Mother’s Day will be commemorated on Sunday, March 19 throughout the UK and as numerous will reveal their gratitude for the enjoyed ones in their life with flowers, it’s important to understand how these can impact the furry pals at home.
Catrin George, dog insurance coverage specialist and Animal Wellbeing Specialist at Animal Friends Pet Insurance, has actually provided recommendations on which flowers are poisonous for cats and dogs.
Here are 5 of the flowers you ought to prevent if you’re thinking about gifting flowers to a family pet owner.
5 flowers that are poisonous for cats and dogs
Lilies
Pet owners ought to prevent lilies in their home, specialist says (Image: Canva)
While lilies can include appeal to an arrangement, they can be extremely hazardous to our furry pals.
Catrin discusses that lilies can “cause nausea, vomiting and other serious long-term health issues.”
As an outcome, Catrin would “strongly advise against gifting this flower to a dog owner this Mother’s Day.”
If you do get lilies, you’ll require to do more than put them on a high rack.
Catrin included: “Cats can certainly get into those hard to reach places and although they may not actively eat the plant, if they brush up against it, getting pollen on their fur and then wash themselves, this can make them very ill.
“If you think that your pet may have accidentally ingested any part of a lily, please seek medical advice from your vet immediately.”
Tulips
Tulips are likewise dangerous to animals (Image: Canva)
While tulips can be an enjoyable pointer that Spring is on its method, this flower is not ideal for animal owners to have at home.
Catrin discusses that these flowers “contain molecules known as glycosides which can lead to several health issues in dogs and cats. It is not widely known but they are part of the lily family.”
The specialist included: “The bulb is where the highest levels of toxin exist but the stem, leaves and flowers also contain these glycosides. Even ingesting small amounts can cause vomiting, change in respiratory rate or even result in death. If you suspect that your pet has ingested any part of a tulip, please seek immediate advice from your vet.”
Peonies
Those gifting flowers to animal owners ought to know the flowers that are damaging, specialist says (Image: Canva)
If you’re thinking about gifting flowers to a dog owner, you ought to prevent peonies.
This is since the plant “contains paenol, a type of compound which is toxic to dogs and cats”, Catrin recommends.
The specialist included: “If accidentally ingested, dogs can become seriously ill. The paenol tends to be concentrated in the bark and when ingested can cause gastrointestinal distress. If you suspect that your fur family have accidently ingested any part of this plant, please speak to your vet.”
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Daffodils
Daffodils are damaging to animals (Image: Canva)
More spring flowers you’ve most likely begun to see once again are daffodils and while they’re brilliant and an indication of a brand-new season beginning, they aren’t without their risks.
Dogs and cats require to be kept well away from daffodils and animal owners ought to be additional vigilant when out walking their dogs as daffodils are frequently planted along walk paths.
Catrin alerts animal owners about this flower, stating: “With at least 25 different species of daffodils and thousands of hybrids, you’re bound to see plenty of these flowers around Mother’s Day and general springtime.
“Daffodils, however, contain alkaloids and glycosides (similarly to tulips) which are highly toxic to both dogs and cats.
“Please be aware that the whole plant is toxic, especially the bulb. If you have daffodils in your garden, please take care especially if your dog likes to dig, as ingestion can quickly cause severe stomach irritation with vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and excessive drooling.
“Again, if you think that your pet has ingested any part of a daffodil, please seek advice from your veterinarian.”
Hyacinths
Hyacinths are likewise damaging to animals (Image: Canva)
These flowers ought to likewise be prevented for animal owners, Catrin has actually alerted.
Hyacinths are a flower that “should be kept well away from dogs and cats as they contain toxic calcium oxalate crystals”.
Serious health concerns can be brought on by hyacinths whether they’re planted in the garden or potted within.
For more info on dog insurance coverage or to read more about animal pointers or techniques, you can go to the Animal Friends Pet Insurance website.
Catrin said: “Ingestion of hyacinths (or hyacinth bulbs) can cause serious health issues, but also even cause symptoms if inhaled too.
“Typical signs include excessive drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea. More severe cases when larger amounts have been ingested could see increased heart and respiratory rates or difficulty breathing. It is important to contact your vet if you suspect your pet has eaten any part of a hyacinth.”
While these are 5 hazardous plants for animals, Catrin discusses “this is not a comprehensive list” and if you are thinking about purchasing flowers for a cat or dog owner, “you should do your research.”
The specialist includes: “There are many other plants which are more suitable, such as orchids, sunflowers and violets. If you are unsure or suspect your pet has ingested one of these listed toxic flowers you should contact your vet immediately.”
