Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day, but not all flowers are as friendly to your furry friends as they are to us! While fresh flowers are a popular gift to show affection, many flowers and plants can be toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs. If you’re planning on getting your loved one a beautiful bouquet, it’s important to choose your flowers wisely—especially when pets are in the home.
Here’s a rundown of common flowers and plants to avoid this Valentine’s Day to keep your pets safe and sound. If you’re unsure about the safety of any flowers or plants, always err on the side of caution and opt for a safer, non-toxic alternative.
Flowers to Avoid This Valentine’s Day:
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Carnation Carnations may be a classic, but they can cause mild stomach upset, drooling, and a lack of appetite in pets. While not typically life-threatening, it’s still best to keep them out of your pet’s reach.
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Daffodil Daffodils are beautiful spring flowers, but they’re toxic to both dogs and cats. They contain compounds like lycorine that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even more severe reactions like tremors and convulsions if ingested.
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Iris Irises may brighten up a room, but they can be harmful to pets if chewed on. They can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Keep these away from curious pets!
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Tulip While tulips are a favorite among florists, they can cause serious issues if ingested by pets. The bulbs, in particular, are the most toxic part and can lead to drooling, nausea, and, in severe cases, heart problems.
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Lily Lilies are extremely toxic to cats, even in small amounts. Ingesting any part of a lily—whether it’s the petals, leaves, or pollen—can cause kidney failure in cats. Dogs can also suffer from mild gastrointestinal distress if they eat lilies.
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Baby’s Breath Baby’s breath is often used as filler in bouquets, but it can cause pets to experience mild vomiting and diarrhea. Though not as dangerous as some other flowers, it’s best to keep these out of your pet’s reach.
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Foxglove Foxglove may look beautiful in a garden or vase, but it’s highly toxic to both dogs and cats. The plant contains compounds that can cause serious heart issues, including arrhythmias, when ingested.
What You Can Do:
If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Valentine’s Day while keeping your pets safe, consider gifting a non-toxic plant or pet-friendly bouquet. Some great options for pet-safe flowers include:
- Roses: While they are a popular Valentine’s Day flower, roses are safe for pets. Just be cautious of the thorns, which can hurt your pet if they decide to chew on the stems.
- Sunflowers: Sunflowers are beautiful, safe, and easy to incorporate into a Valentine’s bouquet.
- Marigolds: Known for their bright, cheerful color, marigolds are also safe for pets.
- Spider Plants: These are safe for pets and can add a fun, green touch to your home!
In addition to making better flower choices, always be sure to keep any flowers out of your pet’s reach. A curious dog or cat may chew on leaves or petals, so placing arrangements in areas your pets can’t access is a smart idea. If you’re not sure about a particular plant or flower, always do your research first or consult with your vet.
Keep Love Safe This Valentine’s Day
This Valentine’s Day, let’s spread love in a way that keeps our four-legged friends safe. Whether you're gifting flowers or simply enjoying a bouquet in your home, it’s important to know which flowers can be dangerous to your pets. By making informed choices, you can ensure that your pets stay healthy and happy while still enjoying the festive atmosphere of the season.
At Pawsnickety Pets, we care about the health and safety of your pets. If you’re looking for pet-safe plants, treats, or other products, be sure to visit us in-store or online. We’ve got everything you need to keep your pets safe while celebrating Valentine’s Day!
