Active noses, playful paws, and curious taste buds are recipes for accidents when it comes to our favorite flowers displayed around the home. Spilling pots, snacking on petals, and digging in the dirt is not only messy and disruptive to our blooms, but it could also be dangerous and toxic to our furry friends. Pet parents, flower enthusiasts, and gardeners are unofficially tasked with knowing which flowers and blooms are safe, healthy, and unthreatening to cats and dogs. To help in your research, the experts here at QG Floral + Landscape / Flowers by Mike, the top florist in Oceanside and East Rockaway, have compiled a list of popular flowers that are great options for pet-friendly homes.

Safe Flowers for Pets

Roses

Admiring roses with your partner is one romantic gesture that cannot be spoiled by your loving fur babies. These blooms are on the top of our list as a perfectly pet-friendly choice, even if your curious cat sneaks a nibble from a rose’s petal. These classic and elegant blooms are sure to remain a popular flower among humans and four-legged friends for years to come. However, it is important to be sure that all thorns from a rose’s stem are fully removed before arranging them in your home.

Sunflowers

Like gerbera daisies, sunflowers add an inspiring jolt of happiness, peace, optimism, and joy to your home in a pet-friendly way. As these blooms are safe for our furry friends, they provide a fantastic alternative to toxic flowers, like the common daisy or chrysanthemum. However, as with any bloom, make sure that your curious cat or playful pup is not snacking on sunflowers too often as this can cause mild digestive upset.

Snapdragons

Snapdragons are among the beautiful blooms that are frost tolerant and flourish in cooler temperatures of early spring and late fall. Found in almost any color, they are a fantastic, non-toxic choice for any floral arrangement or to elegantly display as a single stem in charming bud vases. Since Fido can share his space with snapdragons without facing any danger, you can confidently liven up your home with their fun pop of color.

Petunias

As they whimsically cascade from window boxes or hanging baskets, petunias offer a breath of fresh air in addition to their sweet hint of uplifting color. Safe for dogs and cats who cannot resist their signature trumpet-shaped petals, these flowers prove to be a popular summer and spring bloom. Petunias also make great housewarming gifts and hostess gifts as they historically represented enjoying someone’s company.

Zinnias

Known for their bold and brilliant tropical hues, zinnias are a fantastic choice for brightening up any home, garden, or gloomy mood. Pet parents especially love zinnias as they prove to be harmless to fur babies and require minimal care. Simply place these flowers in a sunny and warm spot to watch their full and lush faces open and blossom as the days go by.

How to Protect your Pets from Toxic Flowers

While some of our four-legged friends have a difficult time keeping their paws to themselves, it is a good idea to always display your plants and flowers in a way that is inaccessible to them. A common idea is to make a colorful “greenhouse” on a patio, porch, or another screened-in area. You can also have a little fun creating a trendy and unique floral wall. Between hanging baskets and pots and unique shelving, allow this space to reflect your artistic side. As you continue your hunt for pet-friendly blooms, your friends and experts here at QG Floral + Landscape / Flowers by Mike are excited to assist you.