As the weather starts to warm up, it’s common to see many pet owners walking their dogs in the park or playing with them in the backyard. But while many of us may enjoy the beauty of flowers and plants, some of them can pose a serious threat to our furry friends. In fact, certain plants and flowers can cause anything from minor irritations to life-threatening conditions. In this article, we’ll discuss 10 flowers and plants that are harmful to dogs, so you can be sure to keep your pup safe and healthy this spring and summer season.
Pets are often very curious creatures, which can lead to them coming into contact with harmful plants and flowers when they are exploring in gardens or on walks. Unfortunately, not all plants and flowers are completely harmless, and some can be very toxic to our furry friends. In fact, a recent survey conducted by Puppyhero.com found that 4.6 million dog owners in the UK believe that their pets have fallen ill after consuming something poisonous while on a walk.
It can be difficult to work out which plants are poisonous, as some plants have specific components that are harmful to pets, such as the leaves and petals. Green leaves have the potential to be more dangerous than fallen or brown ones, while seeds, bulbs, and berries often have a higher level of toxicity than stems. Dogs can also quickly unearth poisonous bulbs that have not yet bloomed. In order to help protect our pets, it is important for owners to be aware of which plants and flowers pose the greatest risk, and to try to avoid them as much as possible.
Wendy Andrew, who runs The Scottish Pet Bereavement Counselling Service, has commented on the impact that toxic flowers and plants can have on pet owners and caregivers. She warns that although it is possible to treat pets quickly when they show symptoms of poisoning, these symptoms can range from breathing difficulties to digestive issues and, in very serious cases, can even lead to death. Wendy notes that caregivers can often feel guilty about their pets being poisoned, but it is important for them to remember that pet loss grief is just as valid as any other form of grief, regardless of species.
There are many common plants and flowers that can be very harmful to dogs, and it is important for pet owners to be aware of them. Some of the most toxic plants include:
1. Mushrooms/fungi – While only around 2% of all types of fungi are toxic, those that are can be very dangerous if ingested by pets. Many fungi can cause gut irritation leading to diarrhoea and vomiting, but some can even lead to serious problems such as arrhythmias, fits, or organ failure.
2. Giant Hogweed – This plant is toxic to both humans and pets, and can cause burns and blisters on the skin. The toxin is most concentrated in the sap, which is released when the plant is damaged. Pets may experience burns and blisters around their ears, mouth, and belly if they come into contact with this plant.
3. Ivy – This common vine can be a danger to our furry friends, with the chemical it releases being most concentrated in the leaves. Dogs who eat ivy may develop drooling, vomiting or diarrhoea, and direct contact can cause skin reactions, itchiness and rashes.
4. Hemlock – One of the deadliest plants growing in the UK, this plant is a class B noxious weed that smells like carrots and can attract pets to eat it. This can result in negative effects on the brain and central nervous system, with consumption potentially leading to death.
5. Horse Chestnut – This seed, which is commonly called a “conker”, contains a substance called aesculin, which can be poisonous to pets. The substance can be found in all parts of the horse chestnut tree, including the bark and leaves, and can cause serious blockages if swallowed.
Other common plants and flowers that are toxic to pets include daffodils, tulips, amaryllises, hyacinths, rhododendrons, azaleas, buttercups, and bluebells. Many of these plants can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort, as well as other serious symptoms such as heart problems or breathing difficulties.
In order to help protect our pets, it is important to learn to recognise these plants and flowers and to try to avoid them as much as possible. Some tips for doing so include keeping dogs on a leash while walking outdoors, being vigilant when planting or tending to plants in your garden, and making sure to properly dispose of any toxic plants or flowers that you come across. By taking these steps, pet owners can help to keep their furry friends safe and happy, and help to reduce the risk of accidental poisoning.
