To us pet parents, our tail-wagging companions’ safety is always our top priority. Hence, as beautiful as carnations and tulips are, we just can’t afford to bring them home or plant them in our beautiful gardens because they pose health risks to our pets.

However, just because some flowers are toxic to furry babies doesn’t mean we have to give up on flowers altogether. There are some flowers that are pet-approved and can enjoyed with your pet.

In this guide, we curated a list of pet-safe flowers for those who are both fur parents and fans of flowers. From beautiful marigolds to unique celosia, these flowers can be the perfect gift or the perfect garden ornament for you!

Marigolds

With marigold flowers’ bright and stunning blooms, there’s a high chance your cat or dog will be curious if it sees them in your garden or indoor pot. But don’t worry because these beautiful blooms are non-toxic!

Granted, eating too much of the flower can cause an upset stomach, but you’ll likely be able to pull your fur baby away from the flower before it can even eat more than it should. The effects will also be mild and non-fatal, so you don’t have to worry.

While these beautiful flowers are not fatal to pets, they’re considered flowers of the dead in Mexico, so be careful when gifting them to friends and acquaintances who are Mexicans. 

Lisianthus

Have all the flower shops run out of roses while looking for a Valentine’s gift? How about a special, long-lasting bouquet of lisianthus for your lover?

Lisianthus flowers resemble roses, so they’re a great alternative if you have to use roses but can’t find them anywhere. They come in a wide array of colors, including white, pink, lavender, and even bi-colors.

Aside from their resemblance to roses, another reason for their popularity among florists is their long vase life. They can typically last up to two weeks or even longer with proper care.

Pansy Flowers

Just because pansies have a tiny size doesn’t mean they won’t make a huge impact on your flower arrangements. These blooms symbolize affection and loving thoughts, making them a meaningful gift for your girlfriend or wife.

They also have flowers that boast a face-like pattern on their petals, which can make not just your partner but also her pets curious. Their petals are also very vibrant, so it’s not unlikely for your lover’s furry friend to play with them.

However, there’s really nothing to worry about, as pansies are considered pet-safe. These charming blooms are non-toxic, meaning that even if your lover’s furry friend decides to explore and play with them, there’s minimal cause for concern.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are the biggest symbols of fun summers since they bloom from early summer to late summer. They aren’t toxic to pets, so your pets will be safe even if they get attracted to their vibrant yellow petals and a brown central disk.

Ingesting too much of the flower may cause some mild gastrointestinal infections as sunflowers are still foreign to their body, but they should be fine after a few hours.

Known as symbols of friendship and happiness, these beautiful flowers can be the perfect birthday gift for any of your closest friends.

Gerbera Daisy

Gerbera daisies, another very popular flower, can be gifted to your animal lover relatives or planted in your own garden. They have large, colorful blooms in a wide range of colors, from bright, cheerful yellow to soft and gentle pink.

Gerbera blooms have a central disk surrounded by ray-like petals, giving it a classic yet attractive look. This makes it a beautiful ornamental flower for your garden beds and table vases.

If you’re looking for a first-date gift, consider giving a pink variety of gerbera daisies. They represent adoration and appreciation for one’s presence, so they can help you make a good first impression.

Asters

As one of the birth flowers of September, floral arrangements made of asters can be one of the sweetest gifts you can give a September baby. 

These beautiful flowers are considered symbols of love and patience, a symbolism that was started during the Victorian era. This symbolism, along with their bright daisy-like blooms, can make your lover smile brightly if you give them as gifts.

You might not want to plant them in your garden, though, if you prefer a neat garden. As much as they’re beautiful, asters can be weedy, which some homeowners don’t particularly like.

Zinnias

Zinnias are among the best options if you’re looking to add a burst of color to your home and garden. With their daisy-like blooms that come in almost all colors, these blooms are perfect for garden beds and any floral arrangement.

These are easy-to-grow annuals that are perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners. They’re drought tolerant once established and can thrive in full sunlight, making them ideal for various climates.

The best part about them? They’re also pet-friendly, meaning your tail-wagging friends can enjoy their beauty alongside you without worrying about their safety!

Orchids

Considered one of the most elegant flowers, you can never go wrong with gifting orchids to anyone. They carry positive symbolisms, such as luxury, elegance, beauty, and fertility, so you won’t likely offend anyone you gift them to.

Consider them as your top choices for a Mother’s Day floral arrangement. Whether you choose a vibrant Cattleya or a fragrant Oncidium, an orchid gift can make any mother smile.

Aside from their beautiful blooms and positive symbolisms, orchids are also generally considered non-toxic to pets, making them an even better choice if your mom is also a pet parent.

Petunia

Loved for their vibrant, trumpet-shaped, or funnel-shaped blooms and cascading growth habit, petunias are among the best flowers for hanging baskets. They can be the perfect display for your patio or a housewarming gift for your friends.

