Marigolds are bright, colorful flowers that come in shades of orange, red, and yellow, and many people love to have them around their yards or even in flower pots around their homes. If you have dogs in your household, you may wonder if marigolds are a safe flower to have near them. While you want to brighten up your space with lovely plants, you don’t want to accidentally put your best pup at risk of any health issues.
The good news is that marigolds are not toxic to dogs. This is probably a relief if you already have the flowers in your landscaping or home decor, but while they are non-toxic, they are also mildly irritating. Because of this, you’ll still want to keep marigolds out of your dog’s reach, so it can’t take a bite of one.
Are Marigolds Toxic To Dogs?
According to the ASPCA, the marigold varieties found in gardens and houses aren’t toxic to dogs. But, according to the Pet Poison Helpline, there is evidence that they could irritate your dog’s skin or digestive tract.
If your dog rolls around in the flowers, it might get some redness or small bumps on its skin. However, this will usually go away quickly unless it happens to be allergic to marigolds.
If your dog eats marigolds, it may get a stomach ache. While it’s not common, it could experience vomiting or diarrhea. So, if you are concerned about possible allergies, reach out to your vet.
What About Calendula Oil?
Calendula oil is marigold extract, and if you have this product in your home, you probably want to know if it’s safe for your dog. The good news is that this substance isn’t harmful to dogs and can even be used as a remedy to treat minor skin cuts and wounds. However, you shouldn’t give this to pregnant dogs, and it’s still best to consult your vet before trying a new product with your dog.
Keeping Your Dog Away From Marigolds
While you don’t have to worry too much about your dog getting into your marigolds, you should keep it away from the plants to be extra careful. Plus, it can be frustrating when your dog keeps sniffing and digging into your flower garden. Luckily, you can keep your pet from eating the plants by following these suggestions:
- Place a fence or other barrier around the garden area.
- Keep marigolds in pots out of reach of your dog.
- Keep your dog on a leash while it is
In Conclusion
If your dog has eaten marigolds, it will probably be okay. If you are worried about potential issues, you can always consult your vet. However, since marigolds aren’t toxic to dogs, they are fairly safe to have around. You can enjoy the beautiful flowers while keeping your adorable pup safe.
Related Read: Are Petunias Poisonous to Dogs? What Do I Do If They Eat One?
Featured Image Credit: matthiasboeckel, Pixabay
