7.1 million pets fall ill due to consuming something poisonous* but not every owner is aware of what is a danger to their pets, and many of these things could be lurking in your back garden.
In light of this, Irish Pet Shop Dec’s Pets have researched some of the most harmful plants that bloom during the summer and how they could affect your pet.
The most toxic summer plants and flowers:
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Lavender
Lavender contains compounds called linalool and linalyl acetate, which can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in significant amounts. While lavender is generally not highly toxic, if a pet consumes a substantial quantity it can cause symptoms such as; diarrhoea, nausea, sickness, lethargy, loss of coordination and skin irritation.
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Delphiniums
Delphiniums are highly toxic to both dogs and cats. The entire plant contains toxic alkaloids, with the highest concentration in the seeds and young leaves. The symptoms to watch for in your pets include; diarrhoea, abdominal pain, excessive drooling, seizures, tremors, cardiovascular issues, difficulty breathing, respiratory paralysis, general weakness and paralysis to limbs.
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Dahlias
Dahlias are generally considered mildly toxic to both dogs and cats. The toxic compounds in dahlias can cause gastrointestinal distress such as vomiting and diarrhoea, skin irritation and lethargy. While their toxicity is generally mild, it’s still important to take preventive measures and seek veterinary care if ingestion occurs to ensure your pet’s well-being.
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Geraniums (Pelargoniums)
Geraniums, specifically the Pelargonium species commonly grown in gardens and as houseplants, are toxic to both dogs and cats. The essential oils found in these flowers can cause issues such vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, skin irritation, lethargy and depression.
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Foxgloves
Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea) are highly toxic to both dogs and cats. They contain potent cardiac glycosides, which can have serious, potentially life-threatening effects if ingested. If ingested your pet may suffer with vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, excessive drooling, cardiovascular symptoms, tremors, seizures, confusion, lethargy and in severe cases can lead to death.
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Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are moderately toxic to both dogs and cats. They contain compounds that release cyanide when metabolised, which is toxic to pets. The symptoms you need to look out for in your pets are; vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, tiredness or weakness, depression or decreased activity and loss of appetite.
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Lupins
Lupins (Lupinus species) are potentially toxic to both dogs and cats. They contain a variety of toxic alkaloids, especially in the seeds and pods, which can cause a range of symptoms if ingested. Lupins can affect pets by causing vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, tremors, agitation, lethargy and loss of appetite.
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Sweet Peas
Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are considered toxic to cats and dogs because they contain a compound called beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN). BAPN is a toxic amino acid that can cause a range of symptoms in animals, including; kidney damage, liver damage, tremors, seizures and even comas.
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Clematis
Clematis contains a compound called anemonin, which is responsible for the toxicity it causes cats and dogs, which can lead to symptoms such as sickness, diarrhoea, abdominal pains, lethargy, seizures and tremors. The severity of the symptoms depends on the amount of exposure to the clematis plant. If your pet ingests small amounts of clematis, they may experience mild symptoms, but if they consume larger quantities or ingest it regularly, the toxicity can become more severe.
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Honeysuckle
Those fragrant, sweet-scented flowers can be quite toxic to our furry friends. Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) contains a compound called grayanotoxins, which can cause a range of symptoms in cats and dogs, such as; lethargy, weakness, depression, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pains, excessive salivation and ataxia -a loss of coordination and balance.
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Hostas
While hostas themselves are not toxic to cats and dogs, they do contain a compound called saponins, which can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. Saponins are a type of natural soap-like compound that can cause irritation to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract. If your pet ingests hostas, they may experience vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, lack of appetite and lethargy.
Declan O’Keefe, Digital Director at the Irish Pet Shop explains why you should be careful this summer:
“With summer flowers and plants starting to bloom it is important to be aware of what is out there that could cause harm to your pets. Although it is lovely to brighten your garden up with flowers or take your dogs on walks in the woods, it is best to be preventive and keep an eye out for these plants to avoid ingestion.
While the toxicity of these flowers and plants can range from mild to severe, it is important to take preventive measures and seek veterinary care if ingestion occurs to ensure your pet’s health and safety.”