Which plants are poisonous to dogs and cats, which are safer to keep, and what to do if your pet has been near a lily. Advice from 608 Vets in Solihull.<\/p>\n
As spring and summer arrive, homes and gardens fill with colour. While plants and flowers brighten up living spaces, they can also pose hidden risks for pets. Both cats and dogs are naturally curious and may chew, lick or brush against plants, sometimes with serious health consequences.<\/p>\n
Knowing which plants are safe and which are toxic is an important part of responsible pet ownership. This guide explains what cat and dog owners should look out for, and how the team at 608 Vets\u00a0can help.<\/p>\n
Pets interact with plants in different ways.<\/p>\n
Risks increase in spring and summer because more plants are indoors, gardens are in full growth, and pets spend more time outside.<\/p>\n
Many popular garden plants can cause illness if eaten.<\/p>\n
Plants to be cautious of include<\/p>\n
Some plants may affect dogs and cats differently, but all should be treated with care. Locally we tend to see the most issues from Giant Hogweed.<\/p>\n
The risk from lilies is much greater than most people realise, and it is worth a few extra lines.<\/p>\n
All true lilies (Lilium species) and day lilies (Hemerocallis species) are highly toxic to cats. Every part of the plant is dangerous, including the petals, leaves, stems, pollen and even the water from a vase. A cat brushing past a flower and then grooming the pollen off its fur can be enough to cause harm.<\/p>\n
The main risk is acute kidney injury, which can develop within one to three days and is often fatal without urgent veterinary treatment. If you suspect your cat has had any contact with a lily, contact your vet immediately. Time really matters here, so please do not wait to see if symptoms develop. Out of hours, call 0121 705 3044<\/a>.<\/p>\n The safest approach is simply not to bring true lilies or day lilies into a home with cats, and to avoid them in cat-accessible parts of the garden.<\/p>\n Indoor plants are a frequent cause of pet poisoning. If you’re after pet safe houseplants, some are well worth swapping in.<\/p>\n Plants to avoid include<\/p>\n Dogs may chew leaves, while cats may be affected by pollen or sap. Hanging plants can reduce risk, but removal is often the safest option.<\/p>\n There are plenty of plants that are considered safer for homes with pets.<\/p>\n Pet friendly choices include<\/p>\n Even safe plants can cause mild stomach upset if eaten in large amounts, so discourage excessive chewing where possible.<\/p>\n Plants are not the only spring and summer risks in gardens.<\/p>\n Watch out for<\/p>\n Pets can walk through treated areas and ingest toxins while grooming, so always store chemicals securely.<\/p>\n Symptoms can vary depending on the plant and the pet.<\/p>\n Look out for<\/p>\n If you notice any of these signs or suspect your pet has eaten a toxic plant, contact 608 Vets on 0121 705 3044<\/a> immediately.<\/p>\n The team at 608 Vets in Solihull\u00a0is a key source of advice on plant safety.<\/p>\n They can help by<\/p>\n Early advice can prevent serious illness.<\/p>\n You do not need to avoid plants entirely to keep pets safe.<\/p>\n With a little planning, you can enjoy spring and summer while keeping both cats and dogs safe. If you have questions, speak to 608 Vets. Simple changes now can help prevent emergencies later.<\/p>\n Spider plants, Areca palm, Boston fern, Calathea, and herbs like basil, rosemary and thyme are all considered safer choices. Cat grass and catnip are also great for cats. Even safe plants can cause mild stomach upset if eaten in large amounts.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div> Yes. True lilies (Lilium) and day lilies (Hemerocallis) are highly toxic to cats. All parts are dangerous including pollen and vase water. A small ingestion can cause acute kidney injury within 1 to 3 days and is often fatal without immediate treatment.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div> Treat it as urgent. Call 608 Vets straight away on 0121 705 3044<\/a>. Do not wait for symptoms.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div> Yes, particularly the bulbs, but also the flowers and leaves. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling and lethargy. Severe cases can affect the heart. Contact your vet if your dog has eaten any part of a daffodil.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n To book online or check availability, visit\u00a0here<\/a>. You can also call us on\u00a00121 705 3044<\/a>, or pop into 608 Vets:<\/p>\n For out-of-hours emergencies please call\u00a00121 705 3044<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Which plants are poisonous to dogs and cats, which are safer to keep, and what to do if your pet… <\/p>\nCommon houseplants that can be harmful<\/h2>\n
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Pet safe plant options<\/h2>\n
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Other outdoor hazards to be aware of<\/h2>\n
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Signs of plant poisoning in cats and dogs<\/h2>\n
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How your vet can help<\/h2>\n
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Creating a pet safe home and garden<\/h2>\n
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Quick answers<\/h2>\n
Which houseplants are safe for cats and dogs?<\/h3>
Are lilies really that dangerous to cats?<\/h3>
What should I do if my cat has been near a lily?<\/h3>
Are daffodils poisonous to dogs?<\/h3>
How to book and contact us<\/h2>\n
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