Like many of you, our family was stuck at home during the global pandemic…which obviously meant we were supposed to get a new puppy! Raising our little fur baby was a lot of work but it’s been really fun. As many of you have probably experienced, puppies like to put things in their mouths and ours was no exception. He just HAD to taste EVERYTHING, including plants, grass and everything else that grows outside.
This got me to thinking about the kinds of plants and, more specifically, flowers that are safe for senior pets. Just because senior dogs are older doesn’t mean they won’t try to eat things that they aren’t supposed to. Our senior fur babies certainly like to randomly take bites out of plants and grass as we go on our daily walks in the neighborhood! One of our seniors even has a very specific kind of grass she likes to nibble on.
In this article, we are going to take a look at 10 beautiful flowers that are usually safe for you and your senior dog to enjoy. We will look at each flower’s season, where you might encounter them and what they look like.
As with all things related to health, we urge you to check with your vet if your senior pet does actually eat any flower. This article has a lot of information on safe flowers for your senior fur baby, but nothing here should take the place of advice from your family vet!
Now, let's dive into some flowers with our senior fur babies!
Seven Safe Flowers For Your Senior Dog
1. Pansy
The pansy is a beautiful flower that is usually found in the spring and summer months. It is a brightly colored flower with a range of colors including purple, yellow, white, and red. It has a unique shape with a five-petal face and a white center. Pansies are also great for attracting butterflies and other pollinators, which can be beneficial to the environment.
The pansy is a great flower for your senior pet to enjoy since it is safe and is not toxic to them if they were to eat it.
2. Petunia
The petunia is a beautiful flower that is usually found in the spring and summer months. It is a brightly colored flower with a range of colors including purple, yellow, white, and red.
The petunia is a popular flower for gardens and can be seen in many parks and gardens around the world. It has a unique shape with a five-petal face and a white center.
The petunia is a great flower to add to your garden if you have a senior dog since it is very hardy and requires little maintenance. It can thrive in both sunny and shady areas. Petunias are also easy to grow and can be planted in a variety of locations, such as in hanging baskets, in pots, or in the ground. Like other flowers, petunias are a great way to add a pop of color to your garden.
3. Rose
The rose is a classic flower that is known for its beauty and fragrance. It is usually found in the spring and summer months and is a popular flower for gardens and public parks.
It has a unique shape with five petals and a yellow or green center. Sunflowers are also known for being drought tolerant and can thrive in both sunny and shady areas. They are a great choice for any garden, as they are able to attract pollinators and other beneficial insects as well. Just be careful as roses tend to have thorns that could injure an inquisitive senior dog!
4. Zinnia
The zinnia is a colorful flower that is usually found in the summer months. It is a brightly colored flower with a range of colors including purple, yellow, white, and red.
It has a unique shape with five petals and a yellow or green center. Zinnias are also known for being drought tolerant and can thrive in both sunny and shady areas. They are a great choice for any garden, as they are able to attract pollinators and other beneficial insects as well.
5. Sunflower
Sunflowers are a great flower for senior pets since they are not toxic if eaten and are safe for them to consume. Sunflowers are also known for being drought tolerant and can thrive in both sunny and shady areas.
Sunflowers are relatively easy to maintain and require no special care, making them an ideal choice for senior pet owners. As sunflowers become more mature, the centers produce the sunflower seeds we eat as snacks which may attract the attention of your senior dog looking for a quick snack!
6. Marigold
The marigold is a beautiful flower that is usually found in the summer months. It is a brightly colored flower with a range of colors including yellow, orange, and gold.
Marigolds also attract beneficial insects such as pollinators and are relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care. Marigolds are also drought tolerant, making them an ideal choice for senior dog owners in both sunny and shady areas.
7. Daisy
The daisy is a classic flower that is usually found in the spring and summer months. It is a brightly colored flower with a white center and yellow or white petals.
The daisy is a popular flower for gardens and can be seen in many parks and gardens around the world. It has a unique shape with five petals and a yellow or green center. It can thrive in both sunny and shady areas. Daisies are relatively easy to maintain and require no special care.
8. Aster
The aster is a beautiful flower that is usually found in the late summer and fall months. It is a brightly colored flower with a range of colors including purple, pink, and white.
Asters are also known for being drought tolerant and can thrive in both sunny and shady areas. They are a great choice for any garden, as they are able to attract pollinators and other beneficial insects as well. It has a unique shape with multiple petals and a yellow or green center.
