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. Win!
Snapdragons
These cool-sounding blooms are safe for cats and dogs. Their natural growing season is winter to spring, and they come in a variety of stunning colours.
Spider plants
These are non-toxic to both cats and dogs, so no worries if they accidentally nibble on them! These plants also grow really well in hanging baskets, so you can easily keep them up high and safely out of reach of any curious kitties.
However, it is worth noting that some suspect spider plants of causing a mild hallucinogeniceffectin felines, similar to that of catnip. While this is not thought to be harmful, it may result in some different behaviour from your cat.
Other pet-safe flowers & plants
- African Violets
- Gerbera Daisy
- Areca Plant
- Swedish Ivy
- Prayer Plant
- Blue-Eyed Daisy
- Creeping Zinnia
- Marigolds
- Blazing Star
Which Floraly bouquets are safe for pets?
A word of caution: none of our Floraly bouquets are designed to be eaten—by humans or pets. Even if the flowers are technically safe to eat (such as kale flowers, roses and even sunflowers), they may contain pesticides or fungicides, which can be harmful if ingested.
To be absolutely safe, werecommend displaying your flowers out of reach of pets. Should your pet ingest any flowers—even if you only suspect they may have eaten some—we advise you to contact your vet immediately to ask for their professional advice.
When buying or gifting bouquets for someone else, it is important to be extra careful about flower selectionand to know which ones can be harmful. Consider purchasing one of the flower varieties listed above that are pet-safe, or reminding your recipient to keep them in a safe spot where their pet can't get to them.
Now that you're armed with this important information about which flowers and plants are safe for pets, and which ones are not, you can explore our range of bouquets and posies with peace of mind.
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FAQs
Are petals safe for dogs? ›
Rose petals, violets, sunflower petals, pansies, snapdragons and some marigolds can all be eaten raw—by dogs and people. A word of caution: it's essential to make sure your flowers aren't treated with insecticides, fungicides or weed-killers, as those are poisons that can cause you and your dog serious harm.
What flowers are bad for dogs and cats? ›Rhododendron, Begonia, Chrysanthemum, Cyclamen, Hosta, Ivy and Lilies are just a selection of the most poisonous plants for dogs and cats, see below to find out more details: Rhododendron: Not only is this toxic to cats and dogs, it can also be dangerous for horses.
Are rose petals harmful to dogs? ›The Good News: Roses Aren't Toxic. Roses are non-toxic to pets, making them a fairly good option for landscaping for pet owners. They're a good option for cut flowers inside, as well, since they won't hurt your indoor pet if they consume any fallen pedals.
Is lavender toxic to dogs? ›First of all, the ASPCA considers lavender to be toxic to dogs (as well as cats and horses). If ingested, the plant can cause nausea, vomiting, and inappetence. These symptoms can be traced to a single dangerous component known as linalool.
Are rose petals toxic? ›A true rose (Rosa ssp.) is a safe flower to have around your small children. In fact, the petals of all varieties of the rose plant can be eaten and are often used in food recipes.
What is the most toxic flower to cats? ›1. Lilies. This beautiful unofficial symbol of Spring is among the most toxic flowers to cats. All varieties - including the Easter, Tiger, Stargazer, Red, Wood, and Day - are unsafe.
What flowers can you have around cats? ›- Alstroemeria.
- Asters.
- Freesia.
- Gerber Daisies.
- Liatris.
- Lisianthus.
- Orchid.
- Roses.
“Cats, like other animals and young children, learn about their surroundings by putting things in their mouths,” he says. “The cat likes the taste of the plant and therefore eats it.” Another behavior-based reason that might attract your cat to a certain plant is movement.
Are tulip petals poisonous to dogs? ›Tulips, Hyacinths and Irises are all considered toxic to both dogs and cats, and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and drooling if ingested. All parts of the plants contain toxins and can cause issues for your pets, but the toxins are most concentrated in the bulbs of the plant—making the bulb the most dangerous part.
Are sunflowers toxic to dogs? ›The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals lists sunflowers as a non-toxic plant, meaning that your dog can eat an entire sunflower and not experience any health risks due to toxicity.
What happens if dogs eat flower petals? ›
One might lead to some irritation in the mouth, including drooling and difficulty swallowing. More than that could see vomiting, diarrhea, an increased heart rate, and even issues breathing. For a full list of plants and flowers that are poisonous to dogs, consult the ASPCA's guide here.
Is Lavender poisonous to cats? ›Lavender is mildly toxic to cats, which means it's not typically fatal. “The toxic compounds found in the pretty purple-flowered plant are called linalool and linalyl acetate, which cats' livers are unable to process,” Dr. Conrad told The Dodo.
Are roses toxic to cats? ›Their sweet scent may attract cats over for a taste. Most often find out quickly that the flower is not that yummy, however, a few end up with a penchant for eating the roses. The good news is that roses by themselves are not toxic to cats, says Dr. Maureen K.
