Pets & Flowers

So, you've got a lovely bouquet or a beautiful flowering plant, but you have pets as well? Here’s a by-no-means-extensive list of some of the most common toxic flowers for dogs and cats. Please consult the internet if you receive a flower or plant not on this list!

Tulip: The bulbs are the most toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion will cause vomiting, drooling, and an upset stomach.

Lilies: Any part of a lily is fatal for cats, even a tiny bit of pollen. Keep these far out of reach, or remove them from the arrangement!

Hyacinth: The bulbs contain oxalate crystals, which will burn the mouth if ingested. It will also cause severe vomiting, dehydration, and diarrhea.

Daffodil: Any part of a daffodil will cause severe vomiting, abdominal pain, convulsions, and heart arrhythmia.

Mums: Even though pyrethrin's are in some topical flea medications, ingestion of the pyrethrin's found in mums proves problematic, causing vomiting and seizures.

And here’s a toxicity fallacy: poinsettias are NOT FATAL to pets! They’re only mildly toxic. They may have vomiting, drooling, and mouth irritation, but no more than a dog would by eating grass. For poinsettia to be fatal, the animal would have to eat a literal truckload.

And what about pet-friendly flowers? Try daisies (Gerbera or Shasta), roses, orchids, sunflowers, and alstroemeria! All of these and more (again, please consult the Web) are safe for your pet.

Enjoy your beautiful flowers, and let’s be safe out there!