Pet-Friendly Flowers & Houseplants to Keep Your Furry Friend Safe

As pet owners, you’re probably already aware of how curious your furry friends can be about everything at home. They like to play, explore, and chew on anything they see at their level, including flowers and houseplants. As beautiful and harmless as it may seem to have colourful blooms around your tail-wagging companions, some flowers and plants can be highly toxic if ingested.

The wellbeing of your pets is of utmost importance, which is why you need to be aware of what flowers and houseplants are safe for dogs and cats –whether you’re sending flowers to pet owners or purchasing them for yourself. 

Explore the colourful world of pet safe flowers and houseplants by reading our selection of pet-friendly options so you can add colour and texture to your space including tips on handling accidental ingestion of toxic plants. 

Pet-Friendly Flowers for Homes with Dogs and Cats

1. Roses

Roses are stunning, fragrant flowers that bloom in wide varieties of colours and sizes. Not only are they timelessly beautiful, but they’re also considered to be one of the most pet-friendly flowers to have for any occasion. In the case your furry friend likes to explore plants at home, simply remove the thorns to prevent any unwanted scratches.

2. Gerbera Daisies

Gerbera daisies are bright, eye-catching and cheerful classics available in pretty shades of red, pink, yellow, and white. Unlike other daisy blooms, gerbera daisies are perfect for pet lovers, as their flowers are safe for both dogs and cats. Having said that, gerbera daisies aren’t a usual part of your paw baby’s everyday diet which is why it would be a good idea to keep any flower arrangements out of their reach if possible, to also avoid chewed petals strewn all over the place.

3. Sunflowers

Sunflowers can be a wonderfully vibrant choice to brighten up joyous celebrations. While they’re more known as “happy flowers”, these rustic blooms also make ideal gift flowers that aren’t toxic to cats and dogs. Enjoy watching these golden beauties, whether on your windowsill or dining room table, and let them add a sunny charm to your home.

4. African Violets

The radiant colours of the African violet are sure to attract and entice your dog to play with them. But don’t worry, they’re absolutely safe and non-toxic to be around these colourful blooms. No matter where you decide to keep or plant them, African Violets are dog-friendly perennials that are also quite easy to take care of too.

5. Orchids

With a unique variety of shapes, colours, and sizes, orchids are delicate flowers known for their elegant beauty. The moth orchid is one of the most common orchid blooms that are perfectly safe for your furry friends at home. They’re perfect for dressing up coffee tables, entryways or adding a sophisticated touch to your indoor space.

6. Petunias

Symbolising perseverance and hope, petunias are beautifully vibrant flowers with blooms in so many colours imaginable. Native to South America, these flowers love being out in the sun and are safe to be around pets too. And unlike many other plants with harmful toxins, petunias lack any dangerous compounds, making them worry-free choices for pet-friendly gardens.[1]

7. Snapdragons

Known for their light, candy-like scent, snapdragons are often fine additions to any sophisticated floral arrangement. Another amazing quality these blooms share is that they are both cat and dog-friendly flowers to have for your celebrations. Add a touch of whimsy to your home with beautifully scented snapdragon bouquets and enjoy having these unique beauties liven up your space.  

8. Zinnias

Zinnias are sun-loving flowers with beautiful hues of purple, pink, red, yellow, and other rich colours. True to its meaning of friendship and goodness, these vibrant blooms are also pet-friendly flowers that you and your furry friends could appreciate at home. 

9. Freesia

Blooming in hues of yellow, orange, red, pink, purple and even blue, freesias are another addition you can include to your list of pet safe flowers for both dogs and cats. These tall, funnel-shaped and lemon-scented flowers make wonderful gifts for friends and family especially those with furry friends of their own.

10. Alstroemeria

Astros are a favourite pet safe bloom that are seen around in many pet-friendly parks and gardens but are often mistaken for lilies (many of which are toxic). They’re a great replacement for lilies and come in all kinds of colours, which make them perfect to keep or grow for families that include four-footed members. You can enjoy them in a crowded or sparse arrangement on their own.

Pet-friendly Houseplants

1. Spider Plant

Scientifically known as chlorophytum comosum, the spider plant, is one of the most popular and recognized houseplants that are considered pet safe for your furry friends. These plants are not only low maintenance but they’re also a breath of fresh air for pet owners as they purify spaces from air toxins like carbon monoxide with the help of their strap-shaped leaves.

2. Bamboo Palm

The bamboo palm, also known as the reed palm or parlour palm, is a wonderful tropic pet-friendly houseplant that can compliment your home. They appreciate being indoors with indirect light, and are free from saponins and other chemicals that could cause adverse reactions to our whiskered and tail-wagging roommates.

