What Flowers Are Safe for Pets?

Having a pet carries a big responsibility. Smart pet owners care for their animals as conscientiously as they would small children. In home settings, that means learning what flowers are toxic or poisonous, and keeping them away from pets.

  1. Lists of Dangerous Flowers

    • Numerous resources on the web provide comprehensive lists of unsafe flowers and plants. One of the most trusted website is from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which offers Valentine's Day pet safety tips that apply year round. It includes links to dangerous flora and an online plant library with photos. Another source is the nonprofit organization Pawprints &Purrs, whose website contains a list of 537 toxic plants.

    17 Most Common

    • According to the ASPCA, there are 17 plants that are most frequently linked to accidental pet poisoning. These include: lilies, marijuana, sago palm, tulip or narcissus bulbs, azaleas or rhododendrons, oleander, castor bean, cyclamen, kalanchoe, yew, amaryllis, autumn crocus, chrysanthemum, English ivy, Mauna Loa peace lily, pothos and schefflera. A few other troublemakers include daffodils, hyacinths, hydrangeas, iris and jonquils.

    YouTube Link

    • The ASPCA webpage also features a YouTube video with veterinarian Steven Hansen, who gives a brief overview of the 17 toxic plants.

    Beware of Thorns

    • While roses and other thorny flowers may not be toxic, they have a danger all their own. Biting, stepping on or swallowing thorns can cause serious infection if skin is punctured.

    Safe lists.

    • While there are plenty of dangerous plants, there are many safe ones, too. Pawprints &Purrs also lists 598 varieties that are OK to bring home.