Although spring can be a beautiful time of year, and many of the ‘green fingered’ among us take to our gardens, it is worthwhile to take note of several plants and flowers that can upset our pets this season. 🌻
- Daffodils, when ingested, can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and a high temperature. In severe cases your pet may collapse
- Crocus leaves, flowers and bulbs may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in cats and dogs with vomiting and diarrhoea. This will be seen within 2-4 hours
- Hyacinth ingestion can cause gastrointestinal irritation with vomiting and lethargy. Effects come on rapidly and usually last a few hours.
- Iris poisoning only occurs from two types: the stinking iris and the yellow flag but these are countryside plants and not commonly seen in gardens. Ingestion may cause mouth discomfort and vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Lilies are very poisonous to cats; ingestion of these may cause severe poisoning and all parts of the plant are toxic, even the pollen, which cats may lick off their fur. The initial signs are salivation, vomiting, lack of appetite, lethargy and depression and usually start within 2-6 hours. There may be excessive drinking and urinating. If left untreated the kidneys will start to deteriorate. Convulsions can occur in animals with severe renal failure. Death occurs after 3-7 days. Prognosis is excellent in cats if prompt treatment is sought. Ingestion of lilies in dogs generally only causes gastrointestinal upset and does not cause renal failure.
- Tulips are toxic, particularly the bulb. In cats and dogs the main signs are salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, flatulence and abdominal pain.
- Azalea is actually a species of Rhododendron. The small, deciduous species are referred to as the Azalea and the large, woody shrubs as Rhododendrons. The Rhododendron is more toxic but this can vary drastically due to the hybridization of these two common plants. All parts of the plant are considered poisonous, and as little as ingestion of 0.2% of an animal’s body weight can result in poisoning. When ingested, signs include drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, plus symptoms of cardiovascular and the central nervous system
If you suspect your pet has eaten any part of any of the above plants please contact us on 01444 440224 immediately.
