Vets issue urgent warning over Mother’s Day flowers that could kill your pets

Happy Mother’s Day!

Today, homes across the country will be filled with beautiful flowers – a top gifting choice for nearly half of us in the UK. But did you know that some of our favourite blooms can be risky for our animal pals?

Dr Corinne from Petsure is here to remind us about this often-overlooked danger, as reported by Wales Online.

“While flowers and plants bring joy, some pose serious health risks to our pets. Understanding what’s toxic and taking preventive steps are crucial. Here’s what you need to know:

Dangerous plants for dogs and cats:

Lilies (all varieties): “Even small amounts of any part of the lily plant can cause fatal kidney failure in cats and make dogs poorly, so avoid these at all costs.”
Tulips and hyacinths: “Bulbs and leaves contain toxins that cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and tremors.”
Daffodils: “All parts are toxic, leading to vomiting, abdominal pain, and tremors.”
Azaleas and rhododendrons: ” Causes vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, and in rare cases even death.”
Dieffenbachia (dumb cane): “Causes intense mouth irritation and burning, drooling, and vomiting.”

“This isn’t a complete list – there are many more plants and flowers that can cause harm to your pet. As a general rule, never bring a new plant into your home without checking with your vet if it’s safe first.”

Signs of plant poisoning in dogs and cats

Dr Corinne says: “If you think your pet has eaten something poisonous, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen before contacting your vet. Get emergency help if your pet has any of the following: vomiting and diarrhoea, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, lethargy, seizures, tremors or difficulty breathing.”

“If you know your pet has eaten part of a toxic plant, your vet can make them sick. This removes the poisonous plant from your pet’s system before it has the chance to do any damage. Phone your vet for advice if you are unsure what to do.”