9. African Violet
The African violet is a beautiful flower that is usually found in the winter and early spring months. It is a brightly colored flower with a range of colors including pink, purple, and blue.
The African violet is a popular flower for gardens. African Violets are easy to care for, as they require little maintenance and can thrive in both sunny and shady areas.
10. Orchid
The orchid is a stunning flower that is usually found in the late winter and early spring months. It is a brightly colored flower with a range of colors including pink, white, and purple.
The orchid has a unique shape with five petals and a yellow or green center. Orchids are also drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with low water. The orchid can thrive in both sunny and shady areas and can be seen in many exotic garden displays and flower shows.
Dangerous Flowers For Your Senior Dog
When it comes to your senior dog, pet-friendly flowers are essential. Certain flowers can be toxic and even fatal if ingested, so it's important to be aware of some of the non-toxic blooms that are pet safe.
Toxic flowers can cause serious health risks such as gastrointestinal distress, organ failure, and even death. While these beautiful blooms may seem harmless, they can be lethal to your pet.
Even if the flower of a plant is toxic, other parts of the plant might be of even greater concern. For example, the bulbs of flowers such as tulips, lilies, and daffodils, are more toxic than the flowers themselves. Berries, particularly bright red ones, also tend to be extraordinarily toxic and should be avoided at all costs.
It’s also important to note that some of the plants listed below are more toxic than others. While some will give your senior dog some mild nausea, others can cause seizures, breathing problems, and liver failure. With that being said, we all love our senior fur babies and want to do everything we can to keep them safe.
Therefore, it’s best to avoid keeping any of the following within your senior pet’s reach:
As a senior pet owner, it's important to know which flowers are safe and which can be potentially lethal to your beloved companion. By avoiding these dangerous blooms, you can keep your senior dog safe and healthy while still enjoying the beauty of nature.
FAQ
Why does my senior dog eat plants or grass?
As a senior pet owner, it is important to understand why your senior dog might be eating plants or grass. In some cases, senior dogs may be consuming pet-friendly flowers as a way to supplement their diet.
However, if your senior dog is eating non-toxic blooms from your garden, it could be a sign that something is wrong. They may be seeking out pet-safe flowers for vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients not found in their regular food. Other possible reasons for your senior dog's plant-eating habits include boredom, stress, or an underlying medical condition like an upset stomach.
If you notice your senior dog consuming plants or grass, it is important to monitor them closely and contact your vet for further advice.
Will eating plants make my senior dog sick?
Are you worried that the flowers in your garden might make your senior dog sick? Don't worry, there are plenty of pet-friendly flowers that you can add to your outdoor space without having to worry about your pup!
Pet-safe flowers come in all shapes and sizes and can make a beautiful addition to any garden. Non-toxic blooms are not only beautiful, but they are also safe for your pet.
There are a wide variety of pet-friendly flowers, including daisies, violets, pansies, and marigolds. These flowers have no toxic qualities and will not make your senior dog sick.
Just remember to check the label on any purchased plants to make sure they are pet safe. Adding pet-friendly flowers to your outdoor space can be a great way to bring some color and life to your garden while also keeping your senior pup safe.
What do I do if my senior dog eats an unsafe flower or plant?
If your senior dog has gotten into a flower or plant, it's important to know what to do to keep them safe. Pet-friendly flowers and non-toxic blooms are essential for pet-safe gardens. Unsafe flowers and plants can cause a variety of side effects in dogs, including digestive upset, skin irritation, and even poisoning.
If you think your senior dog has eaten an unsafe flower or plant, the first step is to identify the flower or plant in question. You can do this by looking up the type of flower or plant online, or by consulting with your vet.
Once you've identified the flower or plant, it's important to keep an eye out for any symptoms your senior dog may be exhibiting. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and difficulty breathing.
If your senior dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical care right away. In addition, it's recommended that you remove any unsafe flowers or plants from your garden so your senior pet won't have access to them in the future.
Final Thoughts
As senior dogs reach the later stages of life, it's important to be mindful of their environment and what they are exposed to. Pet-friendly flowers should be a priority, as some blooms can be toxic to pets.
Thankfully, there is a wide range of pet-safe flowers to choose from. These non-toxic blooms provide a beautiful and safe way to bring color and life into your home.
Orchids, pansies, and sunflowers are all excellent choices that you can feel good about displaying in your garden and in your home. As always, it's best to check with your vet if you have any questions or concerns about the safety of certain flowers.
With the right research and preparation, you can be sure to have a pet-friendly flower garden that is both beautiful and safe for your senior fur babies!
- Jake