Estimated reading time: 16 minutes

Updated July 2026

Mother’s Day often brings flowers, chocolates, cakes, candles and beautifully wrapped gifts into the home.

Most presents are perfectly safe when they are stored and used sensibly. However, some common Mother’s Day gifts can create serious risks for dogs and cats.

A dog may smell chocolate through its wrapping.

A cat may brush against a bouquet and later lick pollen from its coat.

A pet may investigate a handbag containing sweets, medication or perfume.

The answer is not to avoid celebrating. It is to consider where gifts are placed, supervise curious pets, and know when veterinary advice is needed.

This guide covers flowers, chocolate, cakes, alcohol, candles, fragrances, essential oils, ribbons, packaging and other common Mother’s Day hazards.

For broader advice throughout the year, visit my Seasonal Pet Safety in Finchley guide.

Quick Mother’s Day pet-safety checklist

Before the celebrations begin:

ask whether a bouquet contains lilies
never bring lilies into a home with cats
keep all flowers and vase water away from pets
store chocolate inside a closed cupboard
check cakes and biscuits for raisins, grapes, chocolate, caffeine and xylitol
move alcohol away from low tables
keep perfume, essential oils and cosmetics securely closed
never leave a lit candle unattended
collect ribbons, string and wrapping promptly
keep handbags and guest medication out of reach
supervise doors when visitors arrive
provide your pet with a quiet resting place
save your veterinary practice’s out-of-hours number

Contact your vet immediately when you know or suspect that your pet has swallowed something harmful.

Do not wait for symptoms and do not attempt to make your pet vomit unless your vet specifically tells you to do so.

1. Lilies and cats

Lilies are one of the most serious Mother’s Day risks for cats.

True lilies from the Lilium family and day lilies from the Hemerocallis family can cause severe kidney damage.

Every part can be dangerous, including:

petals
leaves
stems
pollen
flower heads
water from the vase

A cat does not need to deliberately eat the plant.

They may brush against the flowers, collect pollen on their coats, and later swallow it while grooming.

Cats Protection again warned ahead of Mother’s Day 2026 that lilies, pollen, stems, leaves, and vase water can all put cats at risk. Immediate veterinary treatment offers the best chance of recovery.

Never give lilies to a household with cats

The safest approach is simple:

Do not buy lilies for anyone who owns or regularly cares for a cat.

Placing the bouquet on a high shelf is not enough because:

pollen can fall
petals may drop
the vase may be knocked
the cat may climb
someone may move the flowers
vase water may become accessible

Bouquet labels are not always clear, and several plants use the word “lily” in their common name without belonging to the same plant family.

When you cannot confidently identify every flower, ask the florist for a completely lily-free arrangement and keep the bouquet inaccessible until the species have been checked.

What should you do if a cat contacts a lily?

Contact your vet immediately if:

your cat has chewed any part of a lily
pollen is visible on their coat
they drank from the vase
you find a damaged lily in the home
you suspect contact but are unsure what happened

Do not wait for your cat to appear ill.

Do not encourage them to groom the pollen away.

Prevent further licking where you can safely do so, and follow your vet’s instructions.

Take the plant, label or a clear photograph with you when requested.

Blue Cross advises contacting a vet even if you only suspect exposure to a poisonous plant. Signs such as vomiting, reduced energy or increased drinking may not appear immediately.

2. Other flowers and bouquets

Lilies deserve particular attention, but they are not the only plants that can make pets unwell.

Common bouquet and spring plants that may cause problems include:

daffodils
tulips
hyacinths
chrysanthemums
azaleas
foxgloves
lily of the valley
oleander
eucalyptus foliage
decorative berries

The exact risk depends on the plant, the part eaten and the quantity involved.

Some plants mainly cause drooling, mouth irritation or an upset stomach. Others can affect the heart, kidneys, nervous system or other organs.

Blue Cross advises keeping houseplants and cut flowers away from pets because plant identification can be difficult and even plants not considered highly toxic may cause problems when large quantities are eaten.

Bouquet water can also present a risk

Do not allow a pet to drink from a flower vase.

The water may contain:

plant material
pollen
flower food
preservatives
bacteria
chemicals added to prolong the flowers’ life

Vase water containing lilies is particularly dangerous to cats.

Use a stable vase and place it somewhere pets cannot reach or knock over.

Promptly clear fallen petals, leaves, and pollen.

Are roses safe for pets?

Roses are not generally listed among the plants most associated with serious pet poisoning.

However, they can still create practical hazards.

Watch for:

thorns
pesticides
flower food
decorative wire
ribbon
plastic wrapping
added foliage from other plants

A bouquet described as roses may contain eucalyptus, lilies or other decorative material.

Check the entire arrangement rather than only the main flower.

3. Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs and other pets process differently than people do.

