It’s National Pet Month! How Can Plants and Pets Coexist Safely?

Posted By Allen's Flower Market On Thursday, 04 May 2023 Back

It’s National Pet Month! How Can Plants and Pets Coexist Safely?

It’s National Pet Month! How Can Plants and Pets Coexist Safely?

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The Best Flowers and Plants for Pet Owners

A home filled with fresh flowers and plants is bound to lift your spirits – but what about your pets? About 66% of American households, or 87 million families, have pets. At Allen’s Flower Market, we know that your pets are a core part of your family. We love our dogs and cats so dearly – and in honor of National Pet Month, we want to spotlight our favorite pet-safe plants and flowers. 

Things To Keep in Mind to Protect Your Pets

First, if you have both plants and pets at home, don’t panic – while some plants have dangerous toxins for pets, most plants will not cause your pets much harm. So before you uproot all your favorite houseplants, consider this: as long as their foliage is out of reach, most plants and flowers pose no threat to your pets. 

Most of the time, when plants and flowers are toxic to animals, they can cause mild to moderate digestive upset, a skin rash, or mouth irritation. In most cases, these issues will not dramatically disrupt you or your pet. 

Before bringing any new plant into your home, learn the plant’s name and run a quick search to know whether it is toxic to pets. Keep a list of toxic plants and avoid bringing them into your home. 

Is it possible that you have a pet-toxic plant in your home? When in doubt, place your well out of reach of pets, whether by setting them on high shelves or using hanging baskets. Cats can jump to great heights, so consider placing plants in areas that are inaccessible to them. Many pet owners may feel that their dog or cat is not interested in plants or is unlikely to nibble on a houseplant. If you cannot put plants out of reach and you do not supervise your pet every day, it is a good idea to be aware of which plants are pet-safe and avoid plants that are toxic to animals. Consider using barriers in your home, such as baby gates, fences, or closed doors to keep unsupervised pets away from harmful plants. 

By being aware of the potential dangers of plants to pets and taking appropriate precautions, pet owners can help to ensure that their furry friends stay safe and healthy. If you suspect that your pet chewed on a dangerous leaf, have a plan in place and seek veterinary care immediately. Keep in mind that if you have kittens, puppies, and younger pets, you should steer clear of any toxic plants as their reaction tends to be more severe. 

Our Favorite Pet-Safe Flowers and Plants

Potted plants that you plan to care for and cultivate over time are perhaps the most important to consider regarding pet safety. Ferns, spider plants, and bamboo palms are perfectly safe for dogs and cats. Similarly, most cacti and succulent plants are pet-safe – though sharp-spiked cacti might injure a pet the same way they would a person. Orchids are neutral and do not pose any threat to pets.

Some common houseplants to be aware of include snake plants, aloe, and kalanchoe, or Christmas cactus, as these 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. 

When it comes to flowers, there are many lovely choices that are perfectly safe for even the most curious nibbling pets. Roses, a favorite among romantics and eclectic floral arrangers alike, are safe for households with pets. The friendly sunflower is another popular pet-safe flower. Gerbera daisies, a beloved, joyful flower, pose no threat to pets. Petunias, snapdragons, and zinnias are also all pet-safe.

Keep in mind that Hydrangeas, Dahlias, Daffodils, and Lilies are quite dangerous when ingested by pets. Cats, in particular, can have severe reactions to all parts of these plants. Bouquets that feature eucalyptus foliage are also toxic to pets. 

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, talk to our skilled floral artisans 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 locations throughout Southern California. We are proud to offer you the mood-lifting benefits of fresh, thoughtful floral designs – and we are happy to support the well-being of your pets. Please have a look at our latest floral creations at https://www.allensflowermarket.com/