Most varieties of the flower are fragrant and can make any room and garden smell fruity and sweet. Thankfully, these beautiful flowers are non-toxic to pets, so your lovely kitty or puppy will be safe even if they get attracted to petunia’s sweet smell.

Statice

Statice flowers are small and inconspicuous, but they bloom in clusters giving a larger and fuller image. They’re popular fillers that florists use to spice up various floral arrangements.

Although they only have 7 to 10 days of vase life, you can actually enjoy their beauty forever if you dry them up. They retain their color and form even when dried, so they can still be displayed or used in arrangements.

Since you can have them displayed for a long time, leaving your pets alone around them can be worrying. Fortunately, statice flowers are pet-safe unless your pet is allergic to flowers.

African Violet

Despite the name, African violets come in colors other than just violet, including blue, yellow, red, and pink. They produce clusters of tiny, five-petaled flowers and velvety leaves, giving them a soft and delicate image.

African violets symbolize devotion and faithfulness, so if you’re preparing a wedding or proposal, these are the perfect flowers for your floral arrangements. These flowers are rare, which can make your wedding even more special.

If you have pets that you want for the wedding, you can have them as guests without worrying about their safety around the flowers. These African violets are non-toxic to almost all pets.

Rose

One of the most popular and widely cultivated flowers worldwide, roses are not just beautiful and romantic flowers. They’re also safe for your feline and canine friends.

They come in thousands of varieties, each with unique characteristics like size, shape, and fragrance. They also come in a wide array of colors, so they can be used for arrangements for any occasion.

Roses, especially red ones, are often associated with love and romance, making them the perfect gifts for a partner who is also a big pet-lover.

Celosia

Named after the Ancient Greek word for “burning,” celosia flowers’ biggest charm is their dense, flame-like flower head. The flower typically comes in red, orange, burgundy, yellow, and pink, which further makes it look like a burning flower.

Celosia flowers can be stunning garden borders that will surely grab the attention of any guest who visits your home. Their blooms can light up your gardens for a long time as they typically last throughout spring and fall, sometimes even until the first frost.

A bouquet or basket of celosia is also an excellent gift choice for a friend who’s starting a business or job. These flowers are symbols of boldness, so they can express your hope for them to be brave in their new journey.

Freesia

Freesias have trumpet-shaped blooms that are lined on a drooping stem, creating a unique yet stunning appearance. They’re also fragrant wonders that can add a sweet and citrusy scent to your home and garden. 

What makes freesias even more special is their pet-safe nature. They are non-toxic to most pets, so you can freely plant them in your garden without worrying about your pet getting poisoned if they accidentally get close to them. 

Aside from being great garden flowers, freesias are also excellent fillers for flower arrangements. They symbolize trust, so you can use them as fillers for a bouquet you’re preparing for your best friend. 

Waxflower

Another favorite floral filler of many florists, waxflowers can make bouquets look fuller while also adding a pleasant fragrance. They’re classic-looking, with their small, waxy, five-petal blooms, and come in various colors, like pink, purple, and white.

What makes these flowers even better is they can last for up to 3 weeks. This makes them one of the best flowers to gift since their recipient can enjoy their beauty for a long time.

If you’re worried about the recipient’s pet playing with them, you don’t have to, as they’re non-toxic to pets. Some pets may experience mild digestive upset after ingesting large quantities of the flower, but it won’t pose serious risks to their health.

Signs Your Pet May Have Eaten a Toxic Flower

Here are some general signs that your pet may have eaten a toxic flower:

• Vomiting

Your pet will try to remove what’s causing their pain, so they will have persistent vomiting after eating a toxic flower. Their vomit may also contain parts of the flowers.

• Diarrhea

Pooping is another way your pet will try to eliminate the toxins from its body. If there’s blood or mucus in the poop, immediately call a veterinarian.

• Lethargy

Due to the pain caused by the toxins in the flower, your pet may experience unusual tiredness or lack of interest in his usual activities.

• Loss of Appetite

Toxic flowers can irritate the pet’s gastrointestinal tract, so they may have a hard time eating. This can result in sudden loss of appetite.

• Difficulty Breathing

If you notice that your pet has labored breathing coupled with coughing or wheezing, he may have eaten a toxic flower.

• Drooling

Toxic flowers can cause irritation in your pet’s mouth, which can increase drooling as your pet will try to flush out these irritants.

• Increase Heart Rate

Toxic flowers can have toxins that directly affect the pet’s cardiovascular system, leading to an unusually fast heart rate.

• Decreased Urination

A significant decrease in urination can indicate that the flower has caused damage to the pet’s kidneys.

• Seizures

In severe cases of poisoning caused by toxic flowers, your pet may start having seizures as an effect of the toxins in its body.

Different flowers can have varying symptoms, as each has different toxicity levels. The amount of flowers eaten will also have an effect on the severity of the symptoms.

If you suspect that your pet accidentally ingested a toxic flower, consult with a veterinarian immediately. Early intervention is crucial when you’re dealing with poisoning.