Is lavender toxic to pets? ›The lavender plant contains a compound called linalool, which can be toxic to animals like dogs and cats. However, the plant has such small concentrations of linalool that toxicity is not a common issue. The problem happens when dogs ingest an enormous amount of lavender.
Is mint poisonous to dogs? ›Dogs can safely eat one or two fresh, plain mint leaves per day. However, feeding your dog mint leaves in excess may upset their digestive system. Stick to serving them a few small bites of mint occasionally, rather than regularly.
Is eucalyptus good for dogs? ›Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are straight up toxic to pets. These are toxic whether they are applied to the skin, used in diffusers or licked up in the case of a spill.
Can cats eat rose petals? ›Roses aren't toxic to cats, and this includes rose petals, stems and leaves. But they still don't make a good snack for your cat. “Roses by themselves are not thought to be toxic or dangerous for cats,” Dr.
Can cats eat flower petals? ›The ingestion of just one or two leaves or petals can cause sudden kidney failure. Even ingesting small amounts of pollen from a cat's fur is considered poisonous.
Are roses safe for pets? ›Roses (Rosa sp.), like any flower, can cause mild stomach upset but aren't incredibly toxic to pets. However, watch out for thorns! These may potentially cause trauma to the mouth and to the paws.
Why do dogs eat rose petals? ›Dog's mainly eat plants and flowers, including roses, because they are young and don't know much better. It could be that your dog is bored and looking for things to pass the time. Although roses are non-toxic to dogs, the prickles can have a health impact on their digestive system and cause blockages.
Are tulip petals poisonous to dogs? ›
Tulips, Hyacinths and Irises are all considered toxic to both dogs and cats, and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and drooling if ingested. All parts of the plants contain toxins and can cause issues for your pets, but the toxins are most concentrated in the bulbs of the plant—making the bulb the most dangerous part.
Why does my dog eat roses? ›Why does my dog eat plants? Dogs are very curious and will often explore their world using their noses and mouths. Dogs also enjoy chewing on different objects. As such, this can make rose plants a risk in the garden.
Are sunflowers toxic to dogs? ›The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals lists sunflowers as a non-toxic plant, meaning that your dog can eat an entire sunflower and not experience any health risks due to toxicity.
Can dogs eat cherry blossom petals? ›Cherry Blossoms
Cherry blossom trees are commonly found in Japan but the beautiful trees are now trending in American backyards. The stems, leaves, and blossoms are all poisonous to your dog. So while they are beautiful to look at, rake them up if you have an outside dog.
One might lead to some irritation in the mouth, including drooling and difficulty swallowing. More than that could see vomiting, diarrhea, an increased heart rate, and even issues breathing. For a full list of plants and flowers that are poisonous to dogs, consult the ASPCA's guide here.
Are any flowers toxic to dogs? ›Azalea, Buttercups, Chrysanthemums, Gardenias, Gladiolas, Hibiscus, Hyacinth, Hydrangeas, Mums, Primroses, Rhododendrons, and Sweet Peas are popular garden items that are poisonous. That's just another good reason to keep your dogs away from your neighbor's award-winning flower bushes.
What flower is safe for dogs? ›Rose petals, violets, sunflower petals, pansies, snapdragons, and some marigolds can all be eaten raw, by dogs and people. A word of caution: it's essential to make sure your flowers aren't treated with insecticides, fungicides, or weed-killers, as those are poisons that can cause you and your dog serious harm.
Are daffodil flower harmful to dogs? ›Daffodils are poisonous to dogs if they eat the bulbs or flowers, or drink water from a vase with daffodils in. Daffodils are poisonous if eaten. They can give your dog an upset stomach, make them vomit, and make them very sleepy and wobbly. A dog that's been poisoned by daffodils might also have fits.
Are carnations toxic to dogs? ›Carnation. Carnations are toxic to not just dogs and cats, but horses as well! While this flower is known as a more mild toxicity, it is important to note that carnations can cause gastro-intestinal symptoms, as well as dermatological symptoms. Carnations should be placed in an area pets cannot access.
Are daisies toxic to dogs? ›The consumption of one or two daisies will usually not harm your pup, but eating a large amount of daisies could be enough to cause vomiting, drooling, and even muscle spasms or convulsions.
Can dogs eat strawberries? ›
Yes, dogs can eat strawberries. Strawberries are full of fiber and vitamin C. Along with that, they also contain an enzyme that can help whiten your dog's teeth as he or she eats them. They contain sugar, so be sure to give them in moderation. No, dogs should avoid tomatoes.
How do I stop my dog from eating flowers? ›When you notice your pooch approaching one of your plants, firmly shout “no” to get their attention. If your dog starts to back away from the plant, immediately praise them with a kind tone, some treats, or even their favorite toy. Another technique is to use motion-sensitive repellent.
Are baby's breath toxic to dogs? ›Toxic to both cats and dogs are Tulips, Azalea, Bird of Paradise, Aloe, Begonias, Baby's Breath, and Amaryllis.