Plants can be fatal to pets and are often a hidden danger, as owners don’t always realise how much their furry family member could be at risk, says PDSA veterinary nurse Nina Downing.
Luckily, it’s not common for dogs to choose to eat a significant portion of these plants, but it’s sensible to keep an eye on them while you’re out – just in case they do fancy a nibble!
Every year our Pet Hospitals see pets that have unexpectedly been poisoned and require urgent care. Throughout 2023, PDSA treated around 539 cases of poisonings related to plants. Fast and effective treatment can save lives, but severe cases can prove fatal.
Plants poisonous to dogs
Dog trainer, Joe Nutkins, from Canine Cottages and PDSA veterinary nurse Nina Downing share their top poisonous plants to look out for:
Snowdrops
These small flowers can cause quite a bit of damage to your dog if ingested. It’s the snowdrop bulb that is the real danger, so if you have a pooch that loves digging, it would be smart to remove them from your garden.
While the bulb is the worst, the rest of the plant can cause your dog to become very poorly too, with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhoea occurring within a short time.
Tulips
These beautiful flowers are often found in many homes but are proven to be extremely poisonous to pets. It is wise to not let your dog near this plant, especially the bulb, which is the most poisonous part.
Symptoms of an ingested tulip include vomiting, drooling and diarrhoea. Even drinking the flowerpot water can prove poisonous to dogs.
Daffodils
Similar to tulips, daffodils can prove dangerous, with vomiting, salivating and cardiac arrythmia among the worst symptoms.
If you have a dog, it would be wise to keep these plants in a secure location where the dog cannot reach them.
Bluebells
Sadly, the common bluebell, which can be found across Britain’s woodland, is poisonous to dogs. This plant grows close to the ground and is easy for dogs to bite.
Symptoms of ingesting this plant are very similar to previous plants, so make sure to note the flowers you see in case you need to tell your vet what your pooch has eaten.
Crocus
This flower is a true sign spring is here but is also very poisonous to your pooch.
In the worst cases, crocus can cause organ failure if ingested, as well as symptoms like vomiting, bloody diarrhoea and salivating. If you spot your dog eating one of these flowers, call your vet immediately.
Yew
The yew tree, commonly found in churchyards and grand gardens, is one of the most poisonous woody plants in the world and can kill animals incredibly quickly.
Foxgloves and lily of the valley
If you’re out on a walk in woodland or countryside, beware of wild plants like foxgloves and lily of the valley. Whilst appealing to the eye, they are highly toxic to pets if ingested and can lead to some serious symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, irregular heart rhythms and, in severe cases, death.
Giant Hogweed
Whilst it isn’t common in the UK, Giant Hogweed is potentially much more dangerous than other wild plants
Another plant that to be wary of is Giant Hogweed. From spring to autumn, this plant is highly toxic and can cause serious problems in both pets and their owners. Whilst it isn’t common in the UK, Giant Hogweed is potentially much more dangerous than other wild plants because symptoms can be picked up just from brushing past it.
Giant Hogweed contains toxins that can lead to skin burns and blisters and whilst pets have some protection from their fur, delicate areas like the ears, around the eyes, mouth, and belly can be affected. Even more damage can be caused if the sap gets on your pet’s coat and is licked off or enters their eyes.
Rhododendrons, geraniums, and hydrangeas
Rhododendrons, geraniums, and hydrangeas are examples of summer flowers often found in the garden, but they can be toxic for dogs and cats if eaten so grow with caution.
Fruit and vegetables
Beware if you harvest your own fruit and vegetables, too. Allium species, such as onions and garlic, should be avoided, whilst many unripe fruits and raw, sprouting root vegetables can also cause damage. The leaves of rhubarb, tomato, and potato plants are toxic to your pet, and toxicity levels and the impact they have will depend on amounts consumed.
Autumn bulbs
If you’re planting your autumn bulbs now, don’t forget to keep these away from your pets – especially autumn crocus bulbs (Colchicum autumnale), which can be dangerous to them.
Be sure to check your garden to see what plants you have growing and speak to your local garden centre for advice on pet-safe blooms before planting anything new.
If you do have any toxic plants growing then ideally you should remove the plants altogether, but if this is not an option, barriers around the area will help avoid furry family members coming into contact with them.
Whilst out walking, be mindful of your pet’s whereabouts, especially if you know your dog has a tendency to munch on foliage. If they do, keep them away from areas with plants which could potentially cause harm.
If you are walking in new areas or are unsure about the safety of some of the plants in your surroundings, keep your dog on a lead.
What are the symptoms of poisoning?
Signs of poisoning vary depending on what and how much your pet has eaten, but vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling and lack of appetite are tell-tale signs. In more serious cases, plant poisoning can show as seizure, collapse, and/or breathlessness.
It’s important to seek vet treatment immediately if you think your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have. Symptoms of poisoning can show straight away or days later, but don’t wait for signs to develop – this could have fatal consequences for your pet. If possible, take a photo of the offending item with you to the vet so they can determine the best form of treatment.
The PDSA has further advice and a full list of poisonous plants.
Find out more about dangerous plants
If you have other pets, check out our guide to poisonous plants to cats and poisonous plants to horses. Our experts also explain why chocolate is poisonous to dogs as well as which are the most poisonous berries.