Risk depends on:

the type of chocolate
the amount eaten
the pet’s weight
the product’s other ingredients

Dark chocolate, cooking chocolate and cocoa powder generally contain more theobromine than milk chocolate. However, no human chocolate should be intentionally given to a dog.

Keep all chocolate products away from dogs, cats and rabbits.

Where dogs may find Mother’s Day chocolate

Chocolate is not always left openly on a table.

A dog may find it:

inside a wrapped present
beneath a bed
in a handbag
inside a gift box
on a bedside table
in a child’s bedroom
within a cake
inside chocolate biscuits
in a waste bin

Wrapping paper does not hide the smell from a determined dog.

Move all edible gifts into a closed cupboard immediately rather than leaving them within reach until Mother’s Day morning.

Possible signs of chocolate poisoning

Signs may include:

vomiting
diarrhoea
restlessness
panting
increased thirst
a faster heartbeat
shaking
seizures

Do not wait for these signs.

Contact your vet as soon as you know or suspect that chocolate has been eaten.

Keep the packaging and tell the vet:

the type of chocolate
the cocoa percentage where shown
the size of the packet
how much may be missing
when it happened
your dog’s approximate weight

Read What to Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate for the complete emergency guide.

4. Cakes, biscuits and afternoon tea

A Mother’s Day cake may contain several ingredients that are unsuitable or dangerous for dogs.

Check for:

chocolate
cocoa
coffee
caffeine
raisins
sultanas
currants
grapes
alcohol
macadamia nuts
xylitol
large quantities of fat, cream or butter

Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants can cause serious kidney injury in dogs. The amount that causes poisoning is unpredictable, so contact your vet after any known or suspected ingestion.

Do not give your dog the leftover sponge simply because the visible icing has been removed.

The ingredients may be mixed throughout the cake.

Coffee and caffeine

Coffee-flavoured cakes, tiramisu, chocolate-covered coffee beans and unattended cups may contain caffeine.

Pets are more sensitive to caffeine than people. It can affect the heart and blood pressure and may cause restlessness, tremors or seizures. (PDSA)

Move hot drinks away from the edge of tables and desks.

This also prevents burns from spilt tea or coffee.

Xylitol or birch sugar

Some sugar-free sweets, chewing gums, cakes and desserts contain xylitol, which may also be labelled as birch sugar.

Xylitol can cause serious poisoning in dogs, including dangerously low blood sugar and liver injury.

Even a small amount may create a veterinary emergency, depending on the product and the dog’s size. (Blue Cross)

Check the ingredients and contact your vet immediately if your dog has eaten a product containing xylitol.

5. Alcohol

Champagne, wine, cocktails, and liqueur-based desserts should be kept away from pets.

Alcohol can also be present in:

perfume
aftershave
cologne
mouthwash
some cleaning products
certain glues
alcohol-soaked cakes

PDSA lists alcohol as toxic to pets and notes that it may be found in both drinks and household products. (PDSA)

Keep glasses away from low tables and promptly clear spillages.

Do not encourage a dog to taste beer, wine or a cocktail for a photograph.

Contact your vet when your pet has swallowed alcohol or begins showing signs such as vomiting, weakness, poor coordination, unusual drowsiness or breathing difficulty.

6. Perfume, cosmetics and toiletries

Perfume is a common Mother’s Day gift.

A closed bottle stored securely is unlikely to trouble most pets. The risk increases when a bottle:

leaks
breaks
is chewed
is left open
spills onto fur
is swallowed
contains concentrated essential oils

Perfumes and aftershaves commonly contain alcohol, while cosmetics may contain ingredients unsuitable for swallowing.

Keep them inside a closed drawer or cupboard.

Do not spray perfume directly onto an animal or apply human cosmetics to their coat.

Contact your vet when perfume, aftershave or another cosmetic has entered your pet’s mouth, eyes or coat in a significant quantity.

Keep the product packaging so the ingredients can be checked.

7. Essential oils, diffusers and fragranced gifts

Essential oils may be found in:

reed diffusers
electric diffusers
massage oils
bath oils
room sprays
wax melts
scented gift sets
concentrated fragrance bottles

Cats can be particularly vulnerable to essential oils.

Exposure can occur through:

swallowing the oil
oil landing on the coat
walking through a spill
licking contaminated fur
inhaling concentrated vapour

PDSA warns that essential oils can be harmful to cats through ingestion, skin exposure, or inhalation. Possible signs include vomiting, breathing difficulty and seizures.

Do not apply essential oils to your pet.

Do not add them to bedding, collars, coats or grooming products unless the product has been specifically prescribed or approved for your individual animal by a veterinary professional.

Using diffusers around pets

Use fragranced products cautiously.

