Many pet owners will look forward to the summer months with the long evenings and warm weather for allowing their furry friends the chance to explore the outdoors.
And many will let their dogs open in fields full of flowers, plants, and trees, which could leave them munching on poisonous plants.
Insurance claims made for toxic ingestion went up by a staggering 62 per cent, with the snaffled flowers costing owners an average of £986.17 in the last year, according to new data from the Irish Pet Shop.
Declan O’Keefe, Digital Director at the Irish Pet Shop has warned that it is increasingly more essential for owners to be aware of the risks, especially for those who live in greener areas.
Stock image. Many pet owners rejoice during the summer months, thanking the long evenings and warm weather for allowing their furry friends the chance to explore the outdoors
He said: ‘With summer flowers and plants starting to bloom it is important to be aware of what is out there that could cause harm to your pets.
‘Although it is lovely to brighten your garden up with flowers or take your dogs on walks in the woods, it is best to be preventive and keep an eye out for these plants to avoid ingestion.’
Though the risks are ranging, ‘it is important to take preventive measures and seek veterinary care if ingestion occurs to ensure your pet’s health and safety,’ he said.
To avoid the risk of a sickly pet and a eye-watering vet bill, pet owner’s should be aware of the wild plants that can pose a risk to our beloved furry friends.
Lavender
Though the aromatic purple plant, lavender (pictured) is known for sending humans to sleep, it’s not so good for the tummies of our pets.
Though the aromatic purple plant is known for it’s powers of helping humans to get to sleep, it’s not so helpful for the tummies of our pets.
The plant contains compounds called linalool and linalyl acetate, which can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in significant amounts.
Though the plant isn’t highly toxic per se, pets that consume a significant amount of lavender can end up with unpleasant symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea, sickness, lethargy, loss of coordination and skin irritation, which would require medical attention.
Lavender usually blooms in early spring but can continue to bloom right till the end of summer, so make sure to avoid large patches of lilac.
Delphiniums
The stunning indigo blue plants might be nice to rest eyes on, but certainly not for your pets to sink their teeth into.
The entire plant, including their vibrant blue petals which sit at the end of a stalk in a sweetcorn style layout, are toxic to humans and animals.
The perennial plants contains toxic alkaloids, with the most dangerous elements residing in the seeds and young leaves.
Make sure to seek urgent medical help if your pets find their nose in a bush of delphiniums and look out for symptoms of; diarrhoea, abdominal pain, excessive drooling, seizures, tremors, cardiovascular issues, difficulty breathing, respiratory paralysis, general weakness and paralysis to limbs.
The tall floral spikes tend to flower in the peak summer months of June and July.
Dahlias
Another pretty but not so friendly plant for pets. Dahlias (pictured) have a large pom-pom like bloom that contain toxic compounds which, though mild, are worth avoiding for pet owners
Another pretty but not so friendly plant for pets. Dahlias have a large pom-pom like bloom that contain toxic compounds which, though mild, are worth avoiding for pet owners.
These compounds can cause gastrointestinal distress such as vomiting and diarrhoea, skin irritation and lethargy; symptoms which should be flagged to a vet if noticed.
The vibrant coloured flowers tend to make themselves known around July time, so make sure to look out for them now.
Hydrangeas
These full floral plants are one of the more moderately toxic flowers.
They’re power to cause risk to pets comes from the fact that they release cyanide when metabolised, which, much as it is with humans, is toxic to dogs and cats.
Symptoms to look out for in an incident of consumption is vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, tiredness or weakness, depression or decreased activity and loss of appetite.
Nearly all hydrangeas flower from August to October with a few varieties starting flowering in mid June
Lupins
Specifically the Lupinus species, pose a risk of poisoning to cats and dogs due to the toxic alkaloids they contain, particularly in the seeds and pods.
If either pet managed to get their paws on this plant, the telltale signs of a toxic reaction include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, tremors, agitation, lethargy and loss of appetite.
The tall, corn shaped bloomers, tend to flower at the beginning of the warmer season, opening around May and June time.
Sweet peas
Sweet peas (pictured) are considered toxic for our furry family members since they contain a compound called beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), which is a toxic amino acid
Not so sweet for pets, sweet peas, are considered toxic for our furry family members since they contain a compound called beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), which is a toxic amino acid.
The symptoms of poisoning can be particularly frightening with animals at risk kidney damage, liver damage, tremors, seizures and even comas, when consumed.
Sweet peas bloom according the time that they were planted, however the general season in which they flower in the UK in June and July.
Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle (pictured)
The adorably named and perfectly perfumed shrub can reap havoc on the bellies of pets, causing symptoms of ;ethargy, weakness, depression, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pains.
The shrub contains a compound called grayanotoxins, which can also lead to excessive salivation and ataxia -a loss of coordination and balance in cats and dogs.
These fragrant flowers also bloom in the summer months, with some popping out towards the beginning, and some towards the end of the season.
Clematis
Clematis – also known as ‘Queen of Climbers’ because of the popularity as trellis plant – contain a compound called anemonin, which poses a toxic risk to cats and dogs.
In a case of consumption, look out for symptoms of sickness, diarrhoea, abdominal pains, lethargy, seizures and tremors, all of which vary depending on the amount of the plant consumed with larger quantities posing a more significant risk.
The high climbers can bloom in several different seasons, though are most likely to show their colours in summer.
Geraniums
The Pelargonium species, specifically, pose a risk to pets since their flowers contain essential oils that can cause issues such vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, skin irritation, lethargy and depression.
The toxic flowers are often in gardens and kept as house plants, to it is important to remove a ingestion risk for both cats and dogs.
Geraniums have a long blooming period, usually between June to October, so it’s important to keep an eye out for them during spring and summer.
Foxgloves
The early summer blooming flowers are highly toxic to both dogs and cats since they contain potent cardiac glycosides, which can have serious, potentially life-threatening effects if ingested.
The affects of either pets consuming foxgloves can be disastrous, with symptoms likely to result in with vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, excessive drooling, cardiovascular symptoms, tremors, seizures, confusion, and lethargy.
In severe cases, this unassuming flower can result in the death of a loved pet.
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