A dog dream of spring? 10 toxic spring plants that you need to know about
It's spring outside! Flowers are blooming, the sun shines, and it's time to enjoy a walk with your dog in nature. However, if you do not know which flowers are toxic to your dog, it is time for some homework. Check out our blog post to make sure you know them all.
Not all about spring is a reason to rejoice if you suffer from hay fever or have a dog, for that matter. We are here to tell you all about the dark side of spring. Sometimes it's not the whole plant but just elements of it that can upset your dog's gastrointestinal system, irritate the respiratory system, or cause irregular heartbeats leading to fatality.
As it gets warmer, we tend to spend more time outdoors, which means we need to be mindful that some of the beautiful flowers and plants we enjoy in our gardens or homes for aesthetics can be toxic to our pets.
Here are ten beautiful spring plants or parts of spring plants that you should avoid and protect your pet from.
1. Daffodils toxic to dogs?
These yellow or white flowers stand out immediately and can attract curious puppies with their bright colours and easy accessibility. But unfortunately, daffodils contain an alkaloid called lycorine which, if ingested, causes nausea, gastrointestinal issues and even cardiac and respiratory problems.
Depending on the dosage, effects can show 30 mins after being chewed on or eaten. Although the bulbs are the most toxic as the lycorine has the highest concentration here, stem, leaves, and flowers contain this alkaloid. Daffodils are also harmful to horses and cats.
The symptoms to look out for are the below:
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Hyperventilation
Arrhythmia.
Even inhaling the dust can already lead to serious respiratory problems.
Can Daffodils kill dogs? Yes, they can, although it's uncommon. If your dog has eaten a Daffodil, call the vet immediately. They will induce vomiting and probably use activated charcoal tablets to bind the toxins so they don't get absorbed by the body.
2. Is Foxglove toxic to dogs?
Foxglove may look innocent, but you can’t get too close! This beautiful blossom is toxic to humans and animals alike. Interestingly, foxglove is also called “dead man’s bells” because its white or purple blooms resemble the shape of a bell that hangs around dead people’s necks in old paintings.
Dogs and cats should stay clear. The toxins of the plant affect the heart and contain cardiac glycoside toxins. It always depends on what amount has been consumed by your pet and the body weight but once chewed on or eaten, the following symptoms are likely:
Weakness
Collapse
Drooling
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Seizures.
Foxglove can be fatal if ingested in more significant amounts, and you should contact your vet asap if you suspect your dog or cat has eaten any.
3. Cyclamen toxic to dogs?
The cyclamen is a beautiful houseplant commonly seen in supermarkets. It can be red, white or pink. Unfortunately, this plant contains irritating saponin and is also toxic to pets. When dogs or cats chew on any part of the plant, the saponins can cause them to be drooling, vomit, and have diarrhoea. Leaves and flowers will only cause mild symptoms that should subside after 24 hrs.
The roots are the hazardous bit and are mostly why deadly symptoms can occur. Read this, dog owners: if your pup has a habit of digging, they could cross paths with the roots. If the seeds are chewed on and ingested, the following symptoms will occur:
Abnormal heartbeat
Seizures, which can be ultimately fatal
4. Tulips toxic to dogs?
Tulips contain a toxic that we have encountered before. Its glycosides (again) are tulipalin A, tulipalin B and tuliposide A. The flower has these to protect itself against fungal infections.
Most toxins are concentrated in the bulb. But every part of the flower has some level of toxicity. However, the symptoms of eating the bulb versus nibbling on a leaf will be very different in their severity. In most cases, the symptoms will be mild when chewing the leaves.
Severe symptoms can be the below:
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Lethargy
Increased heart rate (severe)
Increased respiration (severe)
Difficulty breathing (severe).
It's uncommon for your dog to become seriously sick from tulip leaves or stems. But make sure you monitor your dog and call the vet immediately if you see severe symptoms and if they have eaten the bulb.
5. Hyacinth toxic to dogs?
If you are concerned that your dog may have been poisoned by hyacinths, there are two ways in which this could have happened. First, they may have dug up dirt containing the bulbs after being recently planted in your garden. Second, they may have gotten into the bulbs in your house.
The toxin compound in hyacinths is called calcium oxalate crystals. Although the whole plant is toxic, the highest concentration is in the bulbs. The crystals have the shape of little needles and will penetrate the skin in your pet's mouth, which will instantly cause pain. Usually, your pooch would stop eating any poisonous amount after that.
It's worth noting that symptoms also depend on whether the plant was orally ingested, the dust inhaled or if there has been skin exposure. Symptoms can be the following:
Abdominal pain
Abnormal breathing
Cardiac arrhythmia
Convulsions
Diarrhoea
Drooling
Nausea
Tremors
Increased heart rate
It's uncommon for this plant to be fatal in dogs due to the crystals irritating the mouth already early on. However, it will still be painful, and we don't like our furry friends being in pain, do we?
6. Bluebells toxic to dogs?
Bluebells are a sight to behold. Every springtime, people flood transformed woodlands to admire their beauty.
But if you have a nosey dog, then you better stay clear. All parts of this flower are poisonous. Important to note is that they can be white and pink as well.
