What Flowers Are Safe for Dogs? Tips for Pet-Friendly Bouquets in Colorado Homes
Flower for Dogs
If you’ve ever caught your pup sniffing (or even sampling!) a bouquet, you’re not alone. At Hosanna Floral, we hear this question all the time from customers across Montrose, Ridgway, Ouray, Telluride, Gunnison, and Crested Butte: “What flowers are safe for dogs?” Whether you're planning a wedding where your dog will walk down the aisle or just want a fresh bouquet for the kitchen table, it's important to choose pet-friendly flowers that keep your furry family safe.
Let’s dive into some helpful info—and share a few local stories from fellow flower and dog lovers!
Why Flower Safety Matters When You Have Dogs
Dogs + Curiosity = Trouble
Let’s face it: dogs are curious by nature. They sniff everything and, sometimes, nibble on it too. Unfortunately, not all flowers are safe. Some common varieties can cause anything from a mild upset tummy to more serious reactions.
One of our regular customers from Ouray stopped in after her Golden Retriever got into a bouquet someone gifted her—complete with lilies and tulips (which are toxic to dogs). Thankfully, her pup was okay, but she’s now all about dog-safe flowers for every occasion.
Common Signs of Flower Toxicity in Dogs
If your dog has chewed on something questionable, watch for these signs:
- Drooling
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling around the mouth
When in doubt, always call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control Line.
Dog-Safe Flowers to Enjoy Around Your Pup
Here are some of our favorite flowers that are non-toxic to dogs and still absolutely stunning:
Roses (Thornless Varieties)
Classic, elegant, and completely dog-safe (despite those pesky thorns). We always recommend thornless varieties—especially for playful pups.
A bride from Telluride recently had her pup as the ring bearer. We created a stunning rose bouquet and even a matching dog collar floral accessory—no thorns, no stress, just wagging tails.
Sunflowers
Bright and cheerful, sunflowers are completely non-toxic to dogs. These golden beauties add a splash of sunshine to any bouquet and are super popular in Gunnison summer weddings.
Snapdragons
Not only are snapdragons pet-safe, but they also bring lovely height and texture to bouquets. These are a staple in many Ridgway spring arrangements, especially for pet-friendly homes.
Zinnias
Colorful, long-lasting, and easy to grow—zinnias are among our favorites for both gardens and floral arrangements. Plus, they’re totally pup-approved.
Gerbera Daisies
A playful and bold flower, Gerbera daisies are safe for dogs and ideal for summer events. A Crested Butte mom of two (and a Labrador!) uses these in her weekly dining table arrangement.
Calendula (Pot Marigold)
Don’t confuse calendula with common marigolds—pot marigolds are non-toxic and make lovely additions to casual bouquets.
Orchids (Some Varieties)
While not all orchids are safe, many popular household varieties (like Phalaenopsis) are safe for pups. These make elegant gifts and are perfect for modern arrangements.
Flowers to Avoid Around Dogs
Some flowers that might seem harmless are surprisingly toxic to our four-legged friends. If you have pets, steer clear of these:
- Lilies (even small nibbles can be dangerous)
- Tulips
- Peonies
- Daffodils
- Chrysanthemums
- Hyacinths
A customer from Montrose learned this the hard way when her pup got into a tulip bouquet she’d received from a friend. Since then, she’s been a loyal customer at Hosanna Floral—she trusts us to create beautiful and safe arrangements for her dog-friendly home.
Tips for Pet-Friendly Wedding and Event Florals
Planning a Wedding with Your Dog in Mind?
It’s becoming more and more popular for pets to join wedding celebrations. If your furry friend is playing a role in your big day, here are a few safe floral tips:
- Use dog-safe flowers in bouquets, boutonnieres, and floral crowns
- Avoid ground-level arrangements with toxic flowers
- Let your florist know your pup will be present
At a recent Crested Butte wedding, we crafted a gorgeous rose and zinnia floral leash for the couple’s Corgi. It was a huge hit with guests—and safe for the pup!
How Hosanna Floral Helps You Choose Dog-Safe Bouquets
We love helping local pet lovers find flower arrangements that are safe and stunning. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, wedding, or just want to brighten your week, our florists are here to guide you.
Here’s how we help:
- We always ask if you have pets at home
- We offer free pet-safety consultations
- We can substitute any toxic flowers in our arrangements with beautiful, non-toxic options
- We offer delivery throughout Montrose, Ridgway, Telluride, Gunnison, and Crested Butte
Keep Your Bouquets Dog-Safe at Home
Even with dog-friendly blooms, it’s still smart to use caution.
A Few Quick Tips:
- Keep arrangements out of your pup’s reach
- Change the water frequently (and don’t add chemicals)
- Educate guests who bring you flowers
- Avoid dropped petals—dogs are quick!
One Gunnison customer always places her weekly Hosanna Floral bouquet on her fireplace mantel—both to show it off and keep it safe from her curious terrier.
Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Have Gorgeous Flowers AND a Happy Dog
Being a pet lover doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice beauty. With a little guidance, you can enjoy stunning arrangements that are just as safe as they are stylish.
Here at Hosanna Floral, we’re proud to be the trusted local florist for so many pet-loving families across Montrose, Ridgway, Ouray, Telluride, Gunnison, and Crested Butte. Whether you’re planning a dog-friendly wedding or just want something cheerful for your kitchen table, we’ve got you covered.
Stop by our shop or give us a call—we’d love to help you create a bouquet both you and your pup can enjoy.
