How to Choose Pet-friendly Plants Safe for Cats and Dogs

Fur babies make our lives so much better. Pets are loyal and playful, and their antics can have us in stitches. When we’re sharing our homes and spaces with our furry friends, we need to make sure to create a safe environment. Of course, houseplants and flowers are suitable for the senses, but here are a few to include—and avoid—to keep our pets and homes safe for the smallest residents.

Toxic Plants for Cats and Dogs

These are definite no-no's in your home. Even when placed out of reach, a determined pet—especially cats—can get to them. Where there’s a will, there’s a way! If you have a pet free home and have visitors, keep these plants in mind. Put them in a bathroom, bedroom, or garage while your company is in town. 

We realize that some of them may be favorites or even sentimental flowers. However, rest assured that there are plenty of non-toxic plants to enjoy. There are actually hundreds of lesser-known plants toxic to cats and dogs, but here is a list of common poisonous plants to avoid.

• Aloe
• Amaryllis
• Tulips
• Daffodils
• Eucalyptus
• Chrysanthemum 
• Ivy
• Poinsettia
• Carnation
• Lilies (toxic plants for cats only)
• Baby’s Breath (poisonous to dogs only)

Flowers and Houseplants Safe for Dogs and Cats

Finding plants safe for cats and dogs isn’t as difficult as you may think. In fact, some of our favorite plants—roses and sunflowers—make the safe list. Avoid most poisonous plants for dogs and other pets with these beautiful substitutions. 

• Orchids
• Alstroemeria
• Zinnia
• Roses
• Snapdragons
• Daisies
• Pansies
• Marigolds
• Sunflowers
• Ferns
• Spider Plants

Pet-Safe Flower Arrangements to Send

You may have questions about cats and plants, or possibly you’re wondering what are some of the most poisonous plants for dogs. Well, we have several bouquets you can send to the pet lover in your life or include in your own home. These arrangements are filled with plants safe for cats to eat (and dogs, too!). Hopefully, they won’t munch on a gorgeous bouquet, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Roses

Our collection of roses is not only beautiful to send, but the blooms are safe for furry friends. Whether you prefer pink, lavender, red, or a mixed color arrangement of roses, we have several from which to choose. You can even select your color based on what the flowers mean. 

Sunflowers

Bright, sunny sunflowers are such a delight to receive. You can always send a full bouquet of sunflowers. However, we offer lots of other arrangements that include sunflowers. Choose a bouquet of sunflowers and red roses or sunny blooms mixed with pink roses.

Snapdragons

We have two attractive options for bouquets that contain snapdragons solely. Whether you love a bright mix of tones or crave a blend of red and white, snapdragons are a lovely, unique flower to send.

Alstroemeria

Alstroemeria flowers are light, petal-filled blooms. These flowers look incredibly stunning in a bouquet of mixed colors. Thankfully these gorgeous blooms are one of the best plants safe for cats and dogs. 

What to Do if Your Pet Eats a Toxic Plant

Accidents happen, and sometimes we don’t know what species a particular plant may be. Family and friends mean well and send bouquets, or maybe you couldn’t resist that adorable plant at the nursery. You may not realize that it can do potential harm.

 If you suspect that your furbaby got a hold of a poisonous houseplant, here’s what to do. P.S. These are great tips for anything toxic to animals, such as medications.

• Look for symptoms, such as fever, shaking, vomiting, and diarrhea. In more extreme cases, lethargy and sluggishness can take place. However, some signs may be hard to detect, such as slight changes in behavior or something seeming “off” with your pet.
• Enclose your pet. Keep the pet away from the toxin. Put them in a safe space to help you monitor your pet’s activities. Doing so can also answer whether or not they are vomiting or have other signs of ingesting poisonous plants.
• Call your vet ASAP. When your pup ingests plants poisonous to dogs, or your feline gets ahold of poisonous plants for cats, you need to act quickly. Call your vet’s office, or if it’s after hours, go to an emergency clinic. You can also call Animal Poison Control at any time of day, even on holidays, for advice.

Whether you are considering flowers for your own home or that of a friend, keep pets in mind. Don’t accidentally send or purchase houseplants poisonous to dogs or cats. Being knowledgeable and considering furry friends is the best bet for everyone as you style your spaces with gorgeous flowers.