14 February 2024 , 09:51
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Avoid an unromantic trip to the vet this Valentine's Day by protecting your pooch or kitten from common gifts that could be fatal if they get their paws on them.
It's common knowledge our furry friends should avoid indulging on your heart-shaped choccies, but the bouquet your partner just rushed to the supermarket to buy this morning could also pose a threat. In fact, emergency vet company Vets Now witnessed a 60 per cent spike in flower-related cases last V-Day.
So, before you arrange your flower display, it's worth checking which blooms could harm your pooch or cat - and which displays are safe.
"The jump in emergency visits for flower-related cases at Vets Now clinics all over the UK is a big concern, given the highly toxic properties of many popular flowers being bought for seasonal occasions like Valentine’s Day," said Dave Leicester. "We'd urge pet owners to be vigilant and extra cautious during times when you are likely to have more flowers on display at home than usual."
What flowers are toxic for dogs?
- Lilies - certain types of lilies are extremely dangerous to cats. Even grooming the pollen from their coat can cause acute kidney failure. For dogs, lilies are less risky but are still toxic. The calla lily, peace lily, lily of the valley and palm lily are all types that should be avoided.
- Tulips - arguably the second most popular flower V-Day, tulips pose a severe risk to both cats and dogs. The bulbs are the most toxic part but it's worth keeping any part of the plant away from your pets.
- Daffodils - they may seem harmless but the yellow flowers contain a poison that can trigger vomiting in just 15 minutes after ingestion. The crystals in the bulbs can also cause a slew of complications such as arrhythmias or respiratory depression, Cambridgeshire Live reports.
- Hyacinths - Both cats and dogs should be kept away from these flowers as the bulb is extremely poisonous. Look out for symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea and lack of appetite.
- Chrysanthemums - these are particularly poisonous to cats and can result in the same side effects as consuming hyacinths.
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RSPCA Insurance says this doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your beloved bouquets this year, but it is worth taking some extra precautions to protect your pooch. This includes setting up a 'study cage' over any outdoor flowers that are toxic to dogs, keeping indoor plants in vases in places that are difficult for your dog to reach and 'promptly' clearing away dead petals/ leaves as soon as they fall off.
Alternatively, you can opt for blooms that won't harm your dog sunflowers, orchids, violets, pansies, petunias, and roses. Just make sure you de-thorn them so you or your pup doesn't accidentally prick themselves.