What Flowers Should Not Be Given to Pet Owners: Some Bouquets Are Deadly for Pets

Americans are expected to spend a whopping $2,5 billion on flowers this Valentine's Day. But many popular flowers are toxic to dogs and cats. Lifehacker tells you what you need to know about flowers to avoid ending up at the vet.

Flowers That Are Unsafe For Pets

First, consider whether your prospect has recipient cat or dog. Animals may react differently. For example, lilies – a fairly common choice for Valentine’s Day – can be deadly to cats, even in very small quantities.

The plant itself is dangerous, as is the water it is in. Lilies can cause kidney failure in cats, which is often fatal. These flowers are also dangerous for dogs, as they cause gastrointestinal problems. But lilies do not pose the same fatal risk to dogs as they do to cats.

Tulips and daffodils, bright and colorful, are toxic to dogs and cats. They cause gastrointestinal disorders. Tulips usually cause vomiting and salivation in pets. Daffodils are much more dangerous. If an animal swallows the bulb of this flower, the four-legged one may develop heart problems.

On the subject: Seven Fun Activities for Singles This Valentine's Day

Fragrance is another reason why some flowers are popular. Hyacinth has a strong scent and a beautiful shape. But if a dog or cat swallows it, they will start salivating, vomiting, and trembling. Peonies, for example, cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.

Chrysanthemums, giant showy flowers, are toxic to dogs, causing gastrointestinal problems and loss of coordination.

Tall flowers make a unique bouquet, but be careful. Gladioli are toxic to both cats and dogs. They cause salivation, lethargy, and diarrhea. Foxgloves are even more dangerous - eating them can cause arrhythmia and heart failure.

Amaryllis causes gastrointestinal upset, lethargy and tremors, poinsettia causes skin and eye irritation, vomiting and salivation, spathiphyllum causes vomiting, salivation and difficulty swallowing.

What Flowers Are Safe For Pets

If you decide to order flowers, there are still many options that are safer for pets. For example, roses are non-toxic to both cats and dogs. Florists usually remove the thorns from the stems, so there is no risk of injury.

Instead of tulips, consider gerberas. They are bright, colorful, and safe for pets. Skip the daffodils and opt for sunflowers – these giant flowers look like a flower-shaped sun. They are non-toxic to pets and people. If you want to be a little more unique in your flower choice, snapdragons are a good choice. They are a spiky flower alternative to foxgloves and gladioli. They are safe and come in a wide range of colors.

Want something with the scent of peonies? Try stock – it has a deep scent and beautiful flowers along a single stem.

Freesia is also fragrant, it has beautifully shaped flowers on an arched stem. It looks a bit like an orchid.

For a chrysanthemum effect, choose zinnias. They grow into similar shapes and petal structures with the same effect of color and size.

If you want a flower that is out of the ordinary, choose celosia. It is non-toxic to pets and comes in a variety of shapes: some resemble feathers, others resemble a cockscomb.

And finally, if you want to impress someone who has a pet, it’s best to skip the real flowers on Valentine’s Day and think about giving a gift to their favorite furry friend.