Keeping Your Pets Safe At Home When Bringing In Fresh Flowers

December 10, 2018

Meet our beloved Bengal cat Blaze. Whenever we bring fresh flowers into our home, he heads straight for them and gives them a taste. Luckily, we are well informed on which houseplants are safe for our curious feline. You'd be surprised at how many plants are actually dangerous for our furry friends. Be sure to read this list to ensure the safety of your pets.

It is very reassuring that by introducing paper flower arrangements in your home, you eliminate the worry and dangers of pet interactions with the flowers listed below. In fact, I marvel at how he approaches my paper arrangements in the same manner as fresh, only he doesn't lick and chew them!

Source: www.growerdirect.com - "Flowers and Pets"

Below is a handy pictorial guide to toxic plants for Dogs, Cats and Horses. This guide includes pictures, popular flower/plant names as well as their scientific names, tells you which pet the flower/plant is toxic to and the symptoms to watch for, just in case.

Looking for details on a specific plant? Click a letter below to move directly to all of the plants listed under that letter.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M O P R S T Y

	Aloe Scientific Name: Aloe Vera Family: Liliaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Symptoms: Vomiting, depression, diarrhea, anorexia, tremors, change in urine color.
	Amaryllis Other Common Names: Belladonna lily, Saint Joseph lily, Cape Belladonna, Naked Lady Scientific Name: Amaryllis sp. Family: Amaryllidaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Symptoms: Vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hyper-salivation, anorexia, tremors.
	Apple Other Common Names: Includes crabapples Scientific Name: Malus sylvestrus Family: Rosaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Causes: Stems, leaves & seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting. Symptoms: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock.
	Apricot Scientific Name: Prunus armeniaca Family: Rosaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Causes: Stems, leaves & seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting. Symptoms: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock.
	Asian Lily Other Common Names: Asiatic Lily Scientific Name: Lilium asiatica Family: Liliaceae Toxic to: Cats Symptoms: Vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, kidney failure, and death is possible.
	Asparagus Fern Other Common Names: Asparagus, Emerald Feather, Emerald Fern, Sprengeri Fern, Plumosa Fern, Lace Fern, Racemose Asparagus, Shatavari Scientific Name: Asparagus densiflorus cv sprengeri Family: Liliaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Symptoms: Allergic dermatitis with repeated dermal exposure. Berry ingestion could result in gastric upset, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea.
	Autumn Crocus Other Common Names: Meadow Saffron Scientific Name: Colchicum autumnale Family:Liliaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Oral irritation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, multi-organ damage, bone marrow suppression.
	Avocado Other Common Names: Alligator Pear Scientific Name: Persea americana Family: Lauraceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Cattle Rabbits Goats Birds Symptoms: Horses: Poisonings can occur when avocado groves are used as pastures, or pruned branches become accessible. The leaves, seeds fruit and bark are likely all toxic. Clinical effects occur mainly in mares, and includes noninfectious mastitis, as well as occasional gastritis and colic. Cattle: inflammation of the mammary glands, decreased milk production. Rabbits: inflammation of the mammary glands, decreased milk production, difficulty breathing, fluid around heart, heart rhythm problems, death. Goats: inflammation of the mammary glands, decreased milk production, difficulty breathing, fluid around heart, heart rhythm problems, death. Birds: difficulty breathing, fluid around heart, heart rhythm problems, death. Dogs, cats: vomiting, diarrhea.
	Azalea Other Common Names: Rosebay, Rhododendron Scientific Name: Rhododendron spp Family: Ericaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, weakness, coma, hypotension, CNS depression, cardiovascular collapse and death. Ingestion of a few leaves can cause serious problems. Rhododendron is typically not very palatable to horses unless it is the only forage available. The toxic principle interferes with normal skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle and nerve function. Clinical effects typically occur within a few hours after ingestion, and can include acute digestive upset, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, frequent bowel movements, diarrhea, colic, depression, weakness, loss of coordination, stupor, leg paralysis, weak heart rate and recumbency for 2 or more days; at this point, improvement may be seen or the animal may become comatose and die.
	Baby's Breath Other Common Names: Maidens Breath Scientific Name: Gypsophila elegans Family: Caryophyllaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea.
	Begonia Scientific Name: Begonia spp Family: Begoniaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Symptoms: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing. Tubers are the most toxic.
	Bird of Paradise Other Common Names: Crane Flower, Bird's Tongue Flower Scientific Name: Strelitzia reginae Family: Strelitziaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Mild nausea, vomiting, drowsiness; caused mainly by fruit and seeds. Should not be confused with Caesalpinia or Poinciana gilliesii, which is also known as Bird of Paradise and is more toxic.
	Buttercup Other Common Names: Butter Cress, Figwort Scientific Name: Ranunculus sp. Family: Ranunculaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, hyper-salivation and wobbly gait.
