Spring is well and truly here, with many looking to the warmer weather to update their gardens. Pooch & Mutt warn against these seven popular garden plants that are toxic to dogs.
1. Tulips
Tulips, perhaps one of the most common blooms in spring, can cause gastrointestinal problems accompanied by central nervous system depression and even convulsions.
2. Daffodils
Effects from poisoning from daffodils can include vomiting, stomach upset and salivation but can escalate to dogs appearing sleepy, wobbly on their legs, or collapsing. In more serious cases, fits and changes to heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure. Dogs can also become unwell if they drink water from a vase containing daffodils
3. Bluebells
All parts of this plant contain toxins that can affect the heart, but it’s rare for dogs to eat enough to cause these effects. Within a few hours of eating, dogs may be sick, have stomach pains or can have an upset stomach, which may contain streaks of blood.
4. Tomato Plant
With spring/summer comes tomato plants in the garden. Make sure to keep dogs clear, though, as they can cause weakness, gastrointestinal problems, drowsiness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate, and confusion.
5. Gladiola
This popular colourful summer flower can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and general lethargy.
7. Iris
iris can cause severe digestive upset. While the entirety of this plant is toxic, the rhizomes (underground stem) are most potent and, if ingested, this plant can cause vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and diarrhoea
8. Hydrangea
Brightly coloured but toxic, this plant can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhoea, and other gastrointestinal disturbances
What to do if you think your dog has eaten a toxic plant?
Our resident vet Dr Linda Simon provides tips on what to do if you think your dog may have eaten, touched or inhaled something that it shouldn’t have.
1. Speak to your vet straight away to find out the best course of action
2. Never try to make your dog sick before speaking to your vet. This can cause further complications which may harm your dog.
3. Keep an eye out for symptoms or a change in your pets’ temperament or behaviour
