Ease your mind —marigolds arent toxic to dogs, but heres how to handle the small risks.
As a pet owner and gardener you may be wondering if the colorful African marigold flower is safe to have around your furry friends. With their bright orange, yellow and red blossoms, marigolds can make a lovely addition to any garden. But are they pet-friendly? Let’s take a look at the safety of marigolds for cats, dogs, and other common household pets.
An Overview of Marigold Toxicity for Pets
The African marigold (Tagetes erecta) falls into the category of “mildly toxic” for dogs and cats according to the ASPCA. This means that small ingestions generally don’t cause serious problems. However, large ingestions may result in stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Cats tend to be less likely to nibble on plants than dogs. But curious kitties could still ingest marigold foliage or flowers and experience mild GI effects. Dogs are more prone to munching on marigolds due to their playful and investigative nature.
Other household pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and reptiles don’t appear to be affected by marigolds. So these animal companions can safely enjoy their beauty!
Overall the African marigold is far less toxic than many other common garden plants. But it’s still smart to take precautions around pets who may be tempted to snack on them.
Signs of Marigold Toxicity in Pets
If your pet ingests part of a marigold plant, watch for these symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
Skin irritation is also possible if your pet comes into contact with the stems, leaves, or flower pollen. You may notice:
- Red, itchy skin
- Hives
- Runny eyes or nose
If you see any of these signs, call your vet for advice right away. Prompt treatment can help keep your pet comfortable.
Tips to Keep Pets Safe Around Marigolds
Here are some tips to minimize the risk of your pets ingesting marigolds:
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Supervise pets when outside around marigolds. This is especially important with curious puppies or kittens who are more likely to nibble and chew.
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Consider planting marigolds out of your pets’ reach such as in hanging baskets or on an elevated garden bed. Fencing off the marigold area also helps.
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Remove and discard any uprooted marigold plants or fallen flowers before letting your pet into the yard. Ingesting large amounts poses the greatest risk.
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Choose non-toxic pet-friendly alternatives if you’re concerned. Some examples include sunflowers, pansies, petunias, snapdragons, and violas.
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Wipe your pet’s paws and fur if they brush against marigolds to prevent skin irritation.
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Train your pet to “leave it” around the garden so they learn marigolds are off limits. Reward them for obeying.
With supervision and a few precautions, you can safely enjoy marigolds while keeping pets out of harm’s way. But if you believe your pet ingested a large amount of any plant, don’t hesitate to call your vet or an animal poison control center.
Are Certain Types of Marigolds Safer?
There are actually around 50 species in the marigold family (Tagetes). The most popular ones grown in gardens are African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) and French marigolds (Tagetes patula). Of these two, French marigolds are considered slightly safer.
Signet marigolds (Tagetes tenuifolia) are another variety gaining popularity. They produce lots of petite flowers making them a good pick for containers. These have low toxicity similar to French marigolds.
Other species like the invasive bur marigold or corn marigold are riskier choices with higher toxicity levels if eaten. Always research the exact type of marigold you’re planting if you want to maximize pet safety.
Non-Toxic Flowering Plants for Pets
If you want to steer clear of marigolds entirely, no problem! Here are ten safer picks that will still provide bright, beautiful blossoms:
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Petunias
- Snapdragons
- Pansies
- Violas
- Cosmos
- Alyssum
- Cleome
- Nasturtiums
Go with freshly grown plants from a reputable nursery over seeds which run a higher risk of toxicity. And always supervise pets around any flowers until you know they won’t try to nibble!
Creative Ways to Keep Pets Out of Flower Beds
If you adore marigolds and want to plant them in your garden, there are creative ways to keep pets safely away. Here are some popular options fellow pet owners have come up with:
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Place attractive fencing around flower beds such as decorative metal garden fencing or picket fences. Just be sure pets can’t squeeze through gaps or dig under.
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Border beds with largish, smooth river rocks that pets find unappealing to walk over.
