It’s National Pet Week. Test Your Knowledge on Pet-Safe Plants

Posted By Allen's Flower Market On Tuesday, 03 May 2022 Back

It’s National Pet Week. Test Your Knowledge on Pet-Safe Plants

It’s National Pet Week. Test Your Knowledge on Pet-Safe Plants

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Are You Sure Your Flowers And Plants Are Safe For Your Pets?

A home filled with flowers and plants is good for your health. Wellness experts and interior specialists love to discuss the benefits of having plants on hand in the home or office. Flowers are instant mood-boosters and can be a reliable remedy for anxiety or sadness. Potted plants generate fresh air and can humidify indoor spaces, benefitting our lungs and immune systems, especially during transitional times like Spring. Gazing at a fresh bouquet or potted plant can bring joy to your space and fill your day with positive conversations, high energy, and heightened creativity. 

These benefits are all great for us – but what about our pets? More than 23 million households adopted a pet during the pandemic. There has never been a better time to take note of plants and flowers that are pet-safe. Typically, when plants and flowers are toxic to animals, they can cause mild to moderate digestive upset or mouth irritation. In most cases, these issues will not disrupt you or your pet in a significant way. However, kittens, puppies, and younger pets should especially steer clear of any toxic plants as their reaction tends to be more severe. Many pet owners may feel that their dog or cat is not interested in plants or that they don’t pose a risk. However, unless you can supervise your pet every day, it is a good idea to be aware of the pet-safe plants and steer clear of plants that are toxic to animals.

Potted Plants that are Safe for Pets

Potted plants that you plan to keep and grow for a long time are perhaps the most important to consider regarding pet safety. Ferns, such as the Boston ferns and Maidenhairs that adorn our Treasure Basket Garden, are perfectly safe for dogs and cats. Similarly, several cacti and succulent plants are pet-safe. Our locally grown California succulents, such as Sempervivum “hearts” and Blue Echeveria, which appear prominently in our many succulent arrangements, are safe to keep around pets. We love the colorful pop and long-lasting beauty of Bromeliads – and thankfully, these beauties are safe for pets.

On the other hand, Snake plants, Aloe, and Kalanchoe are mildly toxic to dogs and cats. Pet owners with these plants will want to store them well out of pets’ reach or avoid keeping them in the house to save a trip to the vet. 

Pet-Safe Flowers and Bouquets 

When giving the gift of flowers, chances are you aren’t planning on them ending up in a dog or cat’s mouth. However, even the most well-behaved furry friend might nibble a stem out of curiosity, so it is wise to understand pet-safe flowers whenever you give flowers to a pet owner. 

The good news is, there are many gorgeous flowers and accouterments that are perfectly safe for even the most curious nibbling pets. Some of our favorite floral centerpieces at Allen’s Flower Market include bright, sunshiney Gerbera Daisies and elegant Phalaenopsis Orchids – both of these are pet-safe. Marigolds are generally considered to be pet-safe. Snapdragons are pet-safe and are the perfect choice for a statement bouquet or centerpiece such as our playful Cirque du Soleil arrangement. You can always play it safe and keep it classy by choosing roses, which are also safe to keep around pets. Bold, brilliant sunflowers are, thankfully, perfectly pet safe.

On the flip side, Hydrangeas, Daffodils, and Lilies are quite dangerous when ingested by pets. Cats in particular can have severe reactions to all parts of these plants.

At Allen’s Flower Market, we believe in the benefits of a florally rich environment that benefits the entire family – fur friends included. If you are ever unsure about a flower or plant in one of our arrangements, our skilled floral artisans can collaborate with you to create the perfect gift or addition to your houseplant collection. Get in touch with us to discuss any special preferences or needs you and your family want to keep in mind when adding plants and flowers to your lives.

Allen’s Flower Market has been family-owned and operated for over 40 years and has four Southern California locations. Visit us at our floral design stores in Long Beach, Reseda, Los Angeles, and Sunland-Tujunga, or call us at 877.981.9499. We are proud to offer you the mood-lifting benefits of fresh, thoughtful floral designs – and we are here to support the well-being of your pets. Please have a look at our latest floral creations at https://www.allensflowermarket.com/