3. Boston Fern

The Boston fern are hardy plants with sword-shaped and slightly toothed fronds, making it suitable for its nickname as the sword fern. These pet-friendly houseplants are safe for both dogs and cats and also help purify the air at home.[2]

4. Maidenhair Fern

One of our favourite indoor plant varieties is the stunning, vibrant maidenhair fern. These indoor plants have fan-like leaves clustered together in wiry black stems and are considered pet safe. These houseplants are perfect for pet owners who want to brighten up their living spaces with a splash of colour.

5. Chinese Money Plant

From being called the UFO plant to pancake plant, or just pilea (that’s short for Pilea peperomioides), the Chinese money plant is a true gem that’s pleasing to the eye with its round-shaped leaves. These houseplants symbolise prosperity and good fortune, bringing luck to pet owners who are searching for pet safe plants that are non-toxic to their furry friends. 

6. Hawthoria

Known as the zebra plant, the hawthoria is a type of succulent that may look similar to aloe, but is actually pet safe for both cats and dogs. They require very minimal care, and can add character to your collection of pet safe greenery with their unique marks and leaves.

7. Ponytail Fern

Ponytail ferns are one of the most low maintenance plants you’ll appreciate when you want fuss-free greenery at home. These pet-friendly houseplants have unique characteristics such as slender leaves that are wavy and lush in appearance as well as a thick trunk, which gives its nickname as the elephant’s foot.

8. Cast Iron Plant

A cast iron plant is a stunning pet safe addition to any indoor and outdoor space. With its glossy foliage and hardy features, the cast iron plant thrives in low light and requires very little attention, making it perfect for busy indoor environments.

Flowers to Avoid for Pets

1. Daffodils

Daffodils are vibrant yellow and white flowers that are known for the cheerful demeanour they add to gardens and floral displays. However, these trumpet-shaped blooms can also be poisonous to pets as they contain a toxic component called lycorine which can cause digestive upset when ingested. Other substances in daffodils can also cause irritation to the skin and to the mouth and throat.[3]

2. Hyacinth

While these bulbous and fragrant plants can be stunning, hyacinth flowers are quite toxic to pets especially when they’re consumed. When large amounts of the plant’s bulbs are ingested, it can cause a severe reaction to both dogs and cats such as vomiting and diarrhoea and even changes in heart rate and respiration, which will require immediate veterinary attention.

3. Carnations

Carnations are quite popular blooms that are often chosen for traditional floral surprises like Mother’s Day. However, their delicate and colourful petals might not be the best choice for pet lovers. When ingested, the carnation flower can be poisonous to pets and cause gastrointestinal effects; whereas the sap could also cause dermatitis when in contact with the skin.

4. Chrysanthemums

While they’re vibrant and safe for human consumption, chrysanthemums, sometimes called mums, are highly toxic to pets. Plants in the chrysanthemum family contain compounds such as pyrethrin and sesquiterpene which can pose health risks to pets when consumed. In the event your pet has ingested a chrysanthemum, immediately seek veterinary care especially when they show signs of vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling and incoordination.[4]

5. Irises

While we can't deny the beauty these eye-catching blooms share, irises can trigger a lot of issues for both cats and dogs especially if they eat or even touch their petals. Depending on their size, dogs will likely experience mild to moderate complications. However, cats will likely experience extreme discomfort and even serious health problems if left untreated.[5]

6. Hydrangeas 

Hydrangeas, commonly named the hortensia, is a popular plant that’s appreciated across many different cultures. While they symbolise luck and prosperity, they may not be in our furry friend’s favour. From their leaves to blooms, hydrangea plants can cause mild to severe toxicity for both cats and dogs.[6]

7. Tulips

With their slender stems and vivid petals, tulips are popular flowers associated with springtime joy in different parts of the world. While known for their beauty, tulips are from the lily plant family, and aren’t considered pet safe flowers. They contain alkaloid and glycoside compounds as well as allergenic lactones, which are harmful if ingested. From the petals to the stem and leaves, the whole plant is poisonous to both cats and dogs.

8. Peonies

Admired for their gorgeous blooms, peonies can make any bouquet look luxurious with their fluffy petals. However, these popular flowers contain toxins like paeonol, which can be quite harmful to both cats and dogs.

Pets Can React to Plants Differently

While dogs and cats generally share very similar tolerance levels to toxic plants, there are rare instances when certain pet safe flowers can be harmful to either of your furry friends. 

Daylilies are an example of pet-friendly flowers that are safe for dogs, however these yellow or orange trumpet-shaped blooms can be very toxic to our feline friends. Every part of the daylily such as the stem, leaves, flowers, pollen, and even the water it touches in a vase can cause cats severe health complications.[7]

There are also other factors to consider such as your pet’s breed, size, and the manner of plant poisoning which can influence toxicity levels differently in each pet. As responsible pet owners, it’s important to understand your pets' individual characteristics and any existing health conditions before bringing a plant to your home. 

