How To Find Pet-Safe Plants

Plants Are Good For Our Health – But Are They Safe For Our Pets?

Wellness experts and interior specialists alike love to discuss the benefits of having plants on hand in the home or office. Flowers have the power to provide an immediate mood boost and can act as a powerful 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 that extends into your day-to-day life, with positive conversations, stimulated energy, and heightened creativity. 

These benefits are all great for us – and, in a time when more people are adopting pets or spending more time at home with their pets than ever before, it is extra important to take note of plants 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. 

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, a number of succulents are pet-safe – our locally grown California succulents such as Sempervivum “hearts” and Blue Echeveria, which feature prominently in our many succulent arrangements, are safe to keep around pets. 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 home to save a trip to the vet. At Allen’s Flower Market, we love the colorful pop and long-lasting beauty of Bromeliads – and thankfully, these beauties are safe for pets.

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, to protect furry friends whose curiosity may get the better of them, it is wise to consider pet-safe flowers when your gifting 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 Gerbera Daisies and elegant Phalaenopsis Orchids – both of these are pet-safe. Marigolds, which we love to see and decorate with around Día de Los Muertos, are generally considered to be pet-safe. Snapdragons and roses are also fine 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 is practical for the entire family – fur babies included. If you are ever unsure about a flower or plant in one of our arrangements, our skilled floral artisans are available to answer your questions, to collaborate with you to create the perfect gift, or to suggest a houseplant addition for your home. Get in touch with us to discuss any special preferences or needs you may have.

Allen’s Flower Market has been family-owned and operated for over 40 years and has three Southern California locations. Visit us at any of our floral design stores in Long Beach, San Fernando Valley, 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 wellbeing of your pets, as well. Please have a look at our latest floral creations at https://www.allensflowermarket.com/.