Pet Safe Flowers for Cats and Dogs Do you love flowers and have a cat or dog? Do you know which flowers are pet-safe, and which flowers are toxic?
Well, we can tell you. Here at Flowers Across Melbourne, we love flowers (of course), and we also love-love-love our pets! We also know that some flowers and pets don’t get along. Unfortunately with certain flowers, if your fur baby ingests even a small amount, it can cause health issues ranging from stomach upset to life-threatening organ failure.
If you’re thinking of decorating your home with freshly cut blooms, or just received a surprise bouquet gift (lucky you!) the first thing you should do is to check if all the flowers in the arrangement are pet-safe. If you’re sending flowers to someone with a pet, you should also check that they’re safe before you buy.
It’s true that some pets aren’t interested in flowers or plants in general, and may have been around toxic flowers for years without issues. But some pets are chewers- they’ll lick, chew or swallow anything within reach! They are the ones you need to watch out for the most.
So, we’ve put together this article to show you pet-safe flowers that you can bring home without worrying about the health and well-being of your furry family. You’ll also find this article useful when looking for a wonderful gift of flowers for a loved one or a friend living with pets. Please note, this is not an exhaustive list but some of the most common blooms that may come in a bouquet.
Disclaimer: It is not our goal to provide professional veterinary advice. We recommend checking Animal Emergency Service’s toxic flowers and plants list for more details.
5 Pet Friendly Flowers for Cat and Dog Owners
Ideally you should keep your floral arrangements away from your pet’s reach. But what about when your doggo gets the zoomies? Cats are renowned for getting into tight corners and high places. You never know when you might turn around to see your furball munching on your lovely sunflowers, or even to see a whole vase come crashing down! If you have curious kitties or playful dogs in your home, here are pet-safe flowers you can buy:
1. Roses
You can never go wrong with roses when you’re looking for a classic option that is also safe for your pets. Aside from being lovely, they are among the best scented flowers you can get delivered today. They come in a variety of gorgeous colours such as classic red, orange, yellow, pastels and pink. Roses are always a guaranteed winner when giving a gift of flowers.
Roses are commonly included in lists of pet-safe flowers, and you won’t have to worry about fallen petals. Your cat or dog munching on them won’t land you a trip to the vet.
2. Orchids
Did you know that orchids can create a calming environment? For centuries, these these gorgeous flowers have been carefully cultivated, despite being infamous for being difficult to grow. Orchid hybrids and varieties are generally safe for cats and dogs. One example is the wonderful Phalaenopsis orchid. Also referred to as the “moth orchid,” this stunning flower is long-lasting and generally recommended for beginner gardeners. It’s also a non-toxic plant for pets. You can usually buy orchids as potted plants, which can then live a long life safely in the same vicinity of precious pets.
3. Sunflowers
When you want to brighten someone’s day, get them a bouquet of sunflowers. If the recipient is a fur parent, they’d be delighted to know that there’s nothing toxic about these sunny beauties. Besides, a Texas A&M University study found that sunflower seed supplements can temporarily improve the hair and skin coat condition of dogs. So even if your pup accidentally ingests part of the plant, there won’t be adverse effects. The worst thing that could happen is them having better-looking hair than yours!
It’s always best to consult a veterinarian before adding any food supplement to your fur baby’s diet.
4. Gerberas
If you love the colourful rays of gerberas, you’d be happy to know that they’re also non-toxic flowers for cats and dogs. Like sunflowers, gerbera flowers also have edible petals. These cheerful blooms can be the perfect gift to uplift the mood of your friend or loved one, and even for yourself. The Celts believed these flowers could lessen the sorrows of everyday life. You can purchase a happy bunch of gerberas from Flowers Across Melbourne and have them delivered in a vase – same day delivery if ordered before 2pm!
5. Magnolia
Magnolia flowers are pet friendly. People usually grow magnolia shrubs and trees to give their gardens a show-stopping look. In time, the plant produces magnificent star-like flowers in different colours, including pink, white, purple and yellow. Their wonderful blooms bring a pleasant aroma to any space.
Thankfully, you don’t have to be an expert gardener to enjoy the beauty of magnolias. These days, you can easily purchase magnolia bouquets from online florists, and many arrangements contain magnolia leaves mixed in with other flower varieties. However sometimes magnolias are paired with other blooms that are toxic to cats and dogs. So, be sure to check if the magnolias come with pet-safe flowers.