Consulting with a veterinarian and differentiating between plants that are safe or toxic ensures the safety and well-being of your beloved companions.

How do I know if my pet has ingested a flower or houseplant that is toxic?

Part of being a responsible pet (and plant) owner is learning about pet-friendly flowers and plants and recognising signs of plant poisoning to help ensure everyone’s well-being. If you have a dog or cat at home, it’s important to watch out for any of these signs of plant poisoning: 

If your pet shows any of these symptoms or possibly ingested a toxic plant, immediately seek medical attention from your veterinarian or call the Animal Poisons Helpline. While waiting for medical assistance, here are necessary actions you can take to reduce complications and help your veterinarian better assess the cause of the poisoning:  

1. Calmy remove any bits of plant from the mouth, if any.[8]

2. Do not give your pet anything to eat or drink before speaking with a vet.

3. Do not attempt to give any home remedies or induce vomiting.

4. Examine your pet’s breathing and overall appearance.

5. Give accurate details of the symptoms your pet is experiencing.

6. Take a small sample of the vomit with you, if any.

7. If you suspect a specific plant, take a photo or collect a sample of the plant to bring with you for the veterinarian’s assessment. 

Even seemingly harmless or non-toxic plants can pose risks to curious pets. It’s important to take precautions and prevent your pets from experiencing accidents such as ingesting plants or accidental poisoning from fertilisers or pesticides. To ensure your pet's safety, always do thorough research of potential plant hazards and monitor their interactions with all plants, toxic or not.

Being mindful of the plants you bring into your home can do wonders for your living space and for your pets' well-being. It’s important to remember that:

1. There are safe, non-toxic plants that are perfect for both cats and dogs.

2. While cats and dogs share similarities in plant tolerance, the severity of a plant’s toxicity will depend on your pet’s size, breed, and cause of poisoning.

3. Immediate veterinary attention is necessary if you feel your pets have ingested a toxic plant or show signs of plant poisoning.

Opting for pet-friendly blooms ensures you both peace of mind and a harmonious environment where your furry companions can roam with less risk of stressful emergency vet visits. Now you know which flowers are safe for your furry friends, you can treat yourself and loved ones to pet-friendly flowers and plants like roses and gerbera daisies any day. 

Don’t forget to show us on Facebook or on Instagram using the hashtag #AlwaysInterflora or #InterfloraAU. 

FAQ

Are daisies pet friendly?

Some daisies can be considered pet safe flowers while others can cause irritation for both cats and dogs, especially when ingested in large quantities. If you want to add daisies to your home, gerbera daisies are a worry-free choice for pet safe flowers.

Are roses pet friendly?

Yes, roses are considered to be one of the most pet-friendly flowers you could have around your furry friends. Just be sure to trim the thorns to avoid any scratches in the event your pet will want to explore this timeless bloom.

What is the most toxic flower for pets?

While there are many flowers and plants that can be toxic to pets, the severity of health issues will also depend on your pet’s size and breed. For example, lilies can be very toxic for cats. However, dogs may only experience minor digestive issues especially if the lilies they are exposed to are day lilies.

What nice-smelling flowers are safe for cats and dogs?

Roses, freesia, snapdragons are great examples of fragrant flowers that are perfectly safe for your pets. If you feel unsure about purchasing certain blooms, you could check collections for pet-friendly flowers that won’t harm your furry friends.

What is the least toxic flower to cats and dogs?

Beautiful blooms like roses, gerbera daisies, sunflowers, are few of the least toxic flowers to cats and dogs. Other than checking for pet safe flowers, you could also ensure your pet’s safety by consulting with your veterinarian before purchasing blooms for your home. 

References:

1. https://greg.app/petunia-toxic-to-dogs/#:~:text=Petunias%20are%20the%20safe%20bet,choice%20for%20pet%2Dfriendly%20gardens.

2. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/boston-fern

3. https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/dogs/health/daily-care/are-daffodils-poisonous-to-dogs#:~:text=Yes%2C%20daffodils%20are%20poisonous%20to,mouth%20and%20throat%20if%20ingested.

4. https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/pets/are-chrysanthemums-toxic-to-dogs/#:~:text=Are%20chrysanthemums%20poisonous%20to%20dogs,which%20are%20toxic%20to%20pets.

5. https://www.rover.com/blog/are-irises-poisonous-to-dogs/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20ASPCA%2C%20yes,mild%20to%20moderate%20in%20severity.

6. https://www.petmd.com/dog/poisons/are-hydrangeas-poisonous-to-dogs

7. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/lovely-lilies-and-curious-cats-dangerous-combination#:~:text=The%20entire%20lily%20plant%20is,in%20less%20than%203%20days.

8. https://www.olympiapetemergency.net/site/blog/2021/11/11/plants-toxic-cats