Spring is a joyful time of year as the days get longer and the first seasonal flowers bring colour to our gardens and green spaces. But while it might be appealing for dogs to bask in the sun and have a good rummage around the flower beds, caution should be exercised to ensure pets are kept safe.
With spring being the ‘fastest-warming’ season in the UK, according to recent research, many spring flowers are already beginning to bloom. Therefore, knowing which flowers could be toxic to your pet is essential as we enter the new season.
The Dogs Trust has warned dog owners about spring flowers that can be toxic to our canine companions. Senior veterinary surgeon Charlie Dobson reminded pet owners that snowdrops, rhododendrons, amaryllis, azaleas, and bluebells are poisonous to dogs.
Buttercups, crocuses, primrose, cyclamen, elderberry, foxglove leaves and seeds, hyacinth bulbs, and lupin leaves and seeds are also toxic to dogs.
He also noted that popular flowers such as daffodils and tulips “can be problematic for dogs, especially those who love to dig in the garden”, reiterating that it’s important to ensure dogs don’t consume spring bulbs in particular.
“In some cases, spring bulb poisoning can prove fatal,” veterinary surgeon Charlie Dobson said. “Although cases of poisoning are rare, knowing which plants are dangerous and keeping them out of reach can help prevent accidental poisoning.”
The common signs of poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive drooling, and lethargy. In extreme cases, dogs may experience tremors and seizures.
It’s essential to visit a vet if you suspect your dog has consumed anything that could be toxic to them as soon as possible, even if they’re not showing any symptoms.
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“We love our pets and want to protect them and we can against any dangers — which is why it’s important for people to understand the risks some plants could pose,” an East of England RSPCA spokeswoman said (via Eastern Daily Press).
The Dogs Trust advises that pet owners should ensure potentially harmful bulbs and flowers are kept out of the way of dogs in the garden, to keep the spaces safe and “encourage natural canine behaviours such as sniffing, foraging and exploring”.
What flowers are safe for dogs?
Generally, the following flowers are regarded as safe for dogs:
- Calendula
- Cornflower
- Sunflower
- Roses
- Orchids
- Snapdragons
- Zinnias
- Asters
- Freesias
- Marigolds
What should I do if I think my dog has been poisoned?
The most important thing is to get to a vet as soon as possible.
Charlie Dobson, senior veterinary surgeon at Dogs Trust, advises: “If you suspect your dog has eaten anything they shouldn’t have, including spring bulbs, you must seek vet advice promptly, even if they are not showing any symptoms.
“The sooner your dog is treated, the better their chances of a full recovery.”
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