Each part of this flower contains glycosides which occur naturally in many plants. If ingested by your dog, it will cause symptoms like vomiting, stomach pain, decreased heart rate, tremors, depression and diarrhoea. If consumed in large parts, it can lead to heart failure and be fatal.
While it might be tempting to let your furry friend roam the forest in the springtime when bluebells are in full bloom, let them admire them alongside you from afar.
7. Azalea/ Rhododendron toxic to dogs?
These white, pink- or magenta-coloured bushes are part of most landscaping gardens adding a beautiful pop of colour to any place. But, despite their beauty, they're also toxic to dogs and cats.
All parts of the plant are toxic as they contain Grayanotoxins. It is present in leaves, flowers, nectar and stems. Already 0.2% of your dog's body weight can lead to symptoms. If your dog weighs 13kg, that's around 2.5 teaspoons. Doesn't sound that much, does it?
Symptoms include:
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Weakness Drooling
Heart failure
Tremors
Seizures
Coma
Lethargy
So yes, also rhododendron can kill a dog if the eaten amount is high. If you suspect your dog or cat has ingested the plant, visit the vet immediately. Treatment will be similar to the treatment for daffodil poisoning.
8. Buttercups toxic to dogs?
So usually, the buttercup is not a plant common in gardens. But like a weed, it grows everywhere in meadows and in fields. So it's almost impossible not to encounter it in springtime when it's in bloom.
There is some "good" news.
Buttercups are very bitter in taste, and therefore your dog shouldn't eat enough for fatal poisoning. However, this does depend on your dog's health, age, and weight as well.
After it is chewed, it turns into the compound protoanemonin, which can cause skin blisters in the mouth and the tongue. These can also become infected and be dangerous later down the line.
In any case, a vet should always be consulted. Typical symptoms of a topical poisoning are the below:
Blisters
Itching
Inflammation
Rash
Oral poisoning includes:
Colic
Lethargy
Bloody diarrhoea
Nausea
Tremors
Vomiting or seizures
9. Irises toxic to dogs?
An exquisite flower that brings a level of luxury to any garden. But this popular plant is also considered toxic to dogs.
Although rarely fatal, it can make your dog sick, and it's something we want to avoid. The primary toxic compound here is irisin. Again mainly concentrated in bulbs and underground stems.
Dogs who love to dig up your garden are at higher risk of encountering irisin. Clinical signs of Iris poisoning are the below:
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Salivation
Drooling
Lethargy
If you suspect your dog came in contact with the bulbs, give your vet a call and discuss potential treatment.
10. Lily of the Valley toxic to dogs?
Last but not least, the Lily of the Valley. It's one of the most toxic plants to your pet and children!
The Lily of the Valley is a white plant with small bell-shaped hanging flowers. It can be fatal within hours if not treated immediately and ingested in a higher dosage.
The Lily of the Valley contains saponins like the cyclamens and 38 different types of cardenolides (glycosides) that can affect the heart pumping activity. The whole plant is toxic, but the central toxicity is concentrated in the bulbs.
If ingested, they can disrupt the heart rate, cause vomiting and diarrhoea, and irritate the gastrointestinal system.
Other symptoms include the following:
Low blood pressure
Tremors
Seizures
Weakness
Collapse
Coma.
A little as two leaves of the plant can be fatal to pets and children. So it's wise to remove this one safely if it's present in your garden.
How to avoid poisoning
The majority of dogs are not interested in eating plants that are toxic to them. Their instincts would tell them not to unless their instincts are impaired.
On the other hand, Puppies do not have this kind of life experience yet. They’re curious and experience the world through their mouths. They will eat anything that looks like food or is intriguing, even if it is poisonous.
Some tips on how to avoid poisoning your dog
1. Be aware and vigilant- educate yourself and know the symptoms that can be caused by poisoning
2. Teach the “leave it” command
3. Reduce access to plants- know your garden and remove plants that might be toxic
4. Distract puppies with squeaky toys. They should react quickly to their toys and give you all their attention
What plants are cat and dog safe?
After reading this, I bet you feel your garden or house will need to be plant-less to keep your dog or cat safe. But the truth is, not all plants are poisonous to pets. There are a few safe plants you can use around your home. Below are a few examples, so you don't despair:
1. Parlor Palm
2. Ponytail palm
3. African Violet
4. Gloxinia
5. Venus flytrap
6. Polka dot plant
7. Orchids
8. Bromeliad
9. Friendship plant
10. Herbs
11. Prayer Plant
12. Snapdragons
13. Camellias
14. Sunflowers
15. Calendula
16. Roses
17. Spider plant
18. Marigolds
19. Gerbera daisies
The dog is a hooman's best friend, and it is your responsibility to keep them safe. Be aware of the toxic flowers to dogs so you can avoid them while walking in nature and enjoying spring. We hope this article helped you to gain some knowledge! If you love nature as much as we do and want to remove plastic from your dog's life and yours: Click our shop page to shop some natural accessories, toys and treats made from hemp.
Do you have a bit more time on hand? Check out our extensive library of dog breeds (still ongoing work!) or subscribe to our monthly newsletter for exclusive deals and helpful information like this blog post!
Health Disclaimer: The information provided through this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If your dog may have a health problem, consult your vet.