February is now underway which means Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and a classic gift for your significant other usually involves flowers and a box of chocolates.
But if you’re buying a beautiful bouquet for your beau, you’ll need to be aware of possible risks posed to the other loved ones in your household.
In fact, plant experts are warning that many popular flower species usually bought for Valentine’s Day are actually toxic to pets.
If eaten, many pretty petals can cause serious health issues for cats and dogs, resulting in a nasty array of symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, kidney failure, abdominal pain and seizures.
Dogs and cats are both naturally curious animals and it is in their nature to investigate anything new that arrives in their home.
As such, Vet Sean McCormack, at Tails.com, is urging pet owners to stay clear of the following four flowers this Valentine’s Day to avoid any unwanted trips to the vet and expensive bills.
Roses
While they may be a staple flower choice for Valentine’s Day, they do pose a risk to pets despite not being toxic.
The main risk comes from the thorns, which can cause injury to your pet’s mouth, gums, throat, and digestive tract which can lead to infections if left untreated.
If ingested, rose thorns can cause cuts, internal blockages and infections. Even dethorned roses that are ingested can cause mild symptoms for pets with sensitive stomachs, so if you do buy any make sure to display them out of reach.
Tulips
Tulips mildly to moderately toxic to dogs as their bulbs contain tulipalin A and B, compounds which can irritate a dog’s stomach lining. Symptoms may become severe if a large quantity of the flowers are consumed, resulting in drooling, tremors, breathing difficulties and vomiting.
Daffodils
Daffodils are highly toxic to dogs as their bulbs contain lycorine and other dangerous compounds. If ingested, these compounds can lead to severe cardiac symptoms when consumed in large quantities causing symptoms including abdominal pain, low blood pressure, arrhythmias and diarrhoea.
Lilies
Lilies are toxic to both dogs and cats, so they should be avoided as gifts and avoided altogether if encountered on walks.
In some cases, ingestion of lilies can be fatal with different species causing varying symptoms, with some containing insoluble oxalate crystals that can severely irritate the intestinal system.
Others nasty symptoms lilies can cause include kidney failure, seizures, slowed heart rate, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Mr McCormack advises: “It’s always a good idea to research pet-safe plants and flowers when gifting to households with pets. Not only does this ensure the safety of beloved animals, but it also shows extra thoughtfulness in your Valentine’s Day gift.
“For a longer-lasting option, plants can be a great alternative to flowers. Some pet-safe choices include Chinese Money Plant, Rattlesnake Plant, Spider Plant, Bird’s Nest Fern, Orchid and Fishbone Cactus.”