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For elevated beds, apply pet-proof mesh skirting around the base to block access underneath.
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Use motion-activated sprinklers as gentle deterrents (cats hate these!)
-Plant prickly plants like roses or holly around the perimeter.
- Cover bare soil areas in beds with attractive mulch or pea gravel to remove digging temptation.
With a little creativity, you can design a gorgeous pet-proof garden oasis! Just be sure to include some safe plants for pets to enjoy too.
What To Do If Your Pet Ingests Marigolds
Accidents happen! If you catch your pet nibbling on marigolds or see signs of ingestion, follow these steps:
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Stay calm. Most marigold ingestions cause minor effects, if any. But you do want to act quickly.
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Remove your pet from the area to prevent further ingestion.
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Check their gums and hydration status. Are gums nice and pink? Does skin snap back quickly when pinched? If you notice paleness, tacky gums, or poor skin elasticity get them to the vet immediately.
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Contact your vet (or pet poison helpline if after hours) for guidance based on your pet’s size and suspected amount ingested.
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Monitor for signs of GI upset like vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. Call your vet if symptoms develop or seem severe.
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Save any vomit, the remaining plant, or photos to help identify the exact species ingested.
With prompt care, your vet can address any resulting issues and get your pet back to feeling their best again. The key is not to panic but also not wait to seek help if concerned.
The Takeaway on Marigold Safety for Pets
While marigolds aren’t highly toxic to dogs and cats, their bright blossoms can still tempt curious pets. Take some simple precautions like supervision, strategic planting, and training to keep your furry friends safe. If ingestion does occur, remain calm and contact your vet for pet-specific advice. With prudence and care, you can continue to enjoy marigold’s beauty in your garden for years to come!
Doggy Digestion: How Pooches Process Plants
Dogs and plants have a relationship thats complicated at best. When Fido takes a bite out of a marigold, his digestive system gears up for a challenge its not quite cut out for. Marigolds contain elements that canines cant break down efficiently, leading to the all-too-familiar vomiting or diarrhea. Its a dog-eat-plant world out there, and sometimes, the plant fights back.
When Sniffing Around Goes Awry: Recognizing Risks and Reactions
Marigolds, while not the most toxic of garden dwellers, can still cause a stomach upset in dogs. If your pup has a penchant for petal munching, they might experience some digestive discomfort. Symptoms like mild vomiting or a slight change in stool consistency are not uncommon.
Why YOU Should Plant Marigolds. EVERYWHERE.
FAQ
Are African marigolds safe for pets?
What is the difference between African marigolds and marigolds?
Is marigold safe around cats?
Are African marigolds edible?
Are marigolds toxic to cats and dogs?
Pets that enjoy exploring the great outdoors can be destructive to gardens. Additionally, over 700 plants are toxic to cats and dogs, ranging from mild to severe, and it’s important to know which ones are safe for your pets. Though beautiful and joyful, marigolds are an example of a plant toxic to cats and dogs.
Do marigolds irritate dogs?
According to the Pet Poison Helpline, marigolds might irritate your dog, but they are essentially non-toxic. If your dog plays in your bed of marigolds, it might cause skin irritation. You may notice redness or irritation bumps developing on the skin shortly after exposure. If your dog gobbles up a marigold, they might feel queasy after a while.
Is Marigold a dog name?
Dog owners should note that not all plants with the name Marigold are from the Tagetes group. A good example of this is the pot marigold ( Calendula officinalis ). This ornamental flower is also known as calendula, ruddles, gold bloom, holligold, common marigold, and garden marigold.
How do you keep dogs away from marigolds?
One simple yet effective method to keep dogs away from marigolds is by leaving deterring scents near the plants. Dogs have a strong sense of smell, so certain odors can act as natural repellents. Citrus peels, vinegar, or even diluted peppermint oil can be placed strategically around the marigold area to discourage dogs from coming too close.