Make sure:

the room is ventilated
the pet can leave the area
the product cannot be knocked over
oil cannot drip onto the pet
bottles remain securely closed
the diffuser is not placed beside food, water or bedding

Stop using the product and contact your vet if your pet develops breathing difficulty, drooling, vomiting, weakness, or any other concerning change after exposure.

8. Candles and wax melts

The old version of this page made broad claims that scented candles release specific toxic chemicals.

Those claims have been removed.

The clearest risks from candles are practical:

open flames
burns
hot wax
smoke
fire
containers being knocked over
pets chewing fragranced wax or packaging

A wagging tail, curious paw or climbing cat can knock over a candle very quickly.

Use stable holders and place candles where pets cannot access them.

Extinguish them completely before leaving the room.

Battery-operated candles may reduce the risk of open flames, but batteries and small parts must still remain inaccessible.

Wax melts

Wax melts avoid the naked flame of a candle when used in an electric warmer, but they are not risk-free.

The warmer may become hot, and fragranced wax may spill or be licked.

Place warmers:

on a stable surface
away from edges
away from climbing routes
away from tails and paws
somewhere cables cannot be chewed
away from your pet’s food and water

Contact your vet if your pet chews a wax melt or becomes unwell after exposure.

Keep the packaging and ingredient list.

9. Ribbons, string and gift wrapping

Gift ribbon can look like an exciting toy, particularly to cats and puppies.

Swallowed ribbon, string or decorative cord may become lodged in the digestive system and cause serious injury.

Plastic packaging, gift tags and small decorative pieces may also cause choking or blockage.

After presents are opened:

Collect ribbon and string immediately.
Check beneath furniture.
Place packaging in a secure bin.
Remove staples and decorative wire.
Keep plastic bags away from pets.
Do not encourage pets to play with curling ribbon.

Do not pull visible ribbon from your pet’s mouth or bottom because part of it may be caught internally.

Contact your vet immediately. Long, thin items can cause dangerous intestinal obstruction. (PDSA)

Flowers wrapped in wire or netting

Bouquets may contain:

floristry wire
wooden skewers
plastic netting
elastic bands
pins
preservative sachets
small decorative objects

Remove and dispose of these items before placing the flowers in a vase.

Do not leave the wrapping on the floor where a curious dog or cat may investigate it.

10. Handbags, coats and guest belongings

A guest’s handbag may contain several pet hazards:

medication
chewing gum
chocolate
sweets
nicotine products
perfume
cosmetics
batteries
small electronic items
hand sanitiser

A coat pocket may contain painkillers, mints or a half-eaten snack.

Move bags and coats into a closed room or high cupboard rather than leaving them on chairs or the floor.

Human medicines should never be given to pets unless prescribed by a veterinary surgeon for that individual animal. PDSA warns that human medication and supplements may contain doses or ingredients that are dangerous to pets.

Batteries and musical cards

Mother’s Day cards and novelty gifts may contain small button batteries.

Batteries can cause severe burns if chewed or swallowed.

Check:

musical cards
flashing decorations
remote controls
small toys
electronic candles
novelty gifts

Make sure the battery compartment is secure and collect loose batteries immediately.

Contact your vet urgently if a pet chews or swallows a battery. (PDSA)

11. Visitors and open doors

Mother’s Day may bring family members, children and deliveries into the home.

Repeated door opening increases the risk of a dog or cat escaping.

Before visitors arrive:

check gates and fences
close internal doors where useful
ask guests not to leave the front door open
keep your dog away from the doorway during arrivals
ensure your cat has somewhere secure to retreat
check identification and microchip details
put leads and carriers somewhere accessible

A nervous pet does not need to greet every visitor.

Allow them to stay in a quiet room or familiar resting area with water, bedding and appropriate facilities.

Extra visitors and repeated knocks at the door can unsettle some pets, particularly when their normal routine changes.

Children and pets

Children may become excited around a small dog, cat or new puppy.

Supervise interactions and do not allow children to:

chase the pet
wake them
pull them from hiding
take food or toys
hug them tightly
carry them around
corner them for photographs
enter their resting area

A pet who moves away is asking for space.

Respecting that choice can prevent fear and defensive behaviour.

12. Bins and leftovers

Secure the kitchen and bathroom bins after celebrations.

They may contain:

chocolate wrappers
cake
alcohol-soaked food
coffee grounds
skewers
foil
string
ribbon
flowers
cosmetic packaging
broken glass

Bins smell particularly interesting to dogs.

Discarded food, foil, skewers and other waste can cause poisoning, injury or intestinal obstruction.

Use a secure lid or place the bin behind a closed door.

What should you do if your pet eats something harmful?

Contact your vet immediately.

