Flowers That Are Toxic to Dogs (And What to Choose Instead)
When we talk about creating a beautiful home, fresh flowers are often part of the picture. They’re romantic, seasonal and full of life. But if you share your space with a pet -especially a curious puppy - there’s another side to consider.
For me, that realisation came quickly and unexpectedly.
The Moment That Changed Everything
When we had a six-month-old puppy, we returned home from a weekend away to find our peonies had started to die. The petals had fallen onto the floor. Before we could sweep them up, our puppy had eaten some.
He was sick but the vet reassured us he would be okay based on the amount eaten and his body weight, but it was certainly a scare. And when you love your dog, even a small scare feels enormous.
That moment was one of the turning points that led me to switch from real to faux flowers. It’s also when the inspiration for Best & Bloom truly started to take shape, even though I didn't realise it at the time.
Why Some Real Flowers Can Be Risky for Dogs
Not all flowers are dangerous, but many popular blooms contain naturally occurring chemical compounds that can cause irritation or toxicity in dogs.
Plants produce secondary metabolites — compounds that help defend them against insects, fungi and grazing animals. These include:
- Alkaloids – Nitrogen-containing compounds that can affect the nervous system
- Glycosides – Compounds that can interfere with heart function or digestion
- Saponins – Known to irritate the gastrointestinal tract
- Calcium oxalates – Microscopic crystals that cause oral pain and inflammation
- Volatile oils and essential compounds – Can trigger vomiting or neurological symptoms in some cases
Even when toxicity is considered “mild,” symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, abdominal discomfort or lethargy can be distressing for both dog and owner.
And puppies? They explore the world with their mouths.
Common Bouquet Flowers That Are Toxic to Dogs
Here’s a list of flowers frequently found in supermarket or florist bouquets that are known to be toxic or potentially harmful to dogs:
- Lilium (Lilies) – Contain compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs (extremely dangerous to cats).
- Tulipa (Tulips) – Bulbs contain tulipalin A & B, which can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Narcissus (Daffodils) – Contain lycorine and other alkaloids that can lead to vomiting and abdominal pain.
- Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove) – Contains cardiac glycosides that can interfere with heart rhythm.
- Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemums) – Contain pyrethrins that may cause drooling, vomiting or incoordination.
- Hyacinthus (Hyacinths) – Bulbs contain irritant compounds that affect the digestive system.
- Ranunculus (Buttercups) – Contain protoanemonin, which can cause oral irritation.
- Delphinium (Delphinium / Larkspur) – Contain alkaloids that may affect the nervous system.
- Paeonia (Peonies) – Contain paeonol, which may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
It’s worth noting that toxicity levels vary depending on the part of the plant consumed (bulb vs. petal vs. stem), the quantity eaten, and your dog’s size and overall health.
The Hidden Risk of Wilting Flowers
One thing many people don’t consider is that dying flowers can actually become more tempting.
When petals drop onto the floor:
- They’re at nose level.
- They’re easy to ingest quickly.
- They may have a slightly sweeter scent as they decay.
That was exactly our situation. We weren’t careless — we simply didn’t anticipate how quickly a puppy would act and until that point, hadn't considered an innocuous bouquet to be yet another hazard for our little guy.
And that’s the reality of life with dogs: you cannot control every second.
Artificial Flowers: Beauty Without the Biological Risk
Artificial flowers remove the plant-based chemical compounds entirely. There are no alkaloids, glycosides, or naturally occurring toxins because they’re made from materials such as:
- Fabric
- Silk blends
- Plastic
- Wire stems
- Rubberised coatings
While you should never encourage a dog to chew artificial stems (they’re not toys), faux flowers don’t contain the biologically active plant toxins that cause poisoning. There’s no sap, no pollen, no decaying organic matter.
Luxury Without Compromise
When I created Best & Bloom, I didn’t want to dismiss fresh flowers. They’re beautiful and they absolutely have their place.
But I wanted to offer an alternative; one that works for busy homes, for pet owners, for people who don’t want the mess of fallen petals or murky vase water.
Our designs are created to feel abundant, elegant and lifelike — so your home can still feel styled, intentional and luxurious.
Just without the vet scare.
A Gentle Note
If your dog eats any plant material and shows symptoms such as vomiting, tremors, lethargy, or unusual behaviour, always contact your vet immediately. Toxicity depends on:
- The type of plant
- The amount ingested
- Your dog’s size and health
If you’ve ever felt anxious about what’s within reach of curious paws, you’re not overreacting.
Sometimes the switch to artificial isn’t about convenience. It’s about love.
And that’s exactly where Best & Bloom began.
Take a look at our selection of realistic artificial flower designs here: www.bestandbloom.com