Know Natures Spring Flowers That May Harm Your Dog

Spring in the garden can be a busy time of year, seeing new bulbs emerging from the soil which you planted previously but be careful which ones you choose as curious dogs (and cats) can end up getting too curious and nibbling and some of these bulbs/plants can be poisonous. Even during walks make sure you watch what your dog’s nibbling on.

Spring plants to be mindful of:

Bluebells: all parts are poisonous, but particular the bulbs

Daffodils: all parts are dangerous; poisoning can even happen from your dog (or cat) lapping the water that the flowers are sat in on your side table in a vase. Daffodils contain a toxic alkaloid called lycorine which is a powerful emetic, an animal may experience vomiting soon after ingestion.

Geraniums: all parts are dangerous (most grow in the summer, but warm springs bring them to bloom early)

Hyacinths: bulbs are the most dangerous part; poisonings have occurred when dogs and cats have eaten this part of the plant.

Stunning yet potentially hazardous, these delicate spring blooms can be harmful if ingested by pets or children.

Iris: All parts are poisonous, but the toxins are more concentrated in the bulb. This includes the gladioli plant.

Lillies: All parts of the lily are potentially poisonous including the leaves and petals (especially to cats) the most dangerous lily plants too our pets are – Asiatic, Day, Easter, Japanese and Tiger lilies.

Lily of the Valley: All parts are toxic and can cause digestive and cardiac disturbances. It’s worth noting the lily of valley of plant can grow amongst wild garlic, growing in its early stages it can mimic the garlic plant, which is a safe plant, the potent aroma of the wild garlic could also mask the bittersweet smell of the toxic alkaloids within the lily of the valley.

Ragwort: All parts of the ragwort plant are poisonous; this plant grows throughout till the autumn. Though ragwort poisoning is more common to horses and other herbivores a curious dog or cat it can still occur to our pets.

Rhubarb: The leaves are poisonous to dogs and cats

Snowdrops: all parts are poisonous particularly the bulbs

Tulips: the bulbs are the most toxic but eating other parts of the tulip in quantity can also cause danger for our pets.

Symptoms of poisoning to look out for are:

Common Symptoms to look out for:

• Disinterest in food

• Confusion

• Shivering

• Unexplained bleeding

• Poor coordination

• Fatigue

• Vomiting

• Drooling

• Diarrhoea

• Blood in stool

• Breathing difficulties

• Seizures

What action should I take if I think my dog has consumed these items?

It’s vital you seek immediate veterinary assistance if you feel your dog has ingested any of the plants listed.

Please be aware the symptoms your dog may display may differ based on the plant and the quantity. Give your local vet , or out of hours vet, a call. They will ask a few questions and advise you on the best course of action to take

After seeing the vet, what should I feed my dog to aid their recovery?

Once the vet has okayed your dog and it is their next meal time, you will need to focus on gut health for the next few days to a week.

Please follow our recovery from illness blog

RFFDMSUK Privacy Policy can be found here, our Statement of Transparency is here, and our Terms & Conditions here