Are Wildflowers Toxic to Cats, Dogs, and other Animals?

Wildflowers create colorful summer displays that we can all enjoy. Unfortunately, the same can’t always be said for our pets. In this article, we’ll find out whether wildflowers are toxic to cats, dogs, and other animals.

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Are Wildflowers Toxic to Cats, Dogs, and other Animals?

Some wildflowers are toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets. However, some are safe to plant around our pets. It’s vital to research whether the wildflowers in your garden are safe for your furry friends.

Wildflowers that are toxic to cats and dogs usually cause harm if they’re ingested. Many wildflowers classed as toxic contain calcium oxalates. These minerals cause throat or stomach irritation along with diarrhea or vomiting. Your pet may also experience skin irritation if they rub against toxic wildflowers.

If you think your pet has ingested a toxic wildflower, monitor their condition. The symptoms should pass within a few hours. If their discomfort persists, contact your local veterinarian for advice. Book your pet in for an emergency appointment if advised to do so.

For more, see our in-depth guide on the types of animals that typically eat wildflowers.

Are Wildflowers Toxic to Humans?

Some wildflower species are also toxic to humans if ingested. These toxic species can cause severe stomach discomfort and diarrhea or vomiting. Some toxic wildflowers can also cause skin irritation. Keep small children away from toxic wildflowers at all times.

Which Wildflowers are Toxic to Dogs, Cats, and Other Animals?

Some of the native wildflowers (including a range of annuals and perennials) in the United States are toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets. It’s important to research which plants in your garden could harm your pet. Once you’ve found a toxic plant, remove it safely or find a way to keep your pet away from it.

Some common wildflowers that are toxic to dogs, cats, and other animals include:

• Buttercups
• California Poppies
• Fleabane
• Geraniums
• Gladioli
• Larkspur
• Lupines
• Milkweed
• Poppies
• Yarrow

For a more comprehensive list, consult the ASPCA lists here.

Which Wildflowers are Safe for Pets?

Although some wildflowers are toxic to cats and dogs, others are perfectly safe for our pets. The ASPCA provides a reasonably comprehensive list of plants that are safe for cats and dogs. Here are some common wildflowers that are safe for our pets:

• Blue-dicks
• Coneflowers
• Fireweed
• Hollyhocks
• Scabious
• Sunflowers
• Tickseed

How to Protect Your Pets from Toxic Wildflowers

If some of the wildflowers in your garden are toxic to cats or dogs, take steps to protect your pets. The easiest thing to do is to remove (or transplant) the toxic plant. If a wildflower you want to add to the garden is toxic, consider leaving it out.

You can also deter your pets from investigating toxic plants. This can be achieved using cat or dog-repellent sprays or companion plants such as citronella or rosemary. Alternatively, you can use fences or walls to protect your pets from toxic wildflowers. 

Another tip is to consider growing wildflowers in pots, enabling you to relocate to positions in your garden or patio that are out of reach of common pets and animals. 

For more, see our in-depth guide on when to plant wildflowers. 

Wrapping Up

Some wildflowers are toxic to cats, dogs, and other animals. However, some wildflowers are perfectly safe for pets. Always research which wildflowers in your garden are potentially dangerous to your pets.

For more, see our in-depth guide to popular flowers that are toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets.

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