A vet has warned folks shopping for flowers for Mother’s Day this Sunday to make sure they buy pet-friendly florals to keep away from poisoning much-loved pets.
RSPCA Head Vet Vanessa Howie has issued the warning forward of Mothering Sunday to assist pet house owners keep away from an surprising journey to the vets this weekend.
Vanessa says: “Flowers are a beautiful reward for Mother’s Day, and I, like many individuals, love receiving flowers regardless of the event. But sadly some flowers and vegetation might be poisonous to our pets so it’s necessary to keep away from these.
“Lilies are by far the worst offender as a result of they’re so common at the moment of yr however persons are not at all times conscious of simply how harmful they’re to cats. Cats can truly die from ingesting even a few petals from lilies, and the leaves, pollen, and water from the vase might be lethal to them too.
“It is very important that we get the message across that lilies are potentially lethal to cats and that even a little leaf could kill them. Even cutting the stamens out once they have opened is not enough. A small smudge of pollen can be transferred to a cat’s fur, and once a cat starts cleaning itself, they can quickly fall ill.”
“I’ve seen for myself how cats can undergo after lily poisoning and it’s so distressing to see and heartbreaking for pet house owners.
“Thankfully, it’s really easy for the public to do their bit and help. We, of course, want to treat all the mums out there this Mother’s Day but if they are cat mums too please do not buy them lilies.”
In 2021, Jasper, a gray and white kitten, sadly died after his proprietor was purchased a bouquet of roses and lilies as a present. The Croydon cat owner had no idea the flowers would be toxic to cats.
Vanessa provides: “Other flowers such as tulips, holly and hyacinths can be toxic to cats and dogs although their toxicity is considered to be low. However, even non-toxic plants may cause some stomach upsets if ingested so it’s always important to remember to place flowers out of reach of pets.”
The RSPCA additionally experiences that chocolate poisoning is probably the most generally reported kind of animal poisoning – so the charity is reminding folks to maintain Mother’s Day treats out of attain of cats and dogs.
Vet Vanessa says: “If you suspect that your pet has eaten chocolate, don’t delay in calling your vet first for advice on bringing them into the practice. Your vet will want to know how much chocolate your pet has eaten and what type. If possible, keep any labels and have your pet’s weight to hand.”
Signs that your pet might have been poisoned range and might embody any of the next:
“Ahead of the Mother’s Day celebrations, and as we all strive to create a better world for every animal, we urge pet owners to ensure the occasion is as pet-friendly as possible and share this advice with others to help us spread the word,” Vanessa provides.
For extra data on poisonous objects and merchandise, see the Veterinary Poisons Information Service.
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