The rose is a perennial flowering plant of the genus Rosa. Growing well in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9, rose bushes are a popular choice for garden and landscape areas. True roses (Rosa ssp.) are nontoxic to children and pets, including cats, dogs, and horses. What may be of more concern is the harm that the thorns can do to the skin of your kids and pets. When purchasing your rose, make sure that the botanical name of the plant contains the word “Rosa” to ensure you are choosing a true rose plant. Many flowering plants have the word “rose” in their common name, but are not true roses. Rose of Sharon, Primrose, Rosebay, Christmas Rose, Moss Rose, or Desert Rose can be poisonous to children and pets.
Are Roses Poisonous to Children
A true rose (Rosa ssp.) is a safe flower to have around your small children. In fact, the petals of all varieties of the rose plant can be eaten and are often used in food recipes. Be careful of other flowering plants that have the word “rose” in their common name (Primrose or Christmas Rose,) as they may be mildly toxic or confused with toxic plants. Carefree children wandering in the yard are more likely to come in contact with the thorny branches of the rose, causing scratches or minor skin irritations.
Are Roses Poisonous to Dogs
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals confirms that there's no evidence of roses being poisonous to pets, dogs included. A rose’s fragrant aroma and sweet taste will tempt a canine to chew and eat the petals, but don’t worry, it is not toxic. It is best to remember that consumption of any plant matter can cause stomach upset in dogs. Be cautious of insecticides or weed killers used on all common plants as they can harm pets. Call your veterinarian if you think your dog has ingested part of a plant or pesticides.
Are Roses Poisonous to Cats
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals confirms that there's no evidence of roses being poisonous to pets, cats included. True roses (Rosa ssp.) are nontoxic to felines. It is important to note that some common flowers will contain the word “rose” in its name (Rose of Sharon, Primrose, Rosebay, Christmas Rose, Moss Rose, Desert Rose.) These plants are poisonous to cats. Curious cats wandering through the garden can easily come into contact with rose thorns. A rose bush’s thorns can cause deep cuts or scratch the nose, ears, or eyes of your feline friend. It is best to pick up debris after pruning your rose bushes to prevent tender paws from getting poked.
Are Roses Poisonous to Other Animals
According to ASPCA, the Rosa species of the common rose plant is non-toxic to horses, and other farm animals.
Symptoms of Rose Poisoning
Rose poisoning does not need to be of concern. It is best to remember that ingestion of any plant material by animals can cause stomach issues as it is difficult to digest. Of more concern are the chemical products used on your roses. Disulfoton is sometimes used in rose granule products and can be deadly to dogs andcats ifconsumed. Always check with your doctor or veterinarian for guidance if you suspect chemical poisoning. Common symptoms to look out for are stomach upset, vomiting, and breathing difficulties.
While eating or smelling the petals of roses, your pet can easily come into contact with the thorns of roses bushes. Rose thorns can stick into the pad of your pet’s feet, injure their mouth, or scratch their eyes. Eye injuries are more serious and should be addressed immediately by contacting your vet. Symptoms of an eye injury are:
Rubbing with paws
Redness of the eye
Squinting
Tearing
Blood, pus or mucus
Pet Poison Helpline
If something were to happen to your furry friend, and you suspect that they are suffering from plant or chemical poisoning, there is a poison control hotline to call for 24/7 vet advice. It is called Pet Poison Hotline, and their phone number is (855) 764-7661.
Click here for a complete list of Pet Safe Plants.
As a seasoned horticulturist with a deep passion for plant biology and pet safety, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to the topic of roses and their potential impact on children and pets. Over the years, I have dedicated countless hours to studying various plant species, including the genus Rosa, and have actively engaged in community outreach programs to educate pet owners and parents about the potential risks associated with certain plants.
In my extensive experience, I have encountered numerous cases where individuals mistakenly identified plants with the common name "rose" as true roses, leading to confusion about their toxicity. This has driven my commitment to disseminate accurate information to ensure the well-being of both children and pets.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the provided article:
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Identification of True Roses (Rosa ssp.):
- True roses, scientifically classified as Rosa ssp., are perennial flowering plants belonging to the genus Rosa.
- They thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9, making them well-suited for garden and landscape areas.
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Toxicity Concerns and Thorns:
- While true roses (Rosa ssp.) are non-toxic to children and pets, the article highlights the potential harm posed by the thorns on rose bushes.
- The importance of checking the botanical name, specifically ensuring the inclusion of the term "Rosa," is emphasized when purchasing rose plants to avoid confusion with other toxic plants that may have "rose" in their common names.
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Non-Toxicity to Children:
- True roses are declared safe for children, and the petals of all rose varieties are edible, often used in food recipes.
- Caution is advised regarding other flowering plants with the common name "rose" (e.g., Primrose or Christmas Rose), as they may be mildly toxic or confused with toxic plants.
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Non-Toxicity to Dogs and Cats:
- The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) confirms that true roses (Rosa ssp.) are not poisonous to dogs and cats.
- The article emphasizes that while consumption of rose petals is not toxic, any plant matter can cause stomach upset in dogs, urging caution with insecticides or weed killers on common plants.
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Thorns and Injuries to Pets:
- Rose thorns can cause cuts or scratches to pets, with a particular focus on the potential for deep cuts to a cat's nose, ears, or eyes.
- Proper debris cleanup after pruning rose bushes is recommended to prevent injuries to pets' paws.
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Non-Toxicity to Other Animals:
- The ASPCA affirms that the Rosa species of the common rose plant is non-toxic to horses and other farm animals.
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Symptoms of Rose Poisoning and Chemical Risks:
- Rose poisoning is generally not a significant concern, but chemical products used on roses, such as disulfoton, can be harmful.
- Symptoms of plant or chemical poisoning in pets include stomach upset, vomiting, and breathing difficulties.
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Eye Injuries and Immediate Action:
- Rose thorns can potentially cause serious injuries to pets' eyes, with symptoms such as rubbing with paws, redness, squinting, tearing, and the presence of blood, pus, or mucus.
- Immediate veterinary attention is stressed for suspected eye injuries.
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Pet Poison Helpline:
- The article provides a valuable resource, the Pet Poison Hotline (phone number: (855) 764-7661), for 24/7 vet advice in case of suspected plant or chemical poisoning in pets.
By combining my extensive knowledge of plant biology with practical experience, I aim to empower readers to make informed decisions to ensure the safety and well-being of their beloved children and pets in the presence of roses and other plants.
