Flowers are a timeless symbol of love and affection, making them the perfect gift for Valentine's Day. Their vivid colors and enchanting fragrances can brighten anyone's day. Giving someone you love and cherish a bouquet of flowers is a common tradition for this day of love.
Although, if your loved one has a furry friend at home, picking the wrong type of flower could end in disaster. Therefore, before you run to the store and buy a bouquet for your loved one, avoid these 6 types of flowers.
6 Types of flowers to avoid getting a pet owner this Valentine's Day
"A lot of common flowers are actually highly toxic to pets like cats and dogs," says Alexa Johnston, a sex and relationship expert at Just Dildos.
1. Lilies
Lilies are a popular and beautiful flower, but they can be extremely dangerous for pets, especially the feline. Every part of the lily plant, petals, leaves, stems, and even the pollen contains toxins that can cause severe kidney damage to a cat when eaten. Even if only a small amount is ingested, it can lead to terrible symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite. So, when looking for the perfect bouquet of flowers for your fellow pet owner, check to ensure no lilies are present.
2. Tulips
Next up is the stunning tulip. These flowers pose a significant risk to pets. The toxic principle in tulips is concentrated in the bulb, but every part of the plant contains substances known as tulipalin A and B that can be harmful when ingested.
If a pet consumes a tulip, they may experience symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and even convulsions in severe cases. Dogs and cats are both at risk, with cats being particularly susceptible. Therefore, add tulips to the list of plants to avoid getting the pet owner in your life this Valentine's Day.
3. Daffodils
Daffodils are another lovely flower often included in a mixed bouquet, but they also have toxic components that could be hazardous to pets. Their bulbs contain lycorine, an alkaloid that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress when consumed. Signs and symptoms of daffodil poisoning in a pt include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can also lead to tremors, low blood pressure, and heart arrhythmias. So, if you are contemplating a bouquet that has daffodils, walk away and keep your loved one's pets safe.
4. Oleander
The Oleander may not be a common flower found in Valentine's bouquets; they are highly toxic to pets due to their numerous poisonous compounds, such as oleandrin and nervine. These toxins can interfere with the electrolyte balance within a pet's heart muscle, potentially leading to severe cardiac issues. So, while not a typical Valentine's Day choice, it is still prudent to check the bouquet you chose to ensure the Ooleander is absent.
5. Hyacinths
The intoxicating scent of the Hyacinth makes them a popular choice for Valentine's Day, but they pose a serious threat to pets. The bulbs of the hyacinths contain alkaloids that can cause significant gastrointestinal distress if eaten. In severe cases, ingesting this plant can increase dogs' and cats' heart rates and respiratory issues. Therefore, if you come across a bouquet containing this lovely flower, take a moment to appreciate the beautiful fragrance, then move on.
6. Peonies
The peony is famous for its lush blooms and stunning colors, but they are the sixth flower that should not be given to a pet owner due to the potential risk to their pets. The entire plant, especially the roots, contains a compound that can cause gastrointestinal upset when ingested, known as paeonol. The severity of symptoms, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy, depends on the size of the pet. So, if you thought this flower was safe to give a pet owner, nope! Add these to your list of flowers to avoid purchasing for them this Valentine's Day.
If you look at this list and feel discouraged or like no flower is safe, fear not! There are plenty of flowers that you can buy your pet owner. "You don't have to sacrifice beauty for safety!" says Alexa Johnston. She recommends purchasing roses, orchids, sunflowers, snapdragons, gerbera daisies, asters, and camellias. Each of these flowers is pet-friendly and will make any Valentine's Day memorable for your loved one with pets.