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Four dog-safe flowers to plant in your garden, and the poisonous ones to avoid
You may be thinking about planting some new flowers to make your garden look nice for the summer, but you need to think about your dog first.
Some flower species could cause serious harm to your pet, and vet Sean McCormack has revealed some of the most dangerous – as well as the safe alternatives.
Dog-safe flowers for your garden
Roses
Roses offer no threat to your furry friends and are a great, classic option to add a pop of color to your outdoor space.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are another safe one, and the yellow beauties will brighten up your garden without causing harming the pooch.
Camellias
Camellias aren’t poisonous either, so are the perfect addition to your garden with their colorful pink blooms.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons won’t make your dog unwell, and their gorgeous flowing petals will be sure to put a smile on your face.
The poisonous flowers to avoid
Daffodils
McCormack explained that every part of a daffodil is poisonous, including the stem and petals, as it contains high levels of alkaloids and glycosides. The first signs of daffodil poisoning are usually diarrhoea and vomiting.
Calcium oxalate crystals can also be found in the bulbs, which can cause intense irritation to the mouth. You should look out for loss of appetite, pawing face and drooling, as well as issues swallowing, skin inflammation and itchiness.
Azaleas
“Azaleas can be lethal to dogs if ingested as they are rich in grayantoxin, which attaches to sodium cells and causes vomiting, respiratory issues and, in some cases, your dog will need to be put into an induced coma,” the vet continued.
Vomiting and constant dribbling could be signs of azalea poisoning in your dog, as well as shaking and low blood pressure. In very extreme cases, it can cause seizures, panting and a temporary loss of eyesight.
Bluebells
Bluebells contain chemical compounds called scillarens, which can slow your pet’s heart rate down when consumed. They are also full of poisonous glycosides, which cause most animals to feel very unwell.
Signs of ingestion include diarrhoea and vomiting, as well as general abdominal pain or discomfort. If a large amount of the flower is consumed, you may also notice a decreased heart rate.
Lilies
McCormack explained that certain kinds of lily, including Prairie Lily, Lily of the Valley, Peace Lily, and Calla Lily, are best avoided too. Even just dogs licking the pollen off their fur could have “disastrous consequences”.
The main symptom of lily poisoning is a low mood, or in extreme cases rapid weight loss. Some kinds are safe for dogs, including the Easter lily, daylily, tiger lily, and Peruvian lily, but they should still be kept out of reach.
