Spring is on our doorstep and, with the warmer weather, more and more people will be going on longer walks with their beloved pooches.
The population of dogs in the UK was estimated to be at 12.5 million in 2020/21. With so many dogs roaming the British hillsides and gardens, it’s important to keep them from nibbling on the spring flowers and their bulbs – some of which could be poisonous to our pups.
Teaming up with accredited dog trainer, Joe Nutkins, dog-friendly letting specialist Canine Cottages shares five poisonous spring flowers that could be dangerous to your pooch. Nutkins also explains what to do if you find your dog ingesting a poisonous flower or its bulb.
Beautiful but poisonous
Tulips: These beautiful flowers are often found in many homes but are proven to be extremely poisonous to pets. It is wise to not let your dog near this plant, especially the bulb, which is the most poisonous part. Symptoms of an ingested tulip include vomiting, drooling and diarrhoea. Even drinking the flowerpot water can prove poisonous to dogs.
Daffodils: Similar to tulips, daffodils can prove dangerous, with vomiting, salivating and cardiac arrythmia among the worst symptoms. If you have a dog, it would be wise to keep these plants in a secure location where the dog cannot reach them.
Snowdrops: These small flowers can cause quite a bit of damage to your pooch if ingested. It’s the bulb of this plant that is the real danger, so if you have a pooch that loves digging, it would be smart to remove them from your garden. While the bulb is the worst, the rest of the plant can cause your dog to become very poorly too, with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhoea occurring within a short time.
Bluebells: The common bluebell can be found across Britain’s woodland and is among the plants that are poisonous to dogs. This plant grows close to the ground and is easy for dogs to bite. Symptoms of ingesting this plant are very similar to previous plants, so make sure to note the flowers you see in case you need to reiterate what your pooch has eaten to your vet.
Crocus: This flower is a true sign spring is here but is also very poisonous to your pooch. In the worst cases, this flower can cause organ failure if ingested, as well as symptoms like vomiting, bloody diarrhoea and salivating. If you spot your dog eating one of these flowers, call your vet immediately.
What to do if your dog eats a poisonous flower
If your dog decides to nibble on any of these plants, Joe Nutkins explains what to do: “Typically, dogs would avoid eating a plant that they instinctively know is poisonous to them, more so when most of the plant, or all of it, will be dangerous. If your dog does manage to eat a plant or flower that is known to be toxic to dogs, call your vets while getting ready to take your dog directly to them. Calling your vet while you are on your way, or asking someone else to call them for you, means they can get everything ready for your arrival and help your dog sooner. If you are not near your own vet, look up a local vet if you haven’t already located one in advance and let them know you’re on your way.
“If your dog eats a plant you suspect is poisonous or toxic, you can contact the Veterinary Poisons Information Service on 01202 509 000 – have info to hand that includes what plant your dog has eaten or a description of what it looks like – including the colour and any leaves, flowers or berries – as well as the size of your dog, and how much has been eaten. The hotline isn’t free but will be able to give you advice on whether your dog needs the vets urgently or not.”
Commenting on the piece, Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at Canine Cottages, notes: “It’s important to be aware of the flowers and bulbs which could prove to be poisonous or toxic to dogs in order to keep them safe in the garden, or on walks, especially now that spring is upon us. We hope this advice comes in handy for dog owners as we approach the sunnier months!”
If you’re heading out on a long walk with your pooch and are unsure what to bring, please visit Canine’s blog on walking essentials here.
