Spring Safety: 10 Common Plants That Are Toxic to Dogs

Spring is just around the corner and we’ll soon be filling our homes and gardens with a delightful array of flowers and greenery. But while they may be beautiful to look at, many spring plants can also be highly toxic to our beloved pets. 

With that in mind, I’ve put together a list of 10 spring plants that should be kept safely out of reach of curious paws and noses.

As always, I would like to reiterate that I am not a veterinary professional, and this is not an exhaustive list of all toxic plants in the UK. 

If you're planning to add new flowers or plants to your home or garden this season, always double-check they are dog-safe first. And if you ever suspect your dog has ingested a toxic plant, contact your vet immediately for advice.

Daffodils

Perhaps one of my favourite spring flowers, daffodils contain an alkaloid called lycorine which can irritate the tissues of the mouth and throat and cause excessive drooling. Ingestion of lycorine can also trigger vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and in more serious cases, heart and respiratory problems. 

While the bulbs are the most poisonous part due to the concentrated toxins, even drinking water from a daffodil vase can lead to poisoning.

Tulips

One of the most popular spring flowers, tulips contain allergenic lactone, which can irritate dogs' mouths and gastrointestinal tracts, leading to drooling, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Severe cases may also result in heart issues and breathing difficulties.

As with daffodils, the bulbs are the most poisonous part and should be kept well out of reach.

Hyacinths

Hyacinths contain similar compounds to tulips and can cause gastrointestinal upset, excessive drooling, and irritation of the mouth and throat if ingested. Again, the bulbs are particularly poisonous, and ingestion in large amounts can lead to heart rate abnormalities.

Bluebells

A woodland favourite, bluebells contain a toxic chemical called glycoside, which affects the heart. While mild poisoning usually results in vomiting and diarrhoea, ingesting large amounts can lead to lethargy, disorientation, and even be fatal. 

As bluebells grow wild in many UK woodlands, it’s important to be extra vigilant on your springtime walks.

Rhododendrons & Azaleas

These popular garden shrubs contain a powerful neurotoxin that disrupts the body’s cell membranes. All parts of the plant are toxic and even a small amount can cause nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Puppies and smaller dogs are particularly vulnerable.

Amaryllis

Brightly coloured and commonly found in homes and gardens throughout the spring season, all parts of the amaryllis plant are toxic to dogs. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and tremors.

Irises

Irises contain several toxic compounds that can irritate the digestive system, causing drooling, vomiting, and diarrhoea. While ingestion is rarely fatal, it can make dogs extremely unwell, so it’s important to keep them out of reach and prevent dogs from chewing fallen petals.

Crocuses

There are two types of crocus: spring crocuses (Iridaceae family) and autumn crocuses (Colchicaceae family). While spring crocuses usually cause mild vomiting and diarrhoea, autumn crocuses are far more dangerous and can cause organ damage.

If you’re unsure which type of crocus your dog has eaten, contact your vet immediately.

Lily of the Valley

Lily of the Valley contain cardiac glycosides, which are highly toxic to dogs. Ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, a dangerously slow heart rate, and even seizures.

Snowdrops

An early bloomer, snowdrops contain galantamine, a toxin that can cause lethargy, drooling, vomiting, and seizures. Like many spring plants, the bulbs are the most poisonous part.

Final Thoughts: Staying Safe this Spring

Spring is a time for new beginnings, longer walks, and enjoying the beauty of nature with our dogs. But while the blooming flowers may look harmless, many can pose a serious risk to our four-legged friends.

By being mindful of the plants in your home and garden - and staying vigilant on walks - you can enjoy all the joys of spring while keeping your fur baby safe and happy.

REMEMBER: If you’re ever in doubt about a plant’s safety, double-check before bringing it home. And if you think your dog has ingested something toxic, seek veterinary advice immediately.