Vet issues urgent warning to pet owners after surge in reports of dogs eating toxic flowers

Many pet owners look forward to the summer months with their long evenings and warm weather, giving their furry friends the chance to explore the great outdoors.

And many people let their dogs loose in fields full of flowers, plants and trees, allowing them to eat poisonous plants.

Insurance claims for poisonous flower ingestions have risen by a staggering 62 per cent, according to new data from the Irish Pet Shop, with the stolen flowers costing owners an average of £986.17 in the past year.

Declan O’Keefe, Digital Director at the Irish Pet Shop, warns that it is increasingly important that owners are aware of the risks, especially if they live in green areas.

He said: ‘As the summer flowers and plants begin to bloom, it is important to know what could be harmful to your pets.

‘While it’s lovely to brighten up your garden with flowers or take your dog for a walk in the woods, it’s better to take preventative measures and keep an eye on these plants to avoid ingesting them.’

Although the risks vary,“It is important to take preventative measures and consult a veterinarian if your pet has ingested this substance to ensure the health and safety of your pet,” he said.

To avoid your pet getting sick and leaving you with a sky-high vet bill, pet owners should be aware of the wild plants that can pose a risk to our beloved furry friends.

Lavender

While the aromatic purple plant is known for its ability to help people fall asleep, it’s not so good for our pets’ stomachs.

The plant contains substances called linalool and linalyl acetate, which can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in large amounts.

Although the plant itself is not very poisonous, pets that eat a large amount of lavender may experience unpleasant symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, lethargy, loss of coordination, and skin irritation. Medical attention is required.

Lavender usually blooms in early spring, but can also continue to bloom until the end of summer. Therefore, avoid large areas of lilac.

Delphiniums

The beautiful indigo blue plants may be nice to look at, but your pets won’t be able to sink their teeth into them.

The entire plant, including the bright blue petals that sit at the end of a corncob-shaped stem, are poisonous to humans and animals.

The perennials contain poisonous alkaloids, the most dangerous elements of which are found in the seeds and young leaves.

Be sure to seek immediate medical attention if your pet has stuck its nose in a bunch of larkspur and watch for the following symptoms: diarrhea, abdominal pain, excessive drooling, seizures, tremors, cardiovascular problems, difficulty breathing, respiratory paralysis, general weakness and paralysis of the limbs.

The tall flower spikes usually bloom in the summer months of June and July.

Dahlias

Another beautiful but not so pet friendly plant, dahlias have a large pompom-like flower that contains toxins that, while mild, are worth avoiding for pet owners.

These substances can cause gastrointestinal complaints, such as vomiting and diarrhea, skin irritation and lethargy. These symptoms should be reported to a veterinarian immediately if you notice them.

The brightly colored flowers usually appear around July, so keep an eye out for them now.

Hydrangeas

These full-flowered plants belong to the moderately poisonous flowers.

The reason they can be dangerous to pets is because they release cyanide during their metabolism, which is poisonous to dogs and cats, just like humans.

Symptoms to look for in an alcohol use incident include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue or weakness, depression or decreased activity, and loss of appetite.

Nearly all hydrangeas bloom from August to October, with a few varieties starting to bloom in mid-June.

Lupins

Lupinus species in particular pose a poisoning risk to cats and dogs because of the toxic alkaloids they contain, especially in the seeds and pods.

If either pet manages to get its paw on this plant, the following signs of a toxic reaction can be recognized: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors, agitation, lethargy and loss of appetite.

The tall, corn-shaped inflorescences usually bloom at the beginning of the warmer season, opening around May and June.

Sweet peas

Lathyrus is not that sweet for pets, but is considered toxic to our furry family members because it contains a compound called beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), a toxic amino acid.

The symptoms of poisoning can be particularly frightening. Animals are at risk of kidney damage, liver damage, tremors, seizures and even coma when ingesting this product.

Lathyrus flowers during the period when it is planted, but in the UK the general flowering season is June and July.

Honeysuckle

The adorably named and deliciously scented shrub can wreak havoc on pets’ stomachs, causing symptoms including fatigue, weakness, depression, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

The shrub contains a substance called grayanotoxins, which can also cause excessive salivation and ataxia: loss of coordination and balance in cats and dogs.

These fragrant flowers also bloom in the summer months, some at the beginning and others at the end of the season.

Clematis

Clematis, also known as the ‘Queen of Climbers’ because of its popularity as a climbing plant, contains a substance called anemonin, which can be toxic to cats and dogs.

If you use the remedy, you should watch out for symptoms such as sickness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, seizures, and tremors. These symptoms vary depending on the amount of the plant you consume. Larger amounts pose a greater risk.

The tall climbing plants can bloom in different seasons, but show their colours most in summer.

Geraniums

Pelargonium species in particular pose a risk to pets, as their flowers contain essential oils that may cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, skin irritation, lethargy and depression.

The poisonous flowers are often kept in gardens and as houseplants, so it is important to limit the risk of cats and dogs ingesting them.

Geraniums bloom for a long time, usually from June to October, so it is important to keep a close eye on them in spring and summer.

Foxglove

The early summer blooming flowers are highly toxic to both dogs and cats as they contain powerful cardiac glycosides which can have serious and potentially life-threatening effects if ingested.

The consequences of pets eating foxglove can be disastrous. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, excessive drooling, cardiovascular symptoms, tremors, seizures, confusion, and lethargy.

In severe cases, this inconspicuous flower can result in the death of a beloved pet.