Dog owners are being urged to take care on Valentine’s Day as some well-intentioned gifts may actually prove deadly to dogs.
Vet at Adaptil Jimmy Bratley cautioned pet owners to be mindful before bringing certain flowers into the home, as they could be toxic.
Most of them are commonly found in bouquets, but they could lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and, in some cases, even death.
Bratley told the Daily Express which five toxic flowers should be kept away from dogs on Valentine’s at all costs.
The vibrant Azalea flower is part of the rhododendron family, but serious grayanotoxins hidden inside could make your dog vomit, have diarrhoea, and in severe cases it could even lead to death.
Delphinium, which is often used to add height to floral arrangements, can actually cause some of the most devastating reactions such as vomiting, muscle tremors, paralysis, seizures, and sometimes respiratory failure.
Bulbs, and particularly those of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, can irritate your dog’s mouth and stomach, causing potential vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy.
Foxgloves, known for their pretty bell-shaped appearance, are toxic to dogs and can cause irregular heartbeats, seizures, and in severe cases, heart failure.
By far the most commonly found in bouquets, Lilies contain insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Bratley urged dog owners to seek immediate medical advice if they think their dog has ingested any of the flowers.
He said: “Try to tell them what you think they’ve eaten, when, how much of it, and what symptoms you’ve seen. You should never try to make your dog sick, as this could create other issues.”
