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Spring Flowers That Can Cause Harm to Your Pet

It's that time of year when our gardens are starting to defrost from the winter chill and come alive with colour and fragrance! But, like the song goes from Poison's 1988 classic hit "Every rose has its thorn", we must be mindful that not all flowers are pet friendly. Below is a short list we have complied of some common plants that you will start to see sprouting up around you in the next few months, whether its in your own garden, on walks or in a bouquet, please exercise caution when they could come in contact with your pets.


Tulips

Found commonly in front yards, tulips are a large, brightly coloured flower that are a classic of spring. Keep an eye out when you are walking your pooch. Symptoms of tulip poisoning:

  • Drooling

  • Diarrhoea

  • Increased heart rate

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Increased respiratory rate

  • Difficulty breathing

 

Lilies

Lilies are extremely popular with florists, and often unknowingly gifted to households with pets. If purchasing a spring bouquet for a household with a pet, make sure to ask the florist not to include any in the bunch! The petals, leaf, stem, pollen and water the flowers sit in are all poisonous. Symptoms of Lily poisoning:

  • Lethargy

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhoea

  • Seizures

 

Daffodils

A popular choice for public park flower beds, Daffodils are resilient flowers that radiate a magnificent golden yellow. Symptoms of Daffodil poisoning:

  • Drooling

  • Nausea

  • Increased heart rate

  • Abdominal pain

  • Abnormal breathing

  • Cardiac arrhythmias

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhoea

 

Azalea

Azalea are an Australian classic and easy to spot on almost any suburban street. Symptoms of Azalea poisoning:

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhoea

  • Hypersalivation

  • Weakness

  • Coma

  • Hypotension

  • Central nervous system (CNS) depression

  • Cardiovascular collapse

 

Hyacinths

Popular in arrangements for events, the grandeur of Hyacinths bring a sense of occasion - so keep an eye out for them in pet friendly pubs, birthday parties and spring weddings. Symptoms of Hyacinths poisoning:

  • Drooling

  • Nausea

  • Increased heart rate

  • Abdominal pain

  • Abnormal breathing

  • Cardiac arrhythmias

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhoea


Summary:

The type of flower, amount consumed and species of pet, each carry differing prognosis so we recommend contacting us immediately if you know or suspect your pet has consumed any of the above. Bringing along a cutting of the plant is also helpful for identification purposes and of course, if this occurs out of hours please contact your nearest emergency veterinary hospital for advice.

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