Celebrate a Pet-Safe Valentine’s Day: Choosing Flowers and Gifts for Furry Friends

Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love, and that includes the love we have for our pets. While we focus on romantic gestures and thoughtful gifts, it’s essential to consider the safety of our furry family members. Many popular Valentine’s Day gifts, like certain flowers and chocolates, can be harmful to pets. With a little planning, you can create a holiday that’s safe, joyful, and beautiful for everyone.

 

Pet-Friendly Flowers for Your Valentine’s Bouquet

Flowers are a timeless Valentine’s gift, but did you know that some blooms can be toxic to pets? When choosing flowers for a home with cats or dogs, stick to these safe and stunning options:

Roses: A classic and pet-safe choice. Remove thorns to avoid injuries.

Gerbera Daisies: Bright and cheerful, perfect for adding a pop of color.

Snapdragons: Elegant and non-toxic, great for height and variety.

Orchids: Exotic and beautiful, but double-check the specific variety to ensure safety.

Freesias: Sweetly fragrant and available in many colors.

Sunflowers: Bold and vibrant, these flowers make a statement while being pet-safe.

Lisianthus: With a rose-like appearance, these flowers add sophistication to any bouquet.

 

 

Flowers to Avoid

Some flowers, while beautiful, pose significant risks to pets. Keep these out of your arrangements:

Lilies: Extremely toxic to cats, even in small amounts.

Tulips: Contain harmful compounds that can cause digestive issues.

Carnations: May cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Chrysanthemums: Contain pyrethrins, which can lead to severe symptoms in pets.

Amaryllis, Oleander, and Calla Lilies: Highly toxic and potentially fatal if ingested.

 

 

Fillers to Avoid

Steer clear of these popular fillers:

Eucalyptus: Toxic to both cats and dogs.

Ivy and Ruscus: Harmful and can cause gastrointestinal distress.

Philodendron: Known to cause oral irritation and swelling.

 

 

Tips for a Pet-Safe Bouquet

Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with pet-safe plants using reputable resources like the ASPCA’s toxic and non-toxic plant database.

Consult Your Florist: Request a custom arrangement made entirely of non-toxic flowers and greenery.

Consider Placement: Keep bouquets out of reach, even if the flowers are non-toxic.

DIY Your Bouquet: Select individual stems to ensure every element is safe for your pets.

Regular Maintenance: Remove fallen petals or leaves promptly to prevent accidental ingestion.

 

Emergency Preparedness

If your pet ingests something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) is a valuable resource.

 

A Love-Filled and Safe Valentine’s Day

With a little thought and care, you can enjoy the beauty of Valentine’s Day while ensuring the safety of your pets. By choosing pet-safe flowers, greenery, and gifts, you’ll create a celebration that’s heartwarming for everyone in your household, including your beloved furry companions.

 

How Catto Floral Prioritizes Pet Safety

At Catto Floral, we understand how much you love your pets, and that's why we pay attention to every little detail to ensure your flower bouquets are safe for your furry family members. Our expert florists meticulously select non-toxic flowers and greenery, creating stunning arrangements that are both beautiful and pet-friendly. We prioritize transparency by labeling our pet-safe collections and working closely with trusted suppliers to avoid harmful plants. Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day or any special occasion, you can count on Catto Floral to bring joy to your home while keeping your beloved pets safe.