Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and what present is more lovely than a nice bunch of flowers, or a new plant?! But wait – your mum has a pet and you just can’t remember which flowers or plants are safe? Well fear not, here is a handy guide to help you get that perfect present for Mother’s Day!
Some plants and flowers can be very toxic and harmful if eaten, and with the curious nature of pets, it is vital that these are kept out of the home. In order to keep your pet safe, these flowers and plants are some of the ones you will want to be avoiding. Please note – this list is not exhaustive so ensure to do a little bit of research if you’re unsure about other plants!
Lilies:
The most commonly known flower is probably the lily. Whilst a lovely looking flower, the pollen from these plants is toxic to both cats and dogs, but cats in particular will suffer from having lilies in the home. The entire lily plant is toxic to them: the stem, leaves, flowers, pollen, and even the water in a vase.
Why not try:
Roses
Roses can make a great pet safe alternative to lilies. These still smell great around the house and provide a lovely vibrant pop of colour to the home, but without the same risks posed by lilies. Just remember to watch out for the thorns as these can hurt both you and your pet!
Tulips:
Stemming from the Lily family, the bright colours of Tulips make for a very eye-catching and popular choice as a gift bouquet. However, like the Lily, they are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses and can be fatal if ingested.
Why not try:
Freesia
Often used as filler flowers in many bouquets to add a bit of charm, Freesias would be a good colourful replacement to give for Mother’s Day. As with the other safe flowers on this list, they are non-toxic, however it is important to note that they may cause potential upset stomach if ingested by pets.
Daffodils:
Whilst their seasonal bloom time makes Daffodils a common choice for Mother’s Day, the whole plant is actually toxic to pets, including horses. While their level of toxicity hovers between mild to moderate, it’s best to keep these flowers away from curious creatures.
Why not try:
Orchids
A more permanent plant option than seasonal Daffodils, Orchids make a great present for Mother’s Day. Available in a variety of colours, Orchids are available to buy in most supermarkets and require relatively easy care. While all orchid species are regarded as harmless, specifically Phalaenopsis orchids or moth orchids are primarily listed as non-toxic options for dogs, cats, and even horses, and these are the type commonly found in supermarkets or garden centres.
There are many options out there to be able to keep your pets safe whilst gift giving this Mother’s Day. I hope this list has been able to give you some good alternative ideas. Just remember that curious noses and paws might be interested in Mother’s Day bouquets with either safe or toxic flowers, so it’s best to keep your bouquets and arrangements up out of paws’ reach for everyone to enjoy!
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