8 Flowers That Are Poisonous to Dogs (and 8 That Aren’t)

We love nature—and so do our furry friends! It’s easy to see how a vibrant tulip or sweet-smelling daffodil might pique your dog’s interest, but many flowers contain toxins that could warrant a vet visit if they sneak a bite. Before you add to your garden or spruce up your living room, find out which flowers are poisonous to dogs…and which ones are a go! 

Flowers That Are Poisonous to Dogs

Many flowers contain toxins in their petals, leaves, or bulbs and should be kept away from your Cadet. Common signs a dog has consumed a poisonous plant include: 

• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Drooling
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Weakness

Furry friends can’t distinguish dangerous flowers from dog-friendly flowers, so putting these plants out of reach or avoiding them entirely is essential. If you suspect your furry friend has eaten one of these flowers toxic to dogs, contact your veterinarian right away. 

Azalea

It’s not uncommon to find these shrubs near trees and in gardens. The grayanotoxin found in azaleas can disrupt cell function, potentially leading to tremors or low blood pressure. 
Try these instead: Magnolias and fuchsias are better shrub options for homes with dogs. 

Chrysanthemums

Every part of the chrysanthemum is dangerous to dogs. Commonly known as mums, these autumnal flowers contain pyrethrin and sesquiterpene—two compounds with toxic properties. 
Try these instead: Goldenrods are dog-friendly flowers that also thrive during the fall season. 

Cyclamen

You may have seen these plants at grocery stores in winter, as they’re often kept in pots throughout the holiday season. They contain a toxin that can lead to serious problems like irregular heartbeat or seizures in dogs. 
Try these instead: Moth orchids and autumn olives are more suitable festive plants to keep around furry friends. 

Daffodils 

All parts of this early-blooming flower are toxic, especially the bulb. Daffodils contain lycorine, which may cause digestive upset. 
Try these instead: Forsythia is a better bet for pet parents seeking an early spring bloomer. 

Daisies 

Their long petals may look pretty, but most daisies are toxic to dogs. Shasta daisies and English daisies are among the most common toxic species, so be sure to keep them off limits. 
Try these instead: Gerbera daisies are non-toxic and come in a wide range of colors. 

Hyacinths 

These sun-loving perennials are toxic to dogs and humans alike. In fact, breathing their dust can irritate your lungs and may trigger asthma attacks. Keep these garden plants off-limits, especially if your dog has seasonal allergies.

Try these instead: Coneflowers and hibiscus are dog-friendly flowers that thrive in full sun. 

Iris 

A popular indoor and outdoor plant, the iris can make your dog sick if consumed. In addition to common symptoms like lethargy and vomiting, dogs may also experience skin irritation or sores on the lips. 
Try these instead: Canna lilies are a similar, better option for pet parents seeking an elegant garden addition. 

Tulips 

Tulips contain a toxin called tulipalin, which may lead to gastrointestinal upset, drooling, or even coma. While all parts of the plant are toxic, the bulb contains the highest concentration of toxins and is most likely to induce a reaction. 
Try these instead: African violets are flowers safer for dogs that add a similar burst of color to your living space. 

🐕 Related: 20 Plants That Are Toxic to Dogs (and 20 That Aren't) 

Flowers That Are Dog Friendly

While you shouldn’t let your dog eat flowers, these varieties aren’t known to cause problems if they take a nibble. One important note: flowers are sometimes treated with insecticides or fungicides, both of which are toxic to dogs. Make sure you purchase chemical-free plants or grow them from seeds. 

Asters

Asters look like daisies but are a safer flower for dogs! From the Greek word for “star,” these plants feature beautiful petals that radiate out from the center of the flower. The New England Aster, Alpine Aster, and China Aster all make excellent dog-friendly choices.  

Marigolds 

Marigolds can turn your garden or walkway into a sea of beauty. Their musky smell might not appeal to you and your dog, but their range of yellow colors are sure to impress. As a bonus, marigolds have been known to help prevent fleas in the yard. 

Orchids 

These tropical potted plants will bring a pop of beauty to any room in your home. They’re also fairly low maintenance, needing water just once or twice a week. Although they look exotic, they don’t pose dangers to dogs. 

Pansies 

Many pansies are often grown in colors dogs can see, such as yellow and blue. They may cause mild stomach upset if your dog nibbles off a piece, so it’s wise to watch them when they’re around pansies. Violets, which are closely related to pansies, are also dog friendly. 

Roses 

Who doesn’t love roses? The petals are not toxic to dogs, and there are more than a dozen vibrant colors to choose from. These flowers do have thorns though, so it’s best to keep your dog away from the stems. 

Snapdragons 

Like their mythical namesake, snapdragons are full of wonder. These annuals resemble a dragon’s snout, and their alluring leaves are non-toxic, making them a flower safe for dogs to be around. You and your furry friend will both appreciate their fruity aroma, and they come in sizes ranging from a few inches to four feet tall. 

Sunflowers 

They’re big, they’re beautiful, and they’re non-toxic to dogs! Sunflower petals won’t cause issues when eaten in small quantities, and they’re too big for most furry friends to fully ingest. They may attract birds to your garden though, so supervise your dog to make sure they don’t try to catch any feathered friends! 

Zinnias 

Another daisy-like flower, zinnias are easy to grow and thrive in full sun. These annuals require very little maintenance, needing only occasional watering and growing quickly. Zinnias attract bees, so watch your dog to make sure they don’t get stung. 

Smell the Flowers! 

Although some flowers are toxic to dogs, there are plenty of pet-friendly varieties that will brighten your home. Plus, now that you know what flowers are poisonous to dogs, you can be prepared in case your Cadet gets enticed by a dangerous plant. Be sure to keep some dog treats on hand, which will give them a much more appealing distraction.  

Do you like running, hiking, or biking with your dog? Then you’re sure to encounter flowers, plants, and wild animals! Learn everything you need to know about dog trail safety.