There are two things that are proven to reduce stress and make most people happy: pets and fresh flowers. Pets provide companionship and lower stress, and flowers have numerous health benefits as well, such as boosting our mood and promoting relaxation. So, having a home filled with beautiful, fragrant flowers and furry pets is a winning combination. It’s important to be aware, though, that some flowers may be harmful to cats and dogs. That’s why the floral experts at Julia’s Florist, Wilmington’s top flower shop, are providing you with our favorite, gorgeous blooms that are also safe for pets.

Safe Flowers for Pets

Roses

The rose is cherished in nearly every culture for its elegance and symbolism of love. Coming in a wide array of colors, aromatic, and lovely, we adore the rose for all these things and because they are non-toxic to pets.

Gerbera Daisies

A festive bloom with a large center and petals in vivid colors, the Gerbera Daisy is cheery and bright. Commonly used in arrangements, the Gerbera Daisy is pet-safe.

Sunflowers

Another bright and cheerful bloom in the sunflower, a bold flower that declares summer is here. A vase of sunflowers in your kitchen provides an instant spot of color and charm. The sunflower is pet-safe and spreads warmth and feel-good vibes throughout the home.

Snapdragons

Blossoming on the uppermost part of a tall stalk, the delicate and enchanting Snapdragon brings a burst of color and loads of volume to any arrangement. Snapdragons are safe for cats and dogs and are truly striking when arranged on their own in a vase.

Orchid

The orchid is an elegant, exotic, and mysterious plant. Many people love to collect orchids so it’s great news that they are safe for pets. With dramatic flowers that bloom in vibrant colors and intriguing patterns, it’s easy to understand why they are so captivating.

Pansies

A small flower with loads of charm, pansies bloom in a variety of colors and are pet-safe. In fact, pansies are edible and are often used to decorate cakes, cookies, and even drinks.

Zinnias

For a blast of color and volume, pick up some Zinnias from your florist and see how they brighten your home. These delightful flowers are round with numerous petals giving them a voluminous look. Zinnias are pet-friendly and look great alone or paired with other florals in a vase.

Signs of Poisoning in Pets

There will be moments when you have a superb bloom or two in your home that may not be safe for pets, (we’re looking at you dahlias and peonies!), so it’s important to keep toxic flowers and plants away from your pets. Place flowers on a window sill that gets indirect light or a high shelf. If your pet has ingested something possibly toxic, look for signs of poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, excessive drooling, dehydration, and bleeding gums. Normally, when a pet consumes something that doesn’t agree with them, it will resolve itself within a few days. However, if you notice one or more of the above-listed conditions for more than 24 hours, take your pet to the vet as soon as possible. For a complete list of plants and flowers that are toxic to cats and dogs, visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center website.