Flowers and Greenery That Are Not Pet-Friendly for Dogs and Cats

SUMMARY:

• Florists' Responsibility: Be aware of pet-toxic plants like lilies, tulips, sago palms, and oleanders.
• Risks: These plants can cause gastrointestinal, heart, or kidney issues, especially in cats.
• Management Tips: Educate customers, label toxic plants, offer pet-safe alternatives, and suggest safe display options.
• Key Considerations: Ask about pets, provide toxicity info, and promote pet-friendly arrangements.

As a florist, it's crucial to be aware of flowers and greenery that can be harmful to pets. Many homes have dogs and cats that could be at risk if exposed to toxic plants. This guide will help you understand which plants are hazardous, why they're harmful, how to manage them, and what florists should consider when creating arrangements.

Which Flowers and Greenery Are Harmful?

While many flowers and plants are safe, several popular choices can pose risks to pets. Toxic plants for cats and dogs include:

• Lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species): Extremely toxic to cats, causing kidney failure even if small amounts are ingested.
• Tulips and Hyacinths: The bulbs are particularly harmful, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and even breathing issues.
• Daffodils: Ingestion can lead to severe stomach upset, convulsions, and heart issues.
• Sago Palm: Highly toxic to both dogs and cats, causing liver failure and even death.
• Oleander: All parts of this plant are highly toxic, causing severe gastrointestinal issues, cardiac abnormalities, and death.
• Azaleas and Rhododendrons: Ingestion can result in vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, and potentially fatal heart problems.
• Ivy: Can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, drooling, and difficulty breathing if consumed.
• Amaryllis: Known to cause drooling, vomiting, decreased appetite, and lethargy.
• Foxglove: Causes heart issues, vomiting, and sometimes death.
• Chrysanthemum: May result in vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and loss of coordination.
• Cyclamen: Known to cause intense gastrointestinal issues and, in severe cases, death.
• Autumn Crocus: Can result in vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and damage to multiple organs.
• Begonia: Toxic to both dogs and cats, causing vomiting and salivation.
• Peace Lily: Can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, and vomiting.
• Calla Lily: Causes oral irritation, excessive drooling, and vomiting.
• Poinsettia: Though mildly toxic, it can cause irritation, vomiting, and nausea.
• Jade Plant: Known to cause vomiting, lethargy, and coordination issues.
• Philodendron: Causes mouth irritation, vomiting, and swallowing difficulties.
• Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane): Causes oral irritation, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.
• English Yew: Can cause sudden death due to cardiovascular issues if ingested.
• Note: This is not a complete list. For more comprehensive information, refer to the links below.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list. For more comprehensive information, refer to the links below.

Why Are These Plants Harmful?

Many of these plants contain toxins that can cause gastrointestinal distress, cardiovascular issues, neurological symptoms, or kidney failure. Cats, in particular, are highly sensitive to certain toxins, especially those found in lilies.

How to Manage Toxic Plants

Managing toxic plants in your floristry business can be simple with a few simple steps:

• Education: Florists should educate themselves and their customers about which plants are hazardous to pets.
• Labelling: Clearly label arrangements and individual plants with warnings if they are toxic to pets.
• Pet-Safe Alternatives: Offer customers pet-friendly alternatives like roses, sunflowers, orchids, and snapdragons. Display Tips: Suggest displaying toxic plants in areas that pets cannot access, such as high shelves or enclosed cabinets.

What Florists Should Consider

Address any possible concerns in the following ways:

• Customer Communication: Ask if the customer has pets and make suitable recommendations.
• Product Information: Provide printed or digital information about plant toxicity with each purchase.
• Marketing: Promote pet-friendly arrangements as a unique selling point.
• Training Staff: Ensure your team knows the risks and can advise customers appropriately.
• Alternatives to fresh flowers include dried flowers, artificial flowers and greenery, as well as terrariums and bonsai.

Understanding which flowers and greenery are toxic to pets is essential for florists who want to provide safe, beautiful, and thoughtful arrangements. By offering pet-friendly options and providing education, you can enhance customer satisfaction and ensure the safety of their beloved pets. For more information about at-home flower care, read our blog Quick tip recipe for making your own homemade flower food for fresh cut flowers. 

For more detailed information on toxic plants for pets, refer to these reliable sources:
•    RSPCA - Toxic Plants for Pets
•    ASPCA - Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List
•    Pet Poison Helpline - Poisonous Plants