Valentine’s Day and fresh flowers go hand in hand, but if your loved one has pets, choosing the wrong blooms could pose a serious health risk.
Many popular flowers used in Valentine’s bouquets are toxic to cats and dogs, potentially leading to vomiting, diarrhoea, or even life-threatening conditions. It’s crucial to avoid toxic flowers and opt for beautiful, pet-friendly alternatives instead!
Before you buy a bouquet, check out this list of flowers that should be avoided to keep furry family members safe.
1. Lilies
A Valentine’s Day favourite, lilies are highly toxic to cats. Even small amounts—such as licking pollen or drinking water from a vase—can cause fatal kidney failure.
2. Tulips
While tulips add a beautiful pop of colour to bouquets, they contain toxins that can lead to excessive drooling, vomiting, and diarrhoea in both dogs and cats. The highest concentration of toxins is found in the bulbs.
3. Daffodils
These cheerful yellow blooms contain harmful alkaloids that trigger vomiting, tremors, and heart issues in pets. The bulbs are particularly dangerous.
4. Hyacinths
Known for their intoxicating scent, hyacinths contain substances that can lead to intense vomiting, diarrhoea, and tremors when ingested by pets.
5. Peonies
They’re romantic and elegant, but peonies contain toxins that can upset your pet’s stomach, causing vomiting and diarrhoea.
6. Chrysanthemums
Often found in mixed bouquets, chrysanthemums can cause hypersalivation, incoordination, and digestive issues in pets.
7. Amaryllis
A popular choice in Valentine’s arrangements, amaryllis can lead to vomiting, tremors, and lethargy in pets.
8. Calla Lilies
Although beautiful, calla lilies can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing when chewed by pets.
9. Peace Lilies
Unlike true lilies, peace lilies don’t cause kidney failure but can still lead to severe mouth irritation, vomiting, and trouble swallowing.
ALSO SEE: Caring for orchids – tips to ensure beautiful blooms
Pet-friendly flowers to choose instead
Thankfully, there are plenty of stunning, non-toxic options that allow you to give flowers without worry:
- Roses – Classic and romantic, true roses (Rosa species) are safe for pets.
- Orchids – Exotic and elegant, orchids add beauty without posing a risk.
- Sunflowers – Cheerful and bright, sunflowers are completely pet-friendly.
- Snapdragons – Vibrant and long-lasting, these make a beautiful alternative.
- Gerbera Daisies – A pop of colour that won’t harm pets.
- Asters – Delicate and whimsical, yet safe for furry friends.
- Camellias – Soft, fragrant, and pet-friendly.
Love your pets as much as you love your partner and choose your blooms wisely!
ALSO SEE:
A guide to sun-loving flowers that flourish in direct sunlight
Feature Image: Pexels
