Flowers & Pets: How to Enjoy Fresh Blooms Safely at Home
One of my favorite parts of growing flowers is imagining them brightening someone’s home - on the kitchen counter, by the bedside, or on display in the living room. At Hannacroix Hill Farm, we believe flowers bring calm, beauty, and joy into a home…and animals bring the heart and humor. With a little awareness, you never have to choose between having fresh flowers or the safety of your four-legged family members.
If you’ve ever been to the farm and met our dogs, Ivory and Remi, you know they supervise everything we do here. They wander the paths while we harvest, lay underfoot while bouquet making, and chase the squirrels from the field. They are adventurous, curious, and food driven. Because we adore them (and know many of you feel the same way about your own pets) we’re always mindful of which blooms are safe to have around curious noses.
Here are some basic tips to enjoy flowers safely with pets in your home:
Know Your Pet’s Personality: Some animals have zero interest in flowers; others sample everything like it’s a colorful salad bar. If your pet tends to chew, be extra mindful about where you display arrangements.
Keep Arrangements Out of Reach: A sturdy shelf, high dresser, tall mantle, or table your pets can’t access will be a wise choice.
Know Which Flowers to Avoid: Some flowers are more dangerous than others. Many we grow here at the farm are pet-safe, but not all of them. Below is a list of the most toxic flowers for dogs and cats.
Lilies: Extremely toxic to cats; even small exposures can cause kidney failure.
Daffodils:All parts toxic; bulbs especially dangerous.
Tulips & Hyacinths (primarily just the bulbs contain concentrated toxins)
Foxglove: Very toxic; affects the heart.
Sweet Pea: Extremely dangerous; can cause seizures.
Larkspur & Delphinium: Toxic to both dogs and cats.
Chrysanthemums (Mums): Can cause vomiting and irritation.
Want blooms you can enjoy with a bit more peace of mind? These are generally considered safer (though still not for snacking):
Campanula
Lisianthus
Zinnias
Snapdragons
Sunflowers
Asters
Marigolds
Statice
Celosia
Herbs like mint or basil (bonus - pets usually dislike the smell)
Many of these are staples in our market bouquets throughout the growing season. If you ever have questions about whether a flower in one of our bouquets is pet-safe, just ask. We’re always happy to help you choose blooms that work beautifully with your home—and your furry family. We even offer a pet friendly subscription plan!
If you ever see your pet chewing a flower and you’re unsure what it is, it’s safest to take photos and call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away
