Dogs beware! Plants that are poisonous to dogs

Any gardener knows that there are certain plants that should be avoided if you have children in the garden as they are poisonous, but did you know that some plants are toxic to dogs too?

Take a look round your garden and you may be surprised to learn that some of the plants growing there can actually be poisonous to dogs. In actual fact there are over 700 plants that are toxic in one form or another. What can be particularly shocking is that some of these plants can actually kill your dog if eaten in large enough quantities.

Bulbs can be particularly toxic, amongst the ones to look out for are daffodil, crocus, narcissus, iris, lily of the valley and tulip bulbs. Bulbs typically contain alkaloids which lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, staggering, kidney damage, cardiac irregularites and in extreme cases; collapse, coma and death. In the case of daffodils even drinking the water that daffodils have been kept in can cause illness in pets. Just 15 grammes of daffodil bulbs can kill 50% of dogs so seek vet treatment urgently if you suspect they have eaten any bulbs.

Other common plants growing in the garden which can cause illness and occasional death in pets include foxglove, asparagus fern, castor oil plant, Christmas rose, lilies, sago palms, yew and ivies. The azalea and rhododendron can be highly toxic. All parts of the plant can cause symptoms amongst which are nausea, vomiting, depression, difficulty breathing and even coma and death in large enough quantities.

Inside the house some species of house plants can also be poisonous including weeping figs, dracaena, cordatum, peace lilies and various species of philodendron. The latter conatin an arritating substance which causes the mouth and tongue to swell and can lead to asphyxiation. The dumb cane (Dieffenbachia) should always be kept out of reach of dogs as even a small bite can be fatal.

Signs to look out for that your dog has been poisoned include lethargy (if your dog does not appear to want to get up from its dog bed), weakness, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, excitability, seizures, dilated pupils, dizziness, rapid breathing and fever. It is important to realise that even non-fatal poisoning can lead to heart defects, kidney damage and other long term issues.

If you suspect that your dog has been poisoned you should immediately contact your vet. Do not give any dog food and do not attempt to make your pet vomit unless instructed to do so by your vet. If you need to take the dog into the vet it may help to take a sample of the plant that your dog has eaten with you for identification purposes.