	Calla Lily Other Common Names: Pig Lily, White Arum, Trumpet Lily, Florist's Calla, Garden Calla, Arum Lilly Scientific Name: Zantedeschia aethiopica Family: Araceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Symptoms: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
	Carnation Other Common Names: Pinks, Wild Carnation, Sweet Willian Scientific Name: Dianthus caryophyllus Family: Caryphyllaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Symptoms: Mild gastrointestinal signs, mild dermatitis
	Cherry Scientific Name: Prunus species Family: Rosaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Causes: Stems, leaves & seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting. Symptoms brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock.
	Christmas Rose Other Common Names: Hellebore, Lenten Rose, Easter Rose Scientific Name: Helleborus niger Family: Ranunculaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, colic, depression.
	Chrysanthemum Other Common Names: Daisy, Mum Scientific Name: Chrysanthemum spp. Family: Compositae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, hyper-salivation, in-coordination, dermatitis
	Clematis Other Common Names: Virgin's Bower, Leatherflower Scientific Name: Clematis sp. Family: Ranunculaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea.
	Cutleaf Philodendron Other Common Names: Hurricane Plant, Swiss Cheese Plant, Ceriman, Mexican Breadfruit, Split-leaf Philodendron, Window Leaf Plant Scientific Name: Monstera deliciosa Family: Araceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Symptoms: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.
	Cyclamen Other Common Names: Sowbread Scientific Name: Cyclamen spp Family: Primulaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Symptoms: Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea. Following large ingestions of tubers: heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures, death.
	Daffodil Other Common Names: Narcissus, Jonquil, Paper White Scientific Name: Narcissus spp Family: Amaryllidaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Vomiting, salvation, diarrhea; large ingestions cause convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors and cardiac arrhythmias. Bulbs are the most poisonous part.
	Dahlia Scientific Name: Dahlia species Family: Compositae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Symptoms: Mild gastrointestinal signs, mild dermatitis.
	Daisy Other Common Names: Chrysanthemum, Mum Scientific Name: Chrysanthemum species Family: Compositae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, hyper-salivation, in-coordination, dermatitis.
	Day Lilies Scientific Name: Hemerocallis spp. Family: Liliaceae Toxic to: Cats Cows Symptoms: Cats: kidney failure. Cows: In-coordination, paresis, blindness, death.
	Dieffenbachia Other Common Names: Charming Dieffenbachia, Giant Dumb Cane, Tropic Show, Dumbcane, Exotica, Spotted Dumb Cane, Exotica Perfection. Scientific Name: Dieffenbachia Family: Araceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Symptoms: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth , tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.
	Dracaena Other Common Names: Corn Plant, Cornstalk Plant, Dragon Tree, Ribbon Plant. Scientific Name: Dracaena spp. Family: Agavaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Symptoms: Vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hyper-salivation, dilated pupils.
	Easter Lily Scientific Name: Lilium longiflorum Family: Liliaceae Toxic to: Cats Symptoms: Vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, kidney failure, and death is possible.
	English Ivy Other Common Names: Branching Ivy, Glacier Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy, Sweetheart Ivy, California Ivy. Scientific Name: Hedera helix Family: Araliaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Vomiting, abdominal pain, hyper-salivation, diarrhea. Foliage is more toxic than berries.
	Eucalyptus Scientific Name: Eucalyptus Family: Myrtaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, weakness.
	False Queen Anne's Lace Other Common Names: Bishop's Weed, Greater Ammi Scientific Name: Ammi majus Family: Apiaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.
	Foxglove Scientific Name: Digitalis purpurea Family: Scrophalariaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Cardiac arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure, death.
	Garden Chamomile Other Common Names: Chamomile, Ground Apple, Roman Chamomile Scientific Name: Anthemis nobilis Family: Asteraceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, allergic reactions. Long term use can lead to bleeding tendencies.
	Garden Hyacinth Other Common Names: Hyacinth Scientific Name: Hyacinthus orientalis Family: Liliaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis and allergic reactions. Bulbs contain highest amount of toxin.
	Gardenia Other Common Names: Cape Jasmine Scientific Name: Gardenia jasminoides Family: Rubiaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Mild vomiting and/or diarrhea, hives.
	Garlic Other Common Names: Stinking Rose, Rustic Treacle, Comphor of the Poor, Nectar of the Gods, Serpet Garlic, Rocambole Scientific Name: Allium sativum Family: Liliaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Vomiting, breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia, Heinz body anemia), blood in urine, weakness, high heart rate, panting.
	Geranium Scientific Name: Pelargonium Family: Geraniaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Symptoms: Vomiting, anorexia, depression, dermatitis.
	Gladiola Scientific Name: Gladiolus species Family: Iridaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Salivation, vomiting, drooling,lethargy, diarrhea. Highest concentration in bulbs.
	Grapefruit Scientific Name: Citrus paradisii Family: Rutaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression; potential photosensitivity.
	Hibiscus Other Common Names: Rose of Sharon, Rose of China Scientific Name: Hibiscus syriacus Family: Malvaceae Toxic to Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, anorexia.
