Mother's Day is the perfect occasion to show your appreciation for the wonderful mums in our lives with a beautiful bouquet. But for pet-owning households, selecting the right flowers is crucial to ensure the safety and health of our furry family members. In this post, we dive into the do's and don'ts of pet-safe floristry, so you can celebrate Mother's Day without worry!
Flowers to Avoid: The Not-So-Pet-Friendly Blooms
While many popular flowers are very beautiful, they can be dangerous, or even deadly, to our four-legged friends. Here are some common blooms you might want to avoid:
Lilies: Extremely toxic to cats and potentially harmful to dogs, lilies can cause severe kidney problems or worse.
Tulips: Containing allergen compounds, tulips can lead to digestive upset, drooling, and even heart issues in pets.
Hyacinths: Their alluring fragrance can't mask the danger they pose. Hyacinths can cause severe reactions in pets, including vomiting, diarrhea, and even tremors.
Daffodils: These harbingers of spring are hazardous to pets. Ingesting daffodils can lead to digestive upset, and in severe cases, cardiac problems.
While lilies and tulips are some of the key culprits, there are a few other flowers you might frequently encounter that are not so pet-friendly. These include: Sago Palms, Oleanders, Azaleas, Chrysanthemums and Amaryllis. Always check the safety of any plant before bringing it into your pet's environment.
Pet-Friendly Alternatives: Safe and Stunning Choices
Fear not! There are plenty of gorgeous, pet-safe options that can brighten any mum's day. Here are our top picks:
Roses: A symbol of love and admiration, roses are generally safe for pets. Just be cautious of thorns which can cause injuries.
Sunflowers: These bright and cheerful blooms are non-toxic to pets, making them a safe choice for a sunny Mother's Day bouquet.
Snapdragons: Add a touch of whimsy to your gift with snapdragons, which are safe for cats and dogs alike.
Gerbera Daisies: With their wide array of colors, gerbera daisies are a safe and vibrant choice for a pet-friendly bouquet.
Besides the safe choices above, you might also consider Orchids, Petunias, Zinnias and Marigolds. These blooms can add vibrancy to your bouquet without compromising the health of your pets. Remember, the best bouquet is both stunning and safe for all members of your home.
Creating a Safe and Beautiful Mother's Day
Choosing the right flowers is just the first step. Here are some additional tips to ensure a safe and joyful celebration:
- Keep Bouquets Out of Reach: Even non-toxic flowers can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large amounts. Always place bouquets where pets can't reach them.
- Avoid Chemicals: If you're arranging flowers yourself, avoid using floral preservatives in the water, as these can be harmful if consumed by pets.
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Consider Potted Plants: For a lasting gift, consider pet-safe potted plants that your mum can enjoy long after Mother's Day.
Conclusion: Celebrate with Care
This Mother's Day, take a moment to consider not just the beauty of your floral gift, but also its impact on the furry family members. By choosing pet-friendly flowers, you're not only showing love for your mum but also for her beloved pets.
For the latest pet-safe tips and to stay updated with our new blog posts, be sure to follow our Instagram page @designedbyleanne. And if you're on the hunt for more Mother's Day gift ideas that celebrate the special bond between mums and their furry companions, explore our website for a range of bespoke pet portraits. Our custom designs are sure to capture the heart of any pet-loving mum and provide a cherished keepsake for years to come.