Which flowers are toxic to dogs and cats?

Which flowers are toxic to dogs and cats?

There are many common ornamental flowers which can be toxic to cats and dogs. Pet owners should avoid the following flowers breeds, especially near to Valentines Day when you might be giving a bouquet as gifts to your partner or loved ones. These flower varieties include:

1. Daffodil

2. Lily 

3. Tulip

4. Azalea / Rhododendron

5. Iris

6. Autumn Crocus (also known as meadow saffron or naked ladies)

7. Amaryllis 

8. Cyclamen (also known as sowbread, alpine or Persian violet)

9. Nerium Oleander

10. Carnation

11. Chrysanthemum

12. Hydrangea

13. Foxglove

14. Peony

15. Hyacinth

16. Lily of the Valley

17. Gypsophila (also known as Baby’s Breath) - only mildly toxic, but can irritate a pet’s stomach if ingested.

18. Wisteria

19. Birds of Paradise

Remember: this is a list of popular flowers that are poisonous to pets, but not every toxic plant or flower species out there. Always check first if you’re purchasing a new plant or sending a bouquet of flowers to a household with pets.

The best bet to keep your pet safe from toxic flowers is always to keep your vase on a high shelf or in a separate room that your dog or cat can’t access. 

Symptoms that your dog or cat has eaten a toxic flower

If you notice any of the following symptoms and suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, don’t wait: speak to a vet immediately. Don’t attempt to treat your pet or induce vomiting as you may cause more harm.

• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Excessive drooling
• Loss of coordination
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle spasm or tremors
• Seizures
• Diarrhoea
• Wincing in pain
• Loss of consciousness

Be ready to pass the following onto your vet: 

• Information about your pet (including weight, age, species and breed)
• What symptoms they are experiencing
• What plant you suspect they have eaten (take a leaf or picture into the vet with you)
• How long ago you suspect they ate the plant

In addition to flowers, here is a list of house plants that are toxic to cats and dogs.

What flowers are safe for pets?

Unless something is 100% intended for your pet to eat, there are no guarantees that any plant or flower won’t make your pet ill. For that reason, many experts often prefer not to frame any flower as ‘safe for pets’, as it’s really not ideal for a pet to eat any flower. Keeping flowers out of reach is always your safest bet.

If you want to mitigate the risk to your pet when you celebrate Valentines Day or another special occasion, here are some flowers that are safer for your cat or dog to be around. Fortunately, these are all still gorgeous options that would make perfect Valentines Day gift! 

1. Roses

2. Sunflowers

3. Calendula 

4. Petunia

6. Orchids (not all varieties, so check first)

8. African violets

9. Zinnia

10. Snapdragons

11. Celosia 

If you are a pet sitter, it’s really important to be aware of what to allow around your own pets and guest pets. And if you need a pet sitter for Valentines Day, have a chat with your pet sitter beforehand about keeping flowers out of reach.