Pet-Safe Flowers: Tips for Building a Non-Toxic Bouquet

If you're looking for a beautiful floral bouquet to give as a gift or enjoy yourself, but you're not sure which flowers are safe for pets, you've come to the right place. Below we have a list of 4 pet-safe flowers and 4 that you'll want to avoid. We'll also provide some tips on how to choose a pet-safe bouquet. So, which flowers are safe for pets?

Some common pet-safe flowers include:

Gerbera daisies

Available in a variety of bold, bright colors, Gerber or Gerbera Daisies are cheerful flowers known for their large, colorful blossoms. These fun blooms are a safe bet for your bouquets, so we give them four paws up.

Roses

A bouquet featuring this classic symbol of love is sure to keep the pets you love safe.  All 100+ species of roses are nontoxic to all pets, making them a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of nature. One word of caution: beware of the thorns! If your floral arrangement gets knocked down and you have a curious pup on the loose, they could cut themselves if they try to chew on the stems. For this reason, it’s advised to keep your bouquet out of reach.

Sunflowers

Is there any flower as happy-looking as a sunflower? As their name suggests, their petals radiate outward from the center, like the rays of the sun. Sunflowers are a beautiful and non-toxic way to add a pop of sunshine to a bouquet.

Snapdragons

These one-of-a-kind blooms make a powerful statement as part of a bouquet, so it’s no wonder they are named after a similarly magical creature. Snapdragons are sure to pack a pet-safe punch in your floral arrangements.

If you're not sure whether a flower is safe for your pet, it's always best to err on the side of caution and choose something else. When in doubt, consult with your veterinarian.

Flowers that aren't safe for pets:

Lilies

Most varieties of lilies are toxic to dogs - and even more so to cats!  All parts of the plant are toxic to cats, including the pollen. Even small ingestions can result in kidney failure so we recommend you skip this particular variety of flowers.

Tulips

Surprise: Tulips are a member of the lily family. The effects of eating the petals are considered mild, but the entire tulip plant is poisonous to cats, dogs, and horses. Symptoms of toxicity include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. The toxins are most concentrated in the bulbs, so if your pup is a digger, you’ll want to keep this in mind for your flowerbeds as well.

Carnations

Carnations are grocery store staples and considered timeless flowers because they are an inexpensive way to add color and bulk up a floral bouquet. Sadly these blooms are toxic to pets, and they may cause an upset stomach if ingested in large quantities.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is more filler than flower, but they are frequently included in arrangements to bulk up a bouquet and add greenery. Unfortunately, eucalyptus is not safe for dogs. The eucalyptol oil found in the leaves is a neurotoxin that can cause liver or kidney damage in our canine companions.

Other considerations when choosing cut flowers if you own a pet:

Pesticides 

Pesticides can be harmful to both you and your pet. Make sure the flowers you choose have not been treated with pesticides or other chemicals.

Containers 

Avoid placing the bouquet in a vase or other container that your pet can easily reach. Pets are often curious and may try to drink the water or eat the flowers, which could lead to an upset stomach. 

Additional Considerations for Pets and Plants

The ASPCA has a very in-depth list of which plants are toxic and which are non-toxic to pets - it's a great resource. Teleflora also has a list of the most common cut flowers, noting pet-safe flowers and those that are toxic. Your veterinarian is also a great resource. When in doubt - leave it out!

You can also eliminate the stress of choosing which blooms to include in your arrangement. Order from a company like Bloomsy Box which has already done the research to ensure your flowers are safe. They even include a subscription option - so you can enjoy a fresh bouquet every month. 

We hope this guide has been helpful in choosing a pet-safe bouquet for your next gift-giving occasion!