As spring approaches and blooms begin to appear across Britain, vets are urging pet owners to be vigilant about common garden plants that pose serious health risks to dogs and cats. Among the most dangerous are daffodils, which are highly toxic if ingested.
Dave Martin, veterinary surgeon and group director of animal welfare at IVC Evidensia, warned: 'Daffodils may be a spring favourite, but they're highly toxic to dogs and cats if eaten. Owners should stay alert on walks and keep any daffodils at home well out of reach.' He added that even the water from a vase containing daffodils can make pets unwell, and that bulbs contain the highest concentration of toxins.
Other spring plants to watch out for include tulips, snowdrops, buttercups and bluebells, all of which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy if consumed. The mild, damp weather also creates ideal conditions for fleas and ticks, with ticks becoming more active in long grass and woodland areas.
Vets recommend checking pets' coats thoroughly after walks, especially around the head, neck and ears, and using a proper tick removal device to avoid leaving mouthparts embedded. Slugs and snails, which increase in spring, can carry lungworm – a potentially fatal parasite if ingested.
Pets can also suffer from hay fever, with symptoms including sneezing, watery eyes, itching and inflamed skin. Cleaning paws and coats after walks can help remove pollen, and vets can advise on treatments if symptoms persist.
Pet owners are advised to seek urgent veterinary assistance if their animal has eaten any toxic plants or is showing signs of poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhoea or unusual tiredness.
