Marigolds (Calendula officinalis), also referred to as pot or garden marigolds, are herbaceous annuals which are typically found in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 11. These plants produce showy flowers that can add a splash of color to your garden. Fortunately, these plants are also dog-friendly and safe for your puppy to nibble on occasionally, although large amounts may cause mild stomach upset.
Pot Marigolds
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Marigolds are decorative plants typically grown around garden borders and in garden beds because of the bright, eye-catching orange and yellow flowers they produce annually. The flowers resemble those of daisies or chrysanthemums and some cultivars come in bicolor and pastel shades. Marigolds thrive in average soil with full sun or partial shade, blooming from May to June. When fully grown, they can reach between 1 and 2 feet high and wide. Depending on the type, marigolds produce either single or double flower heads around 4 inches in diameter, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. With their aromatic leaves and brightly hued blossoms, marigolds can attract butterflies to your garden when in bloom.
Toxicity
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Marigold flowers and leaves are considered safe to eat by humans and are commonly used as culinary herbs. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, pot marigolds are also not considered toxic to puppies when ingested or touched. If your puppy eats any parts of the marigold plant, the most the little one may experience is some mild diarrhea and vomiting. This is because dogs don't have the enzymes in their systems to digest plant matter, according to Modern Dog Magazine. Puppies are generally curious and may want to taste the flowers out of curiosity or boredom, so supervise the puppy while it's in your yard.
Other Marigolds
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Other types of marigolds (Tagetes spp.), unlike pot marigolds, are considered mildly toxic to dogs when touched or ingested. Marigolds in the Tagetes genus include French marigolds (Tagetes patula) and African marigolds (Tagetes erecta), both of which grow in USDA zones 2 through 11. These plants are in the same family (Asteraceae, also called Compositae) as pot marigolds and generally look the same as well. Unfortunately, these marigolds contain phototoxic thiophene derivatives which can cause mild dermatitis when touched, according to North Carolina State University. If your puppy comes into contact with these types of marigolds, wash its fur with a mild dish soap to remove the sap from its skin.
Considerations
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When purchasing marigolds, check that they are of the Calendula genus, rather than the Tagetes genus, if you plan to keep them around your pets. If your puppy comes into contact with or eats marigolds and you are unsure of the type, watch for signs of poisoning, which may include drooling or irritation of the area around the pup's mouth. Bring your pup to the vet if it develops any type of skin rash from contact with the plants, especially around the eyes and nose. Your vet can prescribe a soothing cream or other treatment for any irritation caused by marigolds.