Tell them:

what your pet ate or touched
the product or plant name
how much may be missing
when it happened
your pet’s approximate weight
whether symptoms have started
whether packaging was swallowed

Keep:

product packaging
ingredient lists
plant labels
photographs
remaining tablets or food
a sample of the plant where safe

Do not:

make your pet vomit
give salt water
give human medication
force food or drink
apply an unknown home remedy
wait for an online group to answer
assume a small quantity is harmless

Contact the vet straight away, keep the packaging or plant information, and never attempt to make a pet vomit without veterinary instructions. (

Signs that require urgent veterinary advice

Symptoms vary depending on the substance.

Contact your vet urgently if your pet develops:

vomiting
diarrhoea
excessive drooling
reduced appetite
unusual tiredness
restlessness
shaking
twitching
seizures
weakness
poor coordination
breathing difficulty
pale gums
collapse
increased drinking or urination

Do not wait for these symptoms when you already know your pet has contacted lilies, eaten chocolate, swallowed raisins, consumed xylitol or chewed a battery. (Blue Cross)

Pet-conscious Mother’s Day gift ideas

When choosing a gift for someone with pets, consider:

a confirmed lily-free bouquet
a houseplant checked against a reliable species list
flowers delivered without loose ribbon
chocolates that can be stored securely
a meal outside the home
a book
a framed photograph
a garden gift that does not contain toxic chemicals
helping with household jobs
offering to take the dog for an appropriate walk

Do not label a plant “pet safe” unless you have checked its correct species.

Common names can be misleading, and bouquets often contain several types of flower and foliage.

A Mother’s Day walk

A calm walk can give both the dog and the person caring for them a break from a busy household.

Choose a route and length that suit the dog.

Do not use the walk as an excuse to exhaust them before visitors arrive.

A quiet sniffing walk may help some dogs return home ready to rest.

My one-to-one solo dog walks are adapted around the individual dog and begin at the client’s home.

Frequently asked questions

Are lilies dangerous to cats?

Yes.

True lilies and day lilies can cause severe kidney damage. The flowers, leaves, stems, pollen and vase water can all be dangerous. Contact your vet immediately after suspected contact.

Can I put lilies in a room my cat cannot enter?

The safest choice is not to bring lilies into a home with cats.

Pollen and fallen plant material can spread, and someone may accidentally move the flowers or leave the door open.

Is chocolate dangerous to cats as well as dogs?

Chocolate contains substances that are harmful to several species. Dogs are more likely to eat enough to become poisoned, but chocolate should be kept away from all pets.

What if my dog eats only one chocolate?

Contact your vet for advice.

Risk depends on the dog’s weight, the type of chocolate, the amount and any other ingredients.

Do not guess from the number of chocolates alone.

Are roses safe around pets?

Roses are not usually considered among the most dangerous bouquet flowers, but thorns, chemicals, flower food, wire and added foliage can still create risks.

Keep the complete arrangement out of reach.

Are scented candles toxic to pets?

The most immediate risks are open flames, burns, hot wax, smoke and candles being knocked over.

Fragranced products may also cause problems if chewed or swallowed.

Keep candles inaccessible and never leave them unattended. (

Are essential-oil diffusers safe around cats?

Essential oils can be harmful to cats through swallowing, skin exposure or inhalation.

Avoid concentrated exposure, keep oils secure and make sure the cat can leave the room. Contact your vet after suspected exposure or concerning symptoms.

Can dogs eat Mother’s Day cake?

Only when every ingredient is known to be suitable and the portion is appropriate.

Many cakes contain chocolate, raisins, alcohol, coffee, xylitol or large amounts of fat and sugar. It is usually safer to offer a small, familiar dog treat.

What should I do if my pet swallows ribbon?

Contact your vet immediately.

Do not pull it from the mouth or bottom because part of the ribbon may be trapped internally.

Should I make my dog vomit after eating chocolate?

No.

Never attempt to make your dog vomit unless your vet specifically instructs you to do so.

Should I wait for symptoms before calling the vet?

No.

After known or suspected poisoning, early veterinary advice can be important even when the pet currently appears normal.

Celebrate without excluding your pets

Mother’s Day does not need to become a list of things your pet cannot be near.

Most risks can be reduced through simple preparation.

Choose flowers carefully.

Keep chocolate and cakes in cupboards.

Move handbags and medication.

Secure candles and essential oils.

Clear wrapping promptly.

Control the front door.

Give your dog or cat somewhere quiet to rest.

Most importantly, contact your vet promptly when something goes wrong, rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.

For broader year-round advice, visit Seasonal Pet Safety in Finchley.

Veterinary disclaimer

This article provides general information about potential Mother’s Day hazards.

It does not diagnose poisoning, illness or injury and does not replace an examination or advice from a veterinary surgeon.

The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 includes diagnosis and medical or surgical treatment within the definition of veterinary surgery.

Contact your vet immediately if your pet has swallowed something harmful, has come into contact with a toxic plant, or has developed concerning symptoms.