Photo via TrustedHouseSitters Facebook
Pet owners’ website TrustedHousesitters, in collaboration with veterinarians, is urging pet owners to exercise extreme caution with Valentine’s Day floral arrangements because several popular flowers can cause severe illness or death in pets.
The top five flowers pet owners – and their dates – should avoid this Valentine’s Day:
• Lilies – Extremely toxic to cats.
• Daffodils – Highly poisonous, especially the bulb.
• Hydrangeas – Contain amygdalin that can cause upset stomach.
• Tulips – Toxic to both dogs and cats.
• Carnations – May cause mild gastrointestinal issues.
The warning comes after the Pet Poison Helpline Toxin Trends dashboard identified lilies as the most common toxin that cats were exposed to on Valentine’s Day in 2023. Experts emphasize that even bouquet fillers can be deadly to pets.
“A common flower that veterinarians warn cat owners against is lilies. Even eating a small amount of this flower can cause deadly kidney failure in cats. Multiple species of lilies are toxic to cats, so it’s best to avoid lilies altogether,” explains Certified Veterinarian Amanda Takiguchi, DVM. She adds, “Similar in name, Lily of the Valley flowers do not cause acute kidney failure like true lily species. Regardless, Lily of the Valley flowers are highly toxic to both dogs and cats. If ingested, this flower can cause seizures and dangerous abnormalities in heart rate and rhythm.”
While roses are not directly toxic, their sharp thorns can cause serious injuries to pets’ mouths, throats, or paws.
Pet owners should be particularly vigilant about dogs digging up bulbs in garden areas, as these can be extremely toxic.
For safer alternatives, TrustedHousesitters, a global community founded in Brighton, United Kingdom in 2010 with over 185,000 members across 140 countries, recommends eight pet-friendly options for Valentines Day gifting: sunflowers, petunias, pansies, marigolds, snapdragons, violas, freesia, and orchids.
“If you’re lucky enough to receive a bouquet this Valentine’s Day, often it’s the popular flowers that look and smell great in the home, that are the most harmful to our beloved pets,” says Angela Laws, Head of Community at TrustedHousesitters. “Make sure that anything you leave in reach of your pets is safe, should they get their paws on it, keeping an eye out to spot any abnormal signs that your pet has become unwell, in which case a vet should be consulted immediately.”
Pet owners should thoroughly check the contents of any floral arrangements brought into their homes. If they suspect their pet has ingested any part of a toxic plant, immediate veterinary attention is essential.
