Mother’s Day Flowers and Your Pets: What’s Safe and What’s Not

Mother’s Day Flowers and Your Pets: What’s Safe and What’s Not
 

Mother’s Day weekend is a beautiful time to celebrate the amazing moms in our lives—with hugs, gifts, and, of course, gorgeous bouquets of flowers! But if you share your home with a furry family member, it’s important to know that not all blooms are safe for pets.

At J-B Pet Supplies, we love celebrating special occasions with our customers—and we’re here to help you keep your pets safe while you spoil Mom! Let’s take a look at some of the most common Mother’s Day flowers and whether they’re pet-friendly... or better left out of paw’s reach.

🌸 Popular Mother’s Day Flowers: Are They Safe for Pets?

1. Lilies – ❌ NOT Safe

Lilies are stunning, but they are extremely toxic to cats—even small exposures like licking pollen can cause kidney failure. Some lilies can also upset dogs’ stomachs. Best to keep these out of homes with pets altogether!

2. Roses – ✅ Generally Safe

Good news—roses are considered safe for dogs and cats! 🌹 However, the thorns can pose a risk if your curious pet tries to chew on the stems, so place bouquets where paws (and mouths) can’t reach.

3. Tulips – ❌ NOT Safe

Tulips are beautiful but toxic to both cats and dogs. The toxins are strongest in the bulbs, but even the leaves and flowers can cause vomiting and drooling if ingested.

4. Daffodils – ❌ NOT Safe

These sunny yellow flowers are highly toxic to pets. Eating any part of a daffodil can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and even heart issues or tremors. Keep daffodil bouquets and bulbs far away from your pets.

5. Hyacinths – ❌ NOT Safe

Hyacinths are wonderfully fragrant—but they’re toxic to cats and dogs, especially the bulbs. They can cause drooling, vomiting, and difficulty breathing if ingested. Better to admire them from a distance if you have pets at home.

6. Carnations – ⚠️ Mildly Toxic

Carnations aren’t as dangerous as lilies or tulips, but they can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if chewed. It's best to place them out of your pet’s reach.

7. Orchids – ✅ Safe!

Orchids are elegant and pet-safe! These beautiful blooms are a fantastic choice if you want a safe, long-lasting gift for a pet-loving mom.

8. Daisies – ❌ NOT Safe

Daisies may look cheerful, but they’re toxic to pets and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation. Best to keep them out of paws' reach.

9. Sunflowers – ✅ Safe!

Bright, happy sunflowers are non-toxic to pets and make a perfect, cheerful Mother’s Day bouquet option.

10. Lavender – ⚠️ Mildly Toxic

While it smells wonderful, lavender can cause nausea and vomiting if ingested by dogs or cats. Fresh lavender in small amounts is less risky than concentrated oils, but it’s still best to keep it out of reach.

11. Hydrangeas – ❌ NOT Safe

Hydrangeas are gorgeous, but toxic to pets. If chewed or eaten, hydrangeas can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy due to naturally occurring cyanogenic glycosides.

12. Peonies – ❌ NOT Safe

Peonies are beautiful spring blooms, but ingestion can lead to vomiting and diarrhea in pets. Keep these popular flowers high up or avoid them in pet-accessible areas.

🌟 Summary Tip:
When in doubt, assume spring bulbs (like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths) are dangerous for pets. Stick to pet-safe blooms like roses, orchids, and sunflowers for a worry-free celebration!

💡 Tips for a Pet-Safe Mother's Day Celebration:

🐾 Keep all flowers and plants up high or in pet-free rooms if you’re not sure whether they’re safe.
🐾 Supervise pets around new floral arrangements—some pets are extra curious!
🐾 If your pet chews or eats a questionable plant, contact your vet or animal poison control immediately.