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Protect puppies from the hidden danger of plants poisonous to dogs

Puppy running with front paws up in air and mouth open - Teresa Short/ Moment Open
Puppy running with front paws up in air and mouth open - Teresa Short/ Moment Open

Buying a puppy and sprucing up the garden or patio has been a feature of national life in lockdown. But your new pooch must be protected from the dangers lurking in the greenery.

The Dogs Trust is so concerned about naive new puppy owners it has issued a warning about plants that can harm, and even kill, an adored pet.

Some of Britain’s favourite blooms are among the plants toxic to dogs such as wisteria, hydrangea and chrysanthemum, while those friendly to dogs include lavender, rosemary and dill.

Puppies are particularly vulnerable because of their small size and playful curiosity.

Iris, clematis, laburnum and tomato plants can poison dogs.

Dogs eating leaves, buds or berries, of toxic plants can suffer nausea, stomach upsets, breathing difficulties and in some cases death. Azaleas, for example, if eaten in large quantities, can be fatal for dogs.

While the leaves of yew are so harmful to dogs, besides causing dizziness and stomach cramps, they can trigger sudden death without any symptoms or warning. Oleander can affect a dog’s heart, skin disorder and can also be fatal.

New owners should also be vigilant  when walking their pet in parks and the countryside. Even buttercups can cause a stomach upset or dermatitis.

Catherine Dobbie, Dogs Trust vet, said: "We know many people have added a four-legged friend to their family during lockdown, and many new dog and puppy owners may not realise that amongst the colourful blooms, their garden could contain plants and flowers harmful to dogs due to the toxins if eaten."

She urged all dog owners  to "give your garden a quick once-over to ensure it is dog-friendly and you’ve not unwittingly put your beloved pet at any risk."

Owners are also warned to watch out for any harmful house plants and to keep pots high out of a dog’s reach.

Dog friendly and unfriendly plants
Dog friendly and unfriendly plants

Last month Kate Wagner issued a warning on Facebook after her French bulldog, Lily, died in her arms after eating a sago palm house plant.

She posted: "My sweet baby Lily got into one of my house plants and ended up fighting for life at the emergency vet for a week.

"I’d like to spread the word about the house plant because I had no idea when I purchased it  from a garden centre last summer that the little six-inch plant would become my nightmare.”

Sago palms, with their feather-like fronds that resemble ferns, are popular and on sale from £15 to £50 depending on size, while mature two foot tall plants can cost over £300.

All parts of sago palm plants - roots, stems, leaves, and berry-like seeds -  contain the toxic cycasin which can poison dogs and cats leading to vomiting, diarrhoea, failure of the nervous system and even liver failure.

Other tips to make a garden fun and safe for dogs are to ensure the space and fences are secure; to include a variety of scented plants and flowers for dogs to sniff and different textures such as grass, gravel, or wood chippings for dogs to explore and have a shaded spot to protect a dog in hot weather.

The Dogs Trust has a full list of plants that can be harmful to dogs on their website www.dogstrust.org.uk/gardens