A walk in the bluebells can be exhilarating – but the flower is toxic for dogs (Image: Brighton Dog Photography via Getty Images)
Gardeners and dog owners alike are being urged to exercise caution when selecting plants for their green spaces. While some plant names like Poison Ivy and Deadly Nightshade serve as clear warnings, many beloved garden staples could pose hidden dangers to dogs.
BBC gardening guru Monty Don is gearing up to unveil his pet-friendly RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden at the upcoming Chelsea Flower Show, which promises “all the things that dogs love, regardless of horticultural fashion, and a beautiful space”. However, as excitement builds, there’s a timely reminder that numerous attractive plants can be toxic if nibbled on by curious canines.
With spring in full bloom, particular attention should be paid to bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and bluebells, all of which can be detrimental to dogs’ health. Dogs, particularly digging-enthusiast puppies, may chew on anything they come across, including potentially dangerous flower bulbs.
Dogs can find small toads irresistibly interesting – but the amphibians’ skin can be toxic (Image: Ajcole via Getty Images)
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It’s crucial for dog owners to keep a watchful eye on their furry friends in unfamiliar gardens. Even Monty Don’s canine-centric garden has an area that is off-limits unless the dog is accompanied by its owner.
The Kennel Club has issued advice highlighting that even water from a vase containing daffodils can cause severe illness in dogs, with some common plants capable of triggering serious or even fatal reactions if ingested by pets.
Daffodil poisoning can lead to symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and lack of coordination in dogs. In severe cases, the animal may even experience seizures.
Tulips are very poisonous to dogs (Image: Jane Khomi via Getty Images)
During springtime walks in the woods, one might come across a beautiful spread of bluebells. However, these visually pleasing plants contain toxins that can affect a dog’s heart.
Although bluebells taste unpleasant to dogs and are unlikely to be consumed in large amounts, they can have serious and occasionally fatal effects. Tulips, another spring favourite, contain a toxin in their bulbs that can cause severe irritation to a dog’s mouth and digestive system, leading to symptoms including drooling, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
In extreme cases, it can result in heart problems and breathing difficulties.
Eating bluebells can leave your dog seriously unwell (Image: Stuart Conway via Getty Images)
Amateur Gardening magazine has highlighted several other hazards for dogs, including barbecue leftovers. Discarded skewers or sharp bones can prove deadly if left within reach of dogs.
Expert Sue Bradley warns: “There have been cases of ash balls in the stomachs of pets that have eaten large amounts of ash covered in meat fat.”
Many flower bulbs, including daffodils, can be dangerous for dogs (Image: Anita Kot via Getty Images)
Sue also provided a list of 14 toxic plants that dogs should avoid, including daffodils, but cautioned that there could be more. The list includes Deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna), Poison ivy (Rhus toxicodendron), Spring bulbs (such as daffodils and snowdrops), and Azaleas (Rhododendron indicum).
Elephant ears (Bergenia spp), Castor bean (Ricinus communis), Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis), Oleander (Nerium oleander), Alpine daphne (Daphne alpina), Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), Holly-leaved hellebore (Helleborus argutifolius), Sago palm (Cycas revoluta), Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) and Two-lobed false hydrangea (Hydrangea bifida) are all plants that pose a risk to dogs. Additionally, rhubarb leaves and onions can also be harmful to our canine friends.
A curious puppy can be tempted by tulips, but they’re very poisonous (Image: © Jackie Bale via Getty Images)
If you suspect your dog may have ingested, touched or inhaled something potentially harmful, it’s crucial to contact your vet immediately.
It’s important to note that inducing vomiting in your dog should never be attempted, as this could lead to further complications and cause lasting harm to your pet.