Leisure, Entertainment & MotoringPetsProtect your cat from poisonous plants this Spring Protect your cat from poisonous plants this Spring
04/04/2008
With Spring now well on its way our favourite flowers will soon be in bloom - but a large number of popular plants and flowers are poisonous to animals and might pose a serious health risk.
They can be poisoned by eating the leaves, stems or flowers - or simply by coming into contact with certain plants. So the PDSA are advising people to seek advice before introducing new or unknown plants into their home or garden.
Fortunately, most animals know instinctively what is harmful to them, but forewarned is forearmed. Here is a list of some of the more common poisonous plants:
Daffodils. All parts of the daffodil are potentially harmful to pets. Even the bulbs are poisonous - chewing just a small amount can prove fatal. The flowers, and even drinking the water from a vase of daffodils, can cause pets to suffer vomiting and diarrhoea.
Lilies. All lilies are potentially toxic to pets. They are especially harmful to cats and in some cases can be fatal. As well as the flower, even eating a small amount of the pollen can be harmful, causing vomiting, diarrhoea and drowsiness.
Laburnum. This is a common ornamental tree with bunches of pendulous flowers that develop into flat pea-like pods that release minute dark-brown seeds when dry. If dogs eat the seeds it can cause agitation, breathing difficulties, cramps, fits and even death.
Cherry laurel. This is a hedging plant (often used in public parks and gardens). Pets can be poisoned through eating or chewing the leaves, so owners should be careful how they dispose of hedge cuttings. Even a small amount of leaves can be fatal.
Castor oil bush. This plant can be kept both in and outdoors and dogs are particularly attracted to its seeds. If eaten, they can cause the dog to have seizures, and the poisoning is usually fatal within two to three days.
Philodendron. Philodendron is a popular houseplant but it is extremely toxic! It is usually the leaves that pets like to chew or eat, but any contact with the plant can cause irritation to the eyes and mouth resulting in excessive salivation. If the plant is eaten, the effects include vomiting, diarrhoea and gastroenteritis. In cats, the condition usually develops into a more serious condition, and can occasionally be fatal.
The PDSA is also warning pet owners to be aware that cocoa shell mulches, often used in gardens, are poisonous to pets and can prove fatal if eaten. The mulches contain theobromine, a toxic substance which is also found in chocolate.
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