Dogs Trust Ilfracombe issues warning to dog owners about spring flowers

Dogs Trust Ilfracombe has issued a warning to dog owners as spring blooms begin to emerge, advising them to keep their pets away from certain flowers and plants that could be toxic to dogs.

The charity has highlighted that several common spring flowers, including snowdrops, daffodils, tulips, and bluebells, pose significant risks to dogs if ingested. 

Symptoms of poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive drooling, and lethargy. 

In severe cases, pets may experience difficulty breathing, tremors, and even seizures. In some instances, spring bulb poisoning can prove fatal.

Charlie Dobson, Senior Veterinary Surgeon at Dogs Trust, stressed the importance of awareness as the seasons change.

He said: “After what feels like an incredibly long winter, it’s wonderful to see the early signs of spring, with glimpses of green popping up through the ground. However, while flowers such as daffodils and tulips are great to look at, they can be problematic for our canine friends, especially those who love to dig in the garden.”

He continued: “Although cases of poisoning are rare, knowing which plants are dangerous and keeping them out of reach can help prevent accidental poisoning. If you suspect your dog has eaten anything they shouldn’t have, including spring bulbs, you must seek vet advice promptly, even if they are not showing any symptoms. The sooner your dog is treated, the better their chances of a full recovery.”

Several common spring flowers and plants are known to be toxic to dogs. Among the most hazardous are:

Daffodils: All parts of the daffodil plant, particularly the bulb, are highly toxic to dogs. Ingesting the plant or drinking water from a vase containing daffodils can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and, in severe cases, seizures.

Tulips: The bulbs of tulips are the most dangerous part of the plant. Ingestion can cause mouth, stomach, and skin irritation, leading to drooling, vomiting, and in some cases, heart problems. While most cases are mild, tulip poisoning can lead to severe symptoms, including difficulty breathing.

Bluebells: These beautiful flowers, commonly found in woodlands and gardens, contain toxins that affect the heart. Ingesting bluebells can lead to an upset stomach and, in large quantities, may be fatal.

Rhododendrons and Azaleas: Both these vibrant plants are highly toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can cause severe illness and, in extreme cases, death. Smaller dogs and puppies are especially at risk. Symptoms include excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, tremors, and seizures.

Amaryllis: Known for its striking flowers, amaryllis can cause severe reactions in dogs, including mouth irritation, hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and muscle weakness.

Other spring plants to be cautious of include buttercups, crocuses, primrose, cyclamen, elderberry, foxglove, hyacinths, and lupins, which can all cause varying degrees of harm to dogs.

Dogs Trust advises owners to ensure that these plants are kept out of reach of their pets, particularly those that enjoy digging in the garden. 

If a dog is suspected of ingesting any of these plants, owners should contact their vet immediately, even if no symptoms are yet visible.