	Hops Scientific Name: Humulus lupulus Family: Cannabidaceae Toxic to: Dogs Symptoms: Panting, high body temperature, seizures, death.
	Hosta Other Common Names: Plantain Lily, Funkia Scientific Name: Hosta plataginea Family: Liliaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression.
	Hydrangea Other Common Names: Hortensia, Hills of Snow, Seven Bark Scientific Name: Hydrangea arborescens Family: Hydrangeaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Vomiting, depression, diarrhea. Cyanide intoxication is rare, usually produces more of a gastrointestinal disturbance.
	Iris Other Common Names: Flag, Snake Lily, Water Flag Scientific Name: Iris species Family: Iridaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Symptoms: Salivation, vomiting, drooling,lethargy, diarrhea. Highest concentration in rhizomes.
	Jack-in-the-pulpit Other Common Names: Three-leaved indian turnip, Devil's dear, Wake robin, Starch wort, Wild turnip, Dragon root, Bog onion, Pepper turnip, Brown dragon, Memory root Scientific Name: Arisaema triphyllum Family: Araceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.
	Jade Plant Other Common Names: Baby Jade, Dwarf rubber plant, Jade tree, Chinese rubber plant, Japanese rubber plant Scientific Name: Crassula argentea Family: Crassulaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Symptoms: Vomiting, depression, ataxia, slow heart rate.
	Kalanchoe Other Common Names: Mother-in-law Plant, Devils Backbone, Chandelier Plant, Mother of Millions Scientific Name: Kalanchoe spp Family: Crassulaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Symptoms: Vomiting, depression, ataxia, slow heart rate.
	Larkspur Scientific Name: Delphinium species Family: Ranunculaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: neuromuscular paralysis, constipation, colic, increased salivation, muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness, recumbency, and convulsions. Cardiac failure, death from respiratory paralysis.
	Leek Other Common Names: Elephant Garlic Scientific Name: Allium ampeloprasum Family: Liliaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Vomiting, breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia, Heinz body anemia), blood in urine, weakness, high heart rate, panting.
	Lemon Scientific Name: Citrus limonia Family: Rutaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression; potential photosensitivity.
	Lily Scientific Name: Lilium species Family: Liliaceae Toxic to: Cats Symptoms: Kidney failure.
	Lime Scientific Name: Citrus aurantifolia Family: Rutaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression; potential photosensitivity.
	Lobelia Other Common Names: Cardinal Flower, Indian Pink Scientific Name: Lobelia cardinalis Family: Campanulaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Depression, diarrhea, vomiting, excessive salivation, abdominal pain, heart rhythm disturbances.
	Morning Glory Scientific Name: Ipomoea spp Family: Convolvulaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, agitation, tremors, disorientation, ataxia, anorexia. Seeds may cause hallucination, may cause diarrhea..
	Onion Scientific Name: Allium cepa Family: Liliaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, hemolytic anemia, heinz Vomiting, breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia, Heinz body anemia), blood in urine, weakness, high heart rate, panting.
	Orange Scientific Name: Citrus sinensis Family: Rutaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression; potential photosensitivity.
	Peach Scientific Name: Prunus species Family: Rosaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock.
	Peony Scientific Name: Paeonis officinalis Family: Paeniaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression.
	Primrose Scientific Name: Primula vulgaris Family: Primulaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Mild vomiting.
	Rhododendron Other Common Names: Rosebay, Azalea Scientific Name: Rhododendron spp Family: Ericaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, hyper-salivation, weakness, coma, hypotension, CNS depression, cardiovascular collapse and death. Ingestion of a few leaves can cause serious problems. Horses:Clinical effects typically occur within a few hours after ingestion, and can include acute digestive upset, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, frequent bowel movements, diarrhea, colic, depression, weakness, loss of coordination, stupor, leg paralysis, weak heart rate and recumbency for 2 or more days; at this point, improvement may be seen or the animal may become comatose and die.
	Rhubarb Other Common Names: Pie Plant Scientific Name: Rheum rhabarbarium Family: Polygonaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Kidney failure, tremors, salivation.
	Stargazer Lily Scientific Name: Lilium orientalis Family: Liliaceae Toxic to: Cats Symptoms: Vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, kidney failure and death is possible.
	Sweet Pea Other Common Names: Perennial Pea, Everlasting Pea Scientific Name: Lathyrus latifolius Family: Fabaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Weakness, lethargy, pacing, head pressing, tremors, seizures and possibly death.
	Tiger Lily Scientific Name: Lilium tigrinum Family: Liliaceae Toxic to: Cats Symptoms: Vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, kidney failure, and death is possible.
	Tomato Plant Scientific Name: Lycopersicon spp Family: Solanaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Hyper-salivation, inappetence, severe gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, drowsiness, CNS depression, confusion, behavioral change, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate.
	Tulip Scientific Name: Tulipa species Family: Liliaceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: Vomiting, depression, diarrhea, hyper-salivation. Highest concentration of toxin in bulb.
	Yarrow Other Common Names: Milfoil Scientific Name: Achillea millefolium Family: Asteraceae Toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, hyper-salivation.