Are roses poisonous to dogs?

Updated 28/11/2023

The rose: a universal symbol of looove and a go-to Valentine's Day staple. Whether you opt for a classic single stem or splash out on a whole bouquet, roses are a surefire crowd-pleaser - not to mention, a great way to treat your VIP (or even yourself) come February 14th. 

But, wait: we know that there are a lot of poisonous plants and flowers out there that are toxic to our four-legged friends. And so, are roses toxic to dogs, too? Let's find out, lovebirds...

Are roses toxic to dogs?

Good news - roses are not toxic to dogs. However, before you send your (not so) secretly-admired canine a dozen red roses, remember that while the plant itself is not toxic, the rose stems do contain sharp thorns that could still cause your pooch an injury, from cuts and knicks to potential internal blockages. 

Are rose petals toxic to dogs?

So, can dogs eat rose petals - and what happens if they do? While we wouldn’t recommend rose petals as part of your pooch’s diet, the good news is that rose petals are non-toxic to pets and if eaten, they shouldn’t cause your pooch any harm. 

How to stop dogs eating roses

While they aren’t toxic, rose thorns can cause cuts and injuries - and in any case, they’re not exactly a staple of well balanced, healthy pooch diet. If nibbled-up roses aren't the aesthetic style you were hoping for, here are a few tried-and-tested methods to deter Rover from your roses: 

• Keep them out of reach. Of course, the simplest option is to keep your plants out of paw’s reach. Place your roses on a high-up surface such as a shelf or table where your dog won’t be able to access them. 
• Citrus. Like cats, most dogs hate the smell of citrus. Diluted lemon juice makes for a great natural deterrent - simply spray the area around your plant, or place lemon or orange wedges inside and around the pot and/or vase. 
• Fencing. If you grow your own roses, consider fencing off your prized plants and flowers to keep them safe from curious canines. Simple chicken wire should work for most pooches, however, a larger or more sturdy fence may be needed if you have a bigger (or particularly determined...) canine. 
• Training. Dog training can also be effective in encouraging your pooch out of his plant-munching ways. Use positive reinforcement methods or consider clicker training.

Dangerous plants and weeds 

Ok, why do dogs eat roses - or any other plant for that matter? While our canine companion's brains are complex, sometimes the correct answer is the simplest one: dogs, and puppies in particular, are naturally curious - and often, they just don't know any better! Puppies love to explore the world with their mouths, and your roses are just another fun thing to be explored. That's why it's so important that we humans always make sure our four-legged friends stay out of harm's way.

Luckily, a rose (bar the thorns) is unlikely to cause your pal much trouble, but the same cannot be said for all plants and weeds. Here are a few more common poisonous plants and flowers that dogs should avoid:

• Lilies: they’re a staple on coffee tables, hallways and back gardens around the world. But beware: some lily varieties are poisonous to dogs (and lethal to cats), causing sickness and even acute kidney injury.
• Foxgloves: they might be a honey bee's best friend, but they’re not your pooch’s. Foxgloves are highly toxic to dogs and can cause severe nausea, vomiting and even death.
• Ivy: ivy is poisonous to canines and can cause harm both inside and out, including dermatitis and damage to your dog’s gastrointestinal tract. 
• Tulips: all parts of a tulip are toxic to dogs, although the bulb contains the most toxins. It can cause irritation in the mouth not to mention more severe issues such as vomiting and difficulty breathing

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.

Other plants that are safe for dogs

So, roses can stay put in our ‘good books’, but what other plants are safe for four-legged friends? Here are a couple more non-toxic and pet-friendly plants: 

• Calathea
• Spider plants
• Money tree
• Parlor palms
• Boston ferns