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Blooms Without the Boos: A Dog-Safe Flower Giving Guide for Mother’s Day

Dog sniffing flowers

 

Because celebrating dog mums shouldn’t come with a trip to the emergency vet.

Whether you’re gifting blooms to a dog mum or receiving them yourself, it’s important to know that not all flowers are paw-sitively safe for pups. Many popular arrangements feature flowers that, while beautiful, can be toxic to dogs if chewed or ingested. But don’t worry, we’ve sniffed out the best dog-safe options so you can enjoy the beauty of the season without the vet visit.


Dog-Safe Flowers

Doggie safe flowers

 

The following flowers are listed as non-toxic to dogs by the ASPCA and make a great addition to any bouquet meant for a dog mum:

  • Roses (Rosa spp.)
    Safe and romantic. Watch for thorns, which can cause injury but aren’t toxic.

  • Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)
    These bright, joyful blooms are dog-safe and hardy.

  • Gerbera Daisies (Gerbera jamesonii)
    Also known as Transvaal daisies, they’re colourful and completely non-toxic.

  • Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
    These tall, elegant flowers are pet-safe and great for adding structure to arrangements.

  • Orchids (Phalaenopsis spp.)
    One of the safest houseplants and cut flowers for pets. Most Phalaenopsis orchids are non-toxic to dogs.

  • Marigolds (Calendula officinalis)
    This specific variety, also called “pot marigold,” is safe for dogs. Be cautious not to confuse it with Tagetes species, which can cause mild skin irritation.

Pot marigold vs Tagetes Marigold

 

  • Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)
    A vibrant and safe flower, perfect for adding colour and cheer.

 

Toxic Flowers to Avoid

Azaleas are toxic to dogs
Azalea Flowers (Rhododendron spp.)

 

The following are known to be toxic to dogs:

  • Azaleas and Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.)
    It contains grayanotoxins, which interfere with muscle and nerve function. Even small ingestions can cause serious symptoms like vomiting, weakness, and low heart rate and can be fatal even in small amounts.

  • Tulips (Tulipa spp.)
    The bulbs contain tulipalin A and B, which can cause drooling, vomiting, and even central nervous system depression if ingested in large amounts.

  • Daffodils (Narcissus spp.)
    Contains lycorine, a toxic alkaloid that can trigger vomiting, drooling, abdominal pain, and heart rhythm abnormalities.

  • Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.)
    Contain pyrethrins, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea if eaten, and skin irritation if touched by dogs.

  • Peonies (Paeonia spp.)
    The toxin paeonol is found in the bark and flowers, causing vomiting and diarrhea. Toxicity is usually mild unless ingested in large quantities

  • Yesterday, today, tomorrow (Brunfelsia pauciflora)
    The fruits (mainly, but flowers too) of this flowering plant are toxic. Dogs are attracted to the ripe fruit and will often eat large amounts. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, urination, muscle tremors and convulsions, which can be fatal.

 

Yesterday, today, tomorrow (Brunfelsia pauciflora)
Yesterday, today, tomorrow (Brunfelsia pauciflora)

 

  • Lilies

    • Lilium spp. (e.g., Easter lily, Tiger lily): Though extremely toxic to cats, some varieties may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs.

    • Hemerocallis spp. (daylilies): Serious poisoning in dogs is uncommon, but still be cautious.

 

Dog Mum Tips for a Safer Bouquet

Dog Mum Bouquet

 

Even with pet-safe flowers, taking extra precautions can go a long way:

✅ Buy from trusted florists who know which flowers are pet-safe.
✅ Avoid chemical preservatives often used in water vases.
✅ Display bouquets out of reach of curious paws and noses.
✅ Ditch the ribbons, plastic wraps, and sparkly wires as they’re choking hazards.

 

 

Why Does It Matter?

Mum and doggo bonding

 

Flowers do more than just brighten a room, they contribute to a loving, calming environment. And science tells us that the environment matters.

 

A 2015 study by Nagasawa et al., published in the journal Science, found that mutual gaze between dogs and their owners increases oxytocin levels in both. This hormone, often called the “love hormone”, is key to bonding, stress reduction, and trust.


Positive shared environments, including gentle sensory experiences (sights, scents, interactions), can enhance oxytocin-driven bonding between dogs and their humans. Flowers like lavender have also been proven to have a calming effect on dogs and lower their stress levels.


So while flowers don’t boost oxytocin directly, their role in creating a safe, soothing, and beautiful shared space matters. When dog mums feel appreciated and relaxed, and their pups feel safe and connected, the science says: that’s when love blooms, literally and biologically.


Celebrate With Love (and Safety)

Dog mums deserve the same love and thoughtfulness as any other mum, and that includes flowers that are safe for everyone in the home. Choosing the right bouquet is a simple, powerful way to show love for both the mum and the mate she shares her heart (and home) with.


From all of us at Petzyo, happy Mother’s Day to every kind of mum. Two-legged, four-legged, or otherwise.



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