Spending time outside is good for your dog's health and wellbeing. However, it's essential to be aware of certain plants, flowers and other substances outdoors that can be toxic to your dog. From antifreeze to wild plants, it’s important you’re aware of these potential risks and where you might find them, as well as the steps to take if your dog consumes something dangerous and the key symptoms to watch out for.
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You might be surprised how many plants, flowers and weeds can actually be harmful to your dog. Knowing which ones could be a problem, and ensuring your dog doesn't eat or chew them, is really important. Here are the most commonly found toxic flowers you should be aware of:
Daffodils are a common spring flower found in many gardens, parks, and outdoor spaces. However, all parts of the daffodil plant, especially the bulbs, contain toxic alkaloids that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and, if not treated, serious heart problems.
Rhododendrons (evergreen shrubs with large flowers) and azaleas (dark green plants with pink or purple flowers) are in abundance in spring but sadly, they contain toxic substances called grayanotoxins. If your dog eats any part of these plants, it can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, can affect the heart and be life-threatening.
Japanese pieris, a common ornamental shrub, contains toxins called grayanotoxins. If your dog eats or chews the leaves or flowers of this plant, it can result in drooling, vomiting, and diarrhoea, and in serious cases, it can affect the cardiovascular system.
Some weeds can be toxic to your dog. If you suspect your dog has eaten a toxic weed or plant, contact your vet for advice immediately. Here are a few examples of toxic weeds:
Bracken fern is commonly found in woodlands, moorlands, and open spaces. Consuming bracken fern can lead to gastrointestinal issues, bone marrow suppression, and potential long-term effects on blood cell production.
Conkers, also known as horse chestnuts, and acorns, commonly found during autumn, can be toxic to dogs if eaten, they can also pose a choking risk. Although the ground is often littered with acorns and conkers in the autumn, it's important to prevent your dog from eating or chewing on them. If you notice any symptoms or suspect your dog has eaten these, you should contact your vet for advice immediately.
The seeds of the horse chestnut tree, known as conkers, contain a toxic compound called aesculin. If your dog eats or chews conkers, it can lead to vomiting and diarrhoea. In some cases, your dog may also experience drooling, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and restlessness. Severe cases of conker ingestion can cause blockages in the digestive system or even cause problems of the nervous system.
Acorns, the seeds of oak trees, contain tannic acid and other substances that can harm dogs. Eating acorns can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort. Some dogs may also show signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, and in rare cases, kidney damage. Additionally, acorns can cause blockages in the digestive tract if eaten in large quantities.
While plants, flowers and weeds are more likely to pose a danger in the spring and summer, conkers, acorns, and mushrooms are in abundance in the autumn. Fertiliser and pest and weed killers are used more in the earlier months of the year. In contrast, antifreeze is typically only a threat during the winter months.
You can help to keep your dog safe from dangerous substances by following these simple steps:
Identifying potential signs of poisoning can save your dog's life. Look out for these symptoms:
If you suspect your dog has swallowed something dangerous, take immediate action and follow these steps:
If you’re a guide dog owner and have a non-urgent query please contact our Guide Line, and we will be happy to help with any queries or concerns. If your guide dog has ingested something dangerous, always contact your vet immediately for emergency help and then let us know via Guide Line or the out of hours number on 0345 143 021.