Pet Friendly Plants & Flowers

Pet-Friendly Plants and Flowers

When it comes to plants, low maintenance is always a plus and African violets thrive without direct sunlight, fit in well with your pets and add a pop of purple to any space. Parlor palm, polka dot, calathea, sage and spider plants are also safe to keep around pets.

Phalaenopsis Orchids, or moth orchids, are incredibly easy to grow and may just become one of the neatest flowers you have in your home. Only requiring water once a week (or when the potting medium feels dry), they’re low-light orchids so as long as they’re placed in space without direct sunlight, they’ll thrive. They’re pet-safe so you won’t have to worry about your cat or dog coexisting in harmony with this flower. Petals’ Zen Artistryflower arrangement is a fantastic way to get started with this stunning bloom.

Daisies are fan favourites of most florists, due to their bright colors and many variations. They’re non-toxic to cats and dogs so they’ll quickly become one of your favourite flower bouquets. With so many different hues to choose from, their bright, cheerful look can bring happiness to any room -- so you can use Gerbera daisy flower arrangements to create any mood for any occasion.

Looking to declare your love for the cat or dog owner in your life? Look no further than the tried-and-true classic, roses. Renowned globally as the quintessential blooms of romance, they’re also perfectly pet-safe. However, their sidekicks are another story entirely -- many rose bouquets are filled with baby’s breath, which is not safe for cats and dogs. Instead, ask for white limonium to create the same look without putting furry friends in harm.

Safety First

First things second, it’s always important to think twice about the plants and flowers you keep indoors and outdoors when you have pets. Certain plant species, including those found in some flower arrangements, are toxic for animals and once their curiosity inevitably gets the better of them, they can become ill after ingestion. Animals have even been known to experience stomach pains and vomiting after consuming too many leaves and petals from non-toxic plant and flower species. Regardless of where they rank on the poisonous scale, it’s a good idea to keep your plants and flowers out of reach from pets if possible.

If your pet does consume a poisonous plant or experiences stomach pain and vomiting from eating a plant or flower, call your veterinarian or take your pet to emergency services immediately.

Poisonous Plants and Flowers for Pets

Causing loss of coordination and overall discomfort, your cats and dogs will not get along with chrysanthemum. Carnations and dahlia are not terribly toxic, but they’ve been known to cause minor gastrointestinal issues so it’s a good idea to keep them away from your pets. Geraniums are a typical choice for outdoor gardening, but they can cause skin rashes, low blood pressure, lethargy and loss of appetite. And, while aloe works wonders on sunburn, it doesn’t sit well with cats or dogs and can cause diarrhea or vomiting. Other unsafe plants and flowers for pets include:

• Amaryllis
• African daisy
• Azalea
• Hyacinth
• Hydrangea
• Lavender
• Peace lillies
• Poinsettia
• Tomato plants
• Tulips