Are Flowers Toxic to Pets? Tulips, Roses, Hydrangeas, and More

Some of the most common flowers in homes and gardens — tulips, hydrangeas, and peonies — are toxic to both dogs and cats. Others, including roses and orchids, are generally considered safe. If your pet has eaten any part of a plant or flower, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center¹ at 888-426-4435 or your veterinarian immediately — do not wait for symptoms to develop, as early treatment is more effective for most plant toxins.

Quick Reference: Common Flowers and Pet Toxicity

Toxicity classifications per ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center¹

Toxic Flowers for Dogs and Cats

Are Tulips Toxic to Dogs and Cats?

Yes — tulips are toxic to both dogs and cats. The primary compounds, tulipalin A and tulipalin B, are allergenic lactones concentrated most heavily in the bulb, though the stems and petals also contain them at lower levels. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center¹, signs of tulip ingestion include drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and tremors. Cats tend to react more severely than dogs with equivalent exposure.

The highest risk period is during planting season or when stored bulbs are accessible. Cut flower arrangements carry lower risk but should still be kept out of reach of pets.

Are Peonies Toxic to Dogs and Cats?

Yes — peonies are toxic to both dogs and cats. The compound paeonol is found throughout the plant, though in higher concentrations in the bark. Per the ASPCA¹, signs of peony ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.

Peony toxicity is classified as moderate — serious systemic effects are less common than with some other toxic plants — but any ingestion warrants a call to your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center.

Are Hydrangeas Toxic to Dogs and Cats?

Yes — hydrangeas are toxic to both dogs and cats. They contain cyanogenic glycosides, which release cyanide when metabolized. According to VCA Animal Hospitals², all parts of the hydrangea plant are toxic, and the dried plant retains its toxic potential. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and depression; larger ingestions can produce more significant effects.

Hydrangeas are common in outdoor gardens and cut flower arrangements. The leaves and flower buds are of particular concern if a pet is chewing on garden plants.

Mildly Toxic Flowers

Are Dahlias Toxic to Dogs and Cats?

Dahlias have mild toxicity for both dogs and cats. They can cause gastrointestinal irritation — vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite — and may cause skin irritation on contact with the sap. Serious or life-threatening toxicity is not well-documented, but the GI effects can cause discomfort. Contact your veterinarian if symptoms develop after ingestion.

Flowers That Are Generally Safe for Pets

Are Roses Toxic to Dogs and Cats?

No, roses are not classified as toxic to dogs or cats. The ASPCA¹ does not list roses as toxic to either species. That said, a few practical caveats apply:

Rose hips are also non-toxic, though the same physical concerns about thorns apply.

Are Orchids Toxic to Dogs and Cats?

No, common household orchids are not toxic to dogs or cats. The ASPCA¹ classifies Phalaenopsis orchids (the most widely sold household variety) as non-toxic to both species. Chewing on orchid leaves may cause mild, transient GI upset from the plant material itself, but there is no toxic compound of concern.

Important note: There are thousands of orchid species. If your orchid is not a Phalaenopsis, verify its toxicity status with the ASPCA database or your veterinarian before assuming it's safe.

What to Do If Your Pet Eats a Flower

For any signs of serious distress — seizures, collapse, extreme lethargy, or difficulty breathing — skip home monitoring and go directly to an emergency veterinary clinic immediately.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Flower and Plant Poisoning?

Toxic plant ingestion is typically classified as an accident under pet insurance — meaning accident and illness plans may help cover emergency exam fees, diagnostics, induced vomiting, activated charcoal, IV fluids, and supportive care when a pet eats a toxic flower. Unlike chronic conditions, accidental poisoning is not a pre-existing condition and is generally eligible for coverage regardless of when a pet was enrolled, as long as the policy was active before the incident.

What pet insurance covers varies by provider and plan. Having coverage in place before an emergency occurs means owners don't have to weigh treatment decisions against cost at the worst possible moment, which is one of the biggest benefits of pet insurance.

Unexpected vet bills can happen when you least expect them, but pet insurance may help make those costs more manageable. Having coverage in place can help pet parents feel more prepared for emergency care, surgery, diagnostics, and treatment for covered conditions.

Spot Pet Insurance offers dog insurance plans starting at $15/month^ and cat insurance plans starting at $9/month,^^ helping to make it easier to find coverage that fits your budget. Spot also makes filing claims simple with a digital claims process that lets pet parents submit a claim in 60 seconds or less. Get a free quote.

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_{^^ Advertised premium is based on an accident and illness plan with an 80% reimbursement rate, $750 annual deductible, and a $2,500 annual limit for a 2-year-old mixed cat in 33801. Plan costs vary.}