AS spring approaches and gardens come back to life, dog owners are being warned to avoid harmful plants that could do their beloved pets real harm.
While many of us rejoice at the coming of warmer climes, they bring additional risks for dogs, with a host of common UK plants proving poisonous to pets.
Side effects from some can include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, mouth irritation, tremors and, in severe cases, collapse, if they are chewed or swallowed.
Among plants that can be risky to pets are daffodils, tulips, crocuses and lilies, with bulbs often posing the biggest danger due to a high concentration of toxins.
“Spring is brilliant for people, but it’s peak risk season for dogs that explore the world with their mouths,” said Darren Beale, CEO of dog food brand, Years.
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“The tricky part is how normal it all looks. A dog can chew a bulb in the garden, lick vase water indoors, or mouth a houseplant while you’re on a call.
“If you think they’ve eaten something toxic, don’t wait it out. Get advice quickly and take it seriously.”
Advice from pet health charity Blue Cross said: “Common garden and indoor plants can be toxic to dogs. While some might just cause an upset tummy, others can cause more serious problems, especially if they’re eaten in large amounts.
“Although most dogs will avoid eating dangerous plants, others will be more curious, especially young dogs or puppies. As our dogs tend to explore the world with their mouths they can be at risk of licking, chewing or eating a poisonous plant.”
Plants which could be poisonous to dogs include:
Daffodils, especially the bulbs, plus water from a vase of daffodils
Tulips and crocuses, particularly the bulbs
Lilies and lily of the valley (including in bouquets and gardens)
Azaleas and rhododendrons
Foxgloves, ivy, yew, hydrangea and wisteria
Aloe vera (often kept as a houseplant)
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) advises people to check toxicity information for pets before planting.
Signs your dog may have eaten a toxic plant
Symptoms vary depending on the plant and how much was eaten, but can include:
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Drooling, mouth irritation, lip smacking
Lethargy, wobbliness
Tremors, seizures, breathing difficulty
Collapse
What to do if your dog chews or eats a plant
Owners are urged to act fast, even if symptoms have not started yet, if they think their dog has eaten a potentially poisonous plant.
Experts recommend checking their mouth and gently removing any visible plant pieces if safe to do so, before calling your vet with details of what was eaten, how much, and when.
Owners are urged not to induce vomiting unless you are specifically told to by a vet, as it can make some poisonings worse.
If you cannot reach a vet, advice is available from Animal PoisonLine (VPIS), a 24-hour UK emergency poison advice service for pet owners, on 01202 509000.
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