Vet issues warning over ‘fatal five’ Valentine’s Day flowers that could be deadly for your pet
A bouquet this Valentine’s Day may be romantic, but for your pets, it could be deadly 🐶
- Flowers are a popular gift this Valentine’s Day.
- A bouquet may be romantic, but for your pets, it could be deadly.
- Some popular flowers are toxic to our furry friends and can lead to an emergency vet visit.
- Dr Charlotte Inness, vet and founder of Vet Medi, warns pet owners against buying these five flowers, which can be fatal.
On Valentine’s Day, millions of people will head to our nearest florists to pick up a romantic bouquet for their loved ones.
Although a thoughtful gift for your partner, that gesture of love could result in a life-threatening emergency for your cat or dog, according to a leading vet.
Dr Charlotte Inness, vet and founder of Vet Medi, is warning pet owners to be careful with their choice of flowers this Valentin’s Day as many plants can be dangerous to cats and dogs if consumed, leading to expensive vet treatment or even deadly consequences.
Dr Inness said: “Unlike garden plants, which pets might ignore, a fresh bouquet on a coffee table is a new, fragrant curiosity for a bored cat or an inquisitive dog. Many flowers commonly found in bouquets – including lilies and tulips – can prove dangerous to cats and dogs if consumed, and could lead to an expensive vet treatment.
"Be vigilant and extra cautious during times when you are likely to have more flowers on display at home than usual. Pets can be notoriously curious, so be sure to keep vases of bouquets and potted indoor plants well out of reach if you do have cats and dogs in your home."
What flowers are deadly to pets?
To ensure your romantic gesture doesn't end up with a trip to the vet emergency room, Dr Inness outlines the "fatal five" species of flowers to avoid this Valentine’s Day.
Lilies
Lilies are the single most dangerous flower for both cats and dogs. Every part of the flower, from the petals, leaves, pollen, and even the vase water, is highly toxic. If pets eat any part of the plant, drink water from the vase or even lick a few grains of lily pollen off their fur, they can develop acute kidney failure.
Tulips
Tulips contain tulipalin A and B, toxic compounds that can cause mild symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and drooling if ingested. While the petals irritate, the bulbs are the real danger as they contain the highest concentration of toxins. If a cat or dog ingests a large amount, this can lead to serious symptoms such as heart complications and breathing difficulties.
Daffodils
A popular spring flower, daffodils contain a poisonous alkaloid, triggering severe vomiting in pets. The crystals found in the bulbs can also cause heart arrhythmias or respiratory distress.
Hyacinths
Similar to tulips, the concentrated toxins in the bulbs can cause mouth irritation, severe vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, lethargy, and potentially severe symptoms like tremors if chewed or swallowed by cats and dogs, requiring immediate veterinary attention. Even inhaling the scent can cause respiratory irritation, so it's best to avoid them if you have cats.
Autumn crocus
These are occasionally used in high-end floral arrangements and can be extremely toxic in all parts, but particularly in the bulb, blooms and seeds. Autumn crocus contains tropane alkaloids, which are extremely poisonous to dogs and can cause serious renal issues or even organ failure and internal bleeding. If ingested, common symptoms are burning in the mouth, increased salivation, thirst, difficulty swallowing, stomach pain, diarrhoea and blood in urine or failure to pass urine.
What flowers are safe for pets?
Not all flowers are dangerous for pets. Dr Inness has shared pet-friendly choices for your Valentine’s Day bouquet.
Roses
The most popular flower choice for Valentine’s Day, all 100 species of rose are non-toxic to cats and dogs, but owners should be wary of thorns, which can cause injuries for your pet if stepped on, chewed, or eaten.
Sunflowers
These bright yellow blooms are not only cheerful, but are also non-toxic to both dogs and cats. They make a fantastic, safe Valentine’s bouquet without hidden risks for your pets.
Orchids
Orchids are perfectly safe to have in your home with your pets. Plus, as a bonus, their low-maintenance watering needs make them the perfect choice for a busy household.
What to do if your dog eats a toxic plant?
If you think your dog or cat has ingested a toxic plant, do not wait for symptoms to appear; immediately take your pet to the vet.
Dr Inness said: “Minutes matter when it comes to preventing toxins from being absorbed into the bloodstream. A fast response is vital; your vet may be able to safely induce vomiting before the toxins are absorbed, or provide immediate treatment for rapidly developing symptoms.”
Remember to take a photo of the flower or bouquet or even bring the plant with you to the vet, so they can determine how serious the risk is and what treatment is available.
Dr Inness, said: “Do not attempt to make your pet sick at home unless specifically instructed by a professional. Depending on the toxin, hospitalisation may be necessary to provide the intensive support required to reduce the risk of organ failure.”
You can find out more about the different plants that are poisonous to dogs at Blue Cross.