Experts have warned of popular Spring plants that could be harmful to your dog.
As we head into Spring, many people will be looking forward to seeing what plants they can grow, or try their hand at growing their own produce. But pet owners are being urged to know the potentially harmful vegetables for your dog.
With Easter on the way, many already know chocolate poses a danger to dogs, but there could be other dangers in your garden that you knew nothing about. Experts at Harringtons natural dog foods have shared ten toxic spring plants to be aware of, as well as alternatives, the Mirror reports.
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A spokesperson said: "Utilising an outdoor space and creating your very own Eden of greenery not only benefits your mental health and the environment, but it also gives your dog a fun place to explore. However, before you start, you should know which plants are best to avoid as they could be toxic for your pooches."
The 10 potentially toxic plants include:
- Chrysanthemums – common symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling and incoordination
- Buttercups – Buttercups are an irritant and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, anorexia, hypersalivation, oral ulcers and difficulty walking
- Daphnes – the toxins here can cause blisters in your dog's mouth, vomiting and diarrhoea. It is a small shrub with glossy green leaves and is a danger to your dog's stomach. It can also cause convulsions and bloodshot eyes.
- Delphiniums – Symptoms depend on the amount consumed but main symptoms include neuromuscular blocks, stiffness, tremors, weakness and a rapid and irregular heartbeat
- Foxgloves – with their bright berries attracting pets, accidental ingestion of any part of the plant could lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and irregular or slow heartbeats
- Oak trees – can cause abdominal pain, constipation, frequent and discoloured urination and jaundice
- Tomato plants – These can cause hyper-salivation, severe tummy upset, weakness and a slow heart rate. However according to US animal welfare body the ASPCA, ripe fruit is non-toxic
- Wisterias – This can be particularly dangerous for dogs and can be fatal if left untreated. When a flower starts to fade it can blow around in the wind, often landing in nearby water. If ingested, symptoms include confusion, collapsing, dehydration and vomiting
- Yew trees – This can cause cardiac failure, muscle tremors and seizures, even if in small doses, as well as vomiting and diarrhoea. According to Wag! it is best not to let your dog have any access to this plant
- Hydrangeas – hydrangea leaves can cause vomiting and diarrhoea and in severe cases lethargy, depression and confusion
Many weed killers and lawn treatments can also be harmful to dogs, burning their skin or causing breathing difficulties. Ingredients to avoid include: Glyphosate, Disulfoton, Sodium arsenite, Metaldehyde, Ammonium sulfamate and Borax.
Alternatives for the garden include camellias, daisies, roses and sunflowers. Lavender is also recommended which could help with allergy symptoms in dogs.
If you believe that your animal is ill or may have ingested a poisonous substance, you should contact your vet straight away.
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