When you are flower shopping for a friend, do you know what flowers are bad for cats and dogs? There are a few common flowers that are poisonous for pets at home so please keep these in mind the next time you shop for you or a friend with cats or dogs!
In addition to keeping these in mind, don’t hesitate to ask the florist if they know! The flower shop I work at has a list of all the flowers bad for pets that we have ready for anyone that asks.
Flowers Bad for Pets:
- Carnations: these long lasting flowers can be toxic for cats and dogs.
- Chrysanthemum: also known as mums, daisy mums, and spider mums, these are highly toxic to cats and can also be toxic to dogs. Some symptoms include vomiting and a lack of appetite.
- Daffodils: even this bright and happy flower can be highly toxic. This is highly toxic to both cats and dogs and include symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, and abnormal breathing.
- Dahlia: these can be toxic for cats and dogs.
- Hyacinths: these flowers can be toxic to cats and dogs, especially the bulb if it is planted in the ground or dirt. Symptoms include drooling, vomiting, increased heart rate, or rapid breathing.
- Hydrangeas: these common flowers can be toxic to both cats and dogs and include symptoms of lethargy or vomiting.
- Irises: this vibrant flower is toxic to cats and dogs, especially the roots if they are planted in the ground. Symptoms include drooling, vomiting, or lethargy
- Lilies: these are the most toxic flower I know of for cats. Be very careful with this flower because every part is poisonous for cats. It can cause acute renal failure within 12-36 hours if not treated. Lilies are mildly toxic to dogs but their reactions are not as severe. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, or excessive thirst. To be safe, I would stay away from any type of lily because they can all cause irritation.
- Alstroemeria is a type of lily that can also cause mild irritation if ingested but aren’t as toxic and won’t cause any serious damage that the traditional lilies do.
- Peonies: these are toxic for cats and dogs; the symptoms include vomiting or diarrhea
- Poppies: although a symbol, these can be toxic to cats and dogs. The symptoms include change in behavior, lack of appetite, or dilated pupils
- Tulips: these beautiful spring flowers can be toxic to cats and dogs, especially the bulb if they are planted. Symptoms include drooling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing
There are more that you need to look out for but these are the most common ones you can find for sale in flower shops.
Flowers Okay for Pets:
- Asters
- Gerber Daisy
- Snapdragons
- Stock
- Waxflower
- Statice
- Lisianthus
- Celosia
- Orchids
- Roses
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- African Violets
- Petunia
These are some of the most common flowers that are okay to have around cats and dogs. However, harm can still potentially come to your pets if they ingest large amounts of flowers so keep flowers high up or be watchful!
Keep your pets safe while keeping your home bright and cheerful with fresh flowers!
Articles I used if you want more information:
https://animalemergencyservice.com.au/blog/flowers-plants-toxic-dogs-cats/
https://www.aspca.org/news/mothers-day-bouquets-whats-safe-pets
Good to know!