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8 common fall plants and flowers are extremely toxic to your dog, experts warn
As the season changes, it’s important to be aware of the common plants and flowers that are toxic to your dog.
Fall brings all kinds of new growths, and many of them can have disastrous effects if ingested by your furry friend on a walk.
8 fall plants and flowers toxic to your dog
Experts at pet food subscription service�Tails.com have put together a handy guide revealing eight fall plants and flowers that are poisonous.
In most cases, your dog would have to ingest a significant amount of the plant to become unwell, but it’s better to avoid the risk entirely.
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1. Acorns
One of the first signs of autumn is acorns on the ground, which start falling from oak trees in September and October. They can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and lethargy if chewed, and it’s the unripe, green ones that are the most harmful.
2. Conkers
Conkers can also get hidden beneath mounds of leaves after falling from horse chestnut trees, and they aren’t good for your pooch either. They can cause all the same symptoms as acorns, so make sure your dog doesn’t pick any up.
3. Horse chestnut trees
It’s not just the conkers that are poisonous, the bark, leaves and flowers of the horse chestnut tree can also cause stomach problems for dogs. If enough is consumed, it can be fatal, so be careful when walking your pooch around the trees.
4. Hydrangeas
With their beautiful globe-shaped flowers, hydrangeas start cropping up at the end of the summer, and are extremely toxic to dogs. Their bulbs contain cyanide, a chemical compound that can cause stomach problems, vomiting and blockages in the intestines.�
5. Yew trees
Another one to be aware of this fall is yew trees, which are dangerous in more than one way. Their spiky needles can become lodged in your dog’s throat, and the plant is covered with poisonous red berries that can be toxic if ingested.
6. Autumn crocuses
Autumn crocuses add a gorgeous pop of purple to the fall, but they can cause issues for your dog. When any part of the flower is eaten, it can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty swallowing, drooling and weakness.
7. Amaryllis
Make sure to keep your pet away from any amaryllis flowers too, as the bulb contains a compound called lycorine which can cause all the same unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as increased salivation, lethargy and tremors.
8. Ragwort
Ragwort flowers are toxic when consumed by dogs too, which bloom from June right through to November. The pretty yellow florals can cause damage to your dog’s kidneys and even lead to liver failure, so it’s best to avoid them.
It’s not just plants that you need to think about either. There are many autumn foods dog parents must be extra cautious of too.
If you are concerned that your dog has ingested something toxic, contact your vet who will be able to provide further guidance.
