Dog owners are being warned to keep their furry pets away from their spring bulbs if they’re planting them this winter.
Six popular spring bulbs are poisonous and, in some cases, can be fatal for dogs so it’s important they don’t get hold of any as you prepare them for next year.
Whilst it may take large amounts of the bulb and plant to be ingested for it to be fatal, some of the more common symptoms that dogs can suffer from include vomiting, diarrhoea and nausea, explains Garden Buildings Direct.
6 spring bulbs that are poisonous for dogs
Bluebells
Bluebells contain a toxin that can affect a dog's heart but would usually result in an upset stomach if your dog ingests any.
If large amounts are eaten though it can prove to be fatal. Bluebells are often found in woodland as well so it’s important to keep an eye on your dog when out for a walk.
One of the most common causes of daffodil poisoning in dogs is when they have been able to access the bulbs.
Daffodil bulbs contain the most concentrated amount of lycorine, which is an alkaloid that can trigger diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain and even heartbeat irregularities.
Cyclamen
Cyclamen contains triterpenoid saponins which can cause serious toxic reactions in dogs with symptoms including salivation, diarrhoea and vomiting.
Larger ingestions can cause heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures and even death, Garden Buildings Direct explains.
Tulips
Toxins are found in all parts of tulips but are especially concentrated in the bulb so if your dog consumes any part, particularly the bulb, you should contact a vet immediately.
Symptoms can include an elevated heart rate and breathing difficulties in severe cases of poisoning or if a large amount has been ingested, this can also result in sudden death.
Simple ways to create a wildlife-friendly garden
Amaryllis
Consuming the amaryllis bulb can lead to illness varying from moderate to severe and most dogs would need to ingest a considerable amount of bulbs before severe toxicity occurs.
Common symptoms to look out for are drooling and abdominal discomfort.
Hyacinths
The most common way that dogs are affected by hyacinth poisoning is by digging up bulbs from the garden when they have been recently planted.
Ingesting hyacinth bulbs does cause instantaneous pain for dogs which prevents them from being able to eat a toxic amount but symptoms they may have after eating it would be nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting.
The PDSA said: “It’s important to remember that bulbs often have a higher concentration of nutrients than leaves or flowers, meaning they can be more dangerous for your pet.
“When organising your garden, don’t forget to make sure that your pet can’t get their paws on any bulbs that you may be planting.
How to get rid of ants from your home
“Lots of different species of bulbs can be poisonous, so keep them in areas your pet can’t access – or avoid them completely.
“If you do decide to plant bulbs, it’s a good idea to cover them with mesh until they’re growing to prevent any curious paws from digging them up!”
The pet charity also shared a list of plants and flowers that are poisonous to dogs and found in gardens and in parks and woodlands throughout each season.
Recommended reading:
- Garden expert shares how banana peel can help outdoor flowers thrive in winter
- Homeowners urged to try this thumb hack to ensure lawns will survive winter
- Gardening expert reveals 4 houseplants that help combat damp and condensation
A spokesperson at Garden Buildings Direct said: “Spring bulbs are a lovely addition to your garden but it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers they can pose to your dog. Many will plant their spring bulbs in autumn and winter, so it's important to be aware now of which plants could harm pets.
“Hyacinths, Amaryllis and Daffodils are all hugely popular plants and each one can make your garden look nice and colourful in the spring. But be careful of letting your dogs around them as they all contain toxins which are poisonous.
“As well as being poisonous, some may even be fatal if your dog manages to ingest a large amount. These include Bluebells, Cyclamen and Tulips, so make sure to take extra precautions with these.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here