March 12, 2025 (AUSTIN, Texas) – Spring is the season of fresh starts, but before you brighten your home and garden with beautiful plants and flowers, be sure they’re pet-safe. Many popular spring plants can be highly toxic to dogs and cats, leading to emergency vet visits. Thrive Pet Healthcare is helping pet owners make safer choices with easy plant swaps that keep homes beautiful—with less risk.
“Many pet owners don’t realize that a simple bouquet or landscaping choice can be life-threatening to their pets,” said Dr. Tony Coronado, Vice President of Emergency Medicine at Thrive Pet Healthcare. “While some plants are more toxic than others, any plant ingestion can cause stomach upset. Choosing safer alternatives can prevent an emergency trip to the vet.”
Top 5 Most Toxic Plants and Safer Alternatives
Deadly: Lillies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species)
Highly toxic to cats—ingesting even a small amount of any part of the plant causes fatal kidney failure
Safer Choice: Orchids, sunflowers, or roses
Deadly: Sago Palm
Extremely toxic to dogs—all parts of the plant, especially the seeds, cause severe liver failure
Safer Choice: Areca palm or ponytail palm
Dangerous: Tulip and hyacinth bulbs
The bulbs contain toxins that cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing in dogs
Safer Choice: Petunia or snapdragon for springtime color with less risk
Dangerous: Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)
Causes vomiting, liver and kidney damage and can be fatal to dogs and cats
Safer Choice: African violet or marigold for a pop of color indoors or out
Toxic: Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
Mild to moderate toxicity—can cause mouth irritation, excessive drooling, and vomiting in pets
Safer Choice: Spider plant or Boston fern for a greenery-filled home
“No one wants their pet’s curiosity to become a medical emergency,” said Dr. Coronado. “By making small adjustments—choosing safer plants, keeping toxic ones out of reach, and supervising outdoor play—pet owners can enjoy a beautiful home and garden while keeping their furry family members safe.”
Think Before You Gift Flowers
Spring brings many reasons to give flowers—Easter, Mother’s Day, and birthdays. But before sending a bouquet to a friend or family member with pets, consider their safety. Many floral arrangements contain lilies or other harmful blooms that could pose a risk to pets.
“If you’re gifting flowers to someone with pets, ask the florist to create a pet-safe bouquet,” said Dr. Coronado. “Simple swaps can prevent a beautiful gift from becoming a pet emergency.”
Visit
thrivepetcare.com to find a location near you that includes primary, specialty, emergency, and urgent veterinary care services and participating Thrive Plus membership hospitals.
