Pet Allergies to Flowers and Plants
With spring in full swing, it's time to enjoy the blooming flowers and sunny days. But as we soak in the beauty, let's not forget about our pets, and allergies they may have.
Our cats and dogs can suffer from allergies at any time, and they can come across plants and flowers in various scenarios. Whether that’s a fresh bouquet of flowers from a loved one, or some blooms spotted on a leisurely stroll - it’s crucial to always stay alert.
Here at Euroflorist, we want everyone to enjoy the beauty of flowers without any stress, so to help, we have listed 4 common plants and flowers that your pets may be allergic to below.
What Poisonous Flowers/Plants Might Harm My Pets?
Ensuring you have safe flowers for pets in and around your home is crucial, and some plants you need to be aware of include:
Tulips
Tulip bulbs contain toxins which can cause tummy upset, excessive drooling, vomiting, and diarrhoea. In some severe cases, it can even cause difficulty breathing, and organ damage if ingested.
Tulips are also part of the lily family - another poisonous flower for pets - so keep this in mind if you have any lilies at home.
Daffodils
All parts of the daffodil plant contain toxins which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, drooling, tremors, cardiac arrhythmias and respiratory distress if ingested.
Bluebells
The poisonous compounds found in all parts of the bluebell plant can result in symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and tremors.
In more extreme situations, cardiac rhythms and respiratory difficulty can occur if consumed.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid, which can cause tummy upset, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, kidney damage and neurological symptoms if ingested in large quantities.
While the stalks of rhubarb are commonly used in cooking and are not considered toxic, for your pet's safety this spring and summer, keep these out of their reach.
While all of these plants are common, it’s important to keep them out of reach from your pets as much as you can.
Remember to keep your pet on a leash when walking in public spaces where these flowers may be populating, and keep these plants out of your home or your garden where your pet can easily access them.
Take all necessary measures to poison-proof your garden for the safety and protection of your pets, such as:
1. Secure your garden with fencing or gates - Whether you have a small or large pet, creating a safe enclosure helps to shield them from potential hazards like toxic flowers and plants.
2. Identify and remove any poisonous flowers or plants - Prioritise researching the blooms in your garden, and don’t forget about common but toxic flowers like lilies and tulips, before planting.
3. Consider the wildlife - In addition to ensuring your garden plants are non-toxic to pets, consider the wildlife they attract. Beware of creatures such as slugs or snails, as these can be harmful if ingested by your pets.
4. Be aware of fertilisers - When using fertilisers and weed killers in your garden, prioritise your pets’ safety by using products labelled as pet-friendly. Remember, chemicals can be harmful to animals, so choose wisely to protect your furry companions.
If you think your pet has ingested a plant they shouldn’t have, it’s important to:
Remove your dog from the plant immediately, ensure their airway isnt blocked and check that they are breathing correctly.
Take them to the vet immediately if you are concerned, or simply want to be safe. Treatment will be specific to the plant your dog/pet has ingested. It also may be worth taking a photo or identifying the plant your pet ate so the vet can take the best course of action to treat them.
Flowers and plants can vary on their toxicity levels and how much harm they can do over different periods of time can depend on the time it takes for you to seek medical advice. As soon as you have realised your dog or cat may have eaten something they shouldn’t have, get them to the nearest vet clinic immediately.