Roses are red. Violets are blue. You better not give your Valentine unsafe flowers that could endanger a dog or two.
If you want to show your sweetheart you care, truly, then you’ll be mindful of which bouquet you reach for this Valentine’s Day. While some flowers are non-toxic and even dog-safe, many are not. Could you imagine your pup or your significant other’s furry friend ending up at the emergency vet after chowing down on your heartfelt gift? Admittedly, it’d be pretty hard to recover from that ultimate dating fail.
So, there’s no better way to win over the heart of someone than by showing them you love their dogs just as much as you do them. That’s why we’ve compiled the top list of the best dog-safe Valentine’s Day flowers. If you ask us, we believe taking care of a loved one’s pets is perhaps the most romantic gesture of all.
Potential Valentine’s Day dangers to your pet
Valentine’s Day should be spent celebrating love … or even like or, perhaps, lust — not stressing over outlandish bills courtesy of avoidable trips to the emergency vet. Unfortunately, Cupid’s day to shine presents a number of dangers to our dogs, including chocolate poisoning. If you’re really unlucky in love, your pup may even suffer from strangulation on certain unmentionables. And, don’t forget to find an alternative way to set the mood than with open flames from candles. On top of that, be mindful of where you leave your wine glass and ensure alcohol is out of your dog’s reach.
Which Valentine’s Day flowers are safe for dogs?
Simply put, it’s best to just nip any potential dangers in the bud. Thankfully, you can do just that by buying the safest Valentine’s Day flower buds on the market.
Sunflowers
There are few flowers as symbolic, cheerful, and bright as sunflowers. Why not show your crush just how happy they make you by giving them a flower that truly brightens up any space? Also, a fun fact, sunflower seeds are safe for your dog to eat. Perhaps you’ll even consider planting a few of the towering blooms in your summer garden so both your beau and your dog can enjoy all this plant has to offer year-round.
Orchids
Orchids are low-maintenance even if the love of your life is anything but that. You can give them orchids potted or in a beautiful vase, which is a thoughtful bonus gift for any plant lover in your life. As such, they are a sophisticated and classic choice when it comes to dog-safe Valentine’s Day flowers to consider this season.
Gerbera daisies
Easy to find and hard not to like, these daisies are safe for dogs. Colloquially known as “Gerber daisies,” you can put together quite a colorful bouquet for that special someone. As a bonus, these blooms are non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Violas or violets
Violas, not to be confused with the stringed instrument, are also dog-safe Valentine’s Day flowers. Technically a part of the violet family, Violaceae, violas are non-toxic for dogs. This is true even if they take a little nibble on the flowers. That said, dogs can eat the blooms raw, so long as they haven’t been treated with pesticides or other toxic chemicals. In particular, African violets are incredibly popular and easy to find at any nearby garden shop.
Pansies
Pansies can also be eaten by dogs without worrying about incurring any adverse effects. Surprisingly, many dogs reportedly find them to be quite the treat, as well. Non-toxic, edible, colorful, and honestly delightful, pansies are another dog-safe flower for your delicious snack of a date.
Petunias
Arguably, this dog-safe Valentine’s Day flower goes on our list of pretty adorable puppy names. While these fragrant nightshades won’t hurt your pooch if they take a little taste, humans should avoid consuming them at all costs.
Roses
Tried and true, roses are perhaps considered the most romantic and iconic of the safest Valentine’s Day flowers for your dog … and your sweetheart. While you should be mindful of the sharp thorns and avoid ingestion of them by your canine, this mainstay of the holiday is a-okay in our books. Thankfully, most commercial florists de-thorn the stems so you don’t accidentally prick your person or your pup.
Snapdragons
Okay, this flower is just downright fun to say. Charming, bright, and ready to add a little height and dimension to any floral arrangement, snapdragons are thankfully non-toxic to pets. As such, these make a great addition to any bouquet or will be a lovely feast for the eyes all on their own.
Marigolds
Marigold would also make a great pet name. And, in addition to being a dog-safe Valentine’s Day option, this flower is the highlight of pet-safe ofrendas during Day of the Dead celebrations. Every fall, Día de los Muertos commemorates loved ones who have passed on in the hope their souls will return home for the night. As such, marigolds are sometimes considered to be “flowers of the dead.” That said, the holiday is more celebratory than somber. So, despite what your Valentine may interpret as a potentially troubling connotation, these orange-hued petals still rank high in our hearts.
Freesia
While less common in some grocery store flower coolers, you can find this dog-safe Valentine’s bloom at your local florist. Typically these flowers are used in addition to the star blooms in bouquets, but they are generally considered pet-safe. However, they may cause minor gastric discomfort if your dog makes a meal of them.
Zinnias
Symbolic of lasting affection, zinnias are an ideal choice for the person you’re hoping to shower with love this holiday. They are colorful, in addition to being non-toxic to pups, and require very little maintenance. Moreover, they also top our choices for great Mother’s Day flowers since they are often more readily found during the hotter months of the year. Don’t worry, you can still find them in February if your heart is set on sending the petals of this pick.
Untraditional plant picks for your person and their pets
If you are someone who tends to go against the grain or prefers to deviate from the norm, there are a number of pet-safe house plants. Even better, many of these dog-friendly plants tend to outlast the short-lived blooms of popular Valentine’s Day picks. Consider a ponytail palm, Venus fly trap, or spider plant to say “I love you” this February 14th. To this end, may your relationship last even longer than the love fern in our favorite rom-com.
Unsafe Valentine’s Day flowers for your pets
What we don’t love? The flowers that are extremely toxic to our furry friends. Avoid lilies this Valentine’s Day, since most varieties are poisonous to our cats and dogs. Lavender, which contains the compound linalool, is also unsafe for our canine companions. The list of dangerous petals doesn’t end there though.
Other popular but poisonous plants include azaleas, baby’s breath, begonias, chrysanthemums, daffodils, dahlias, and Easter lilies. Similarly, hydrangeas, irises, peace lilies, rhododendrons, and tulips are toxic or dangerous to dogs.
If your pet may have ingested or come into contact with any of the toxic flowers above, immediately contact your vet. Alternatively, if an accident happens after normal operating hours, take your pup to the nearest emergency animal hospital. Moreover, if your dog is showing signs of serious illness, don’t hesitate to call the Pet Poison Helpline by phone at 855-764-7661 for guidance on what to do next.
Other dog-safe ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day without flowers
For those who wish to avoid any potential Valentine’s Day dangers and altogether skip the flowers, there are other safe gift-giving options on the table. You may also desire to share the love with your pup or your significant other’s dog in addition to purchasing a bouquet for your favorite human. As such, consider spending some hard-earned cash on Valentine’s Day-themed dog toys. You could also cuddle on the couch to watch our favorite dogs in classic romantic comedy films. Of course, the sweetest gift of all is showing both your partner and your dog how much you love them year-round.
Happy Valentine’s Day, dog lovers! Give your canine cutie a kiss and a boop from your friends here at DogTime.
