As pet parents, we know that there are things that are simply not safe for our animals to be around. In a lot of cases, the reason they are unsafe is because they can be toxic or dangerous. And plants and flowers are definitely on the list of things we need to be mindful of when we have pets in our home.
While not all plants and flowers are toxic to our pets, we need to mindful of the fact that any plant or flower can upset our cat or dog's stomach if they are chomping on them. But one flower that is especially problematic in the springtime has to be white lilies (although all lilies are a problem for pets). Lilies are in fact toxic to pets.
If your dog eats a lily, they can end up poisoning themselves. This can lead to vomiting, dehydration, excessive drooling, seizures, diarrhea, and even kidney failure. And for cats it can be truly fatal. We are talking kidney failure that is fatal within three days of ingestion.
So if you want flowers for spring and you have a cat or a dog, then we think it is best to skip the lilies and go for an orchid instead.
Orchids are actually pet safe, and if you are looking for a similar look to white lilies, a Moth Orchid is a great choice. In fact, according to the Chewy Blog, "They’ll give you that same milky, peaceful vibe, while also being totally safe for your pets to explore. Because they need water only every 1-2 weeks, they’re great for houseplant newbies."
Not only are orchids a pet safe alternative to lilies, but they are also beautiful and actually make a great flower for beginners just looking to add more plants and flowers to their home. They also come in a variety of colors, which is good for anyone who is looking for more than just a white flower and instead wants pops of color that are safe for our dogs and cats to check out.
Honestly, we love getting pet safe suggestions for adding color to our homes. And flowers in spring are always a win.