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Which Spring Flowers Are Toxic to Dogs?

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Published:  April 16th, 2024
Reddogs/Shutterstock

Springtime is such a joyful time of the year. The harsh and gloomy winter days are finally over, and nature is awakening – the sun is shining, trees are blooming, and life erupts all over again. But that doesn’t mean that there are no downsides to this season. From spring allergies to spring shedding, there are also quite a few things that don’t spark joy when spring comes. One of those unexpected things that become a downside of spring when you’re a dog is flowers. Yup. Those gorgeous, lush-smelling blooms that appear in the spring can pose a threat to your dog, as many spring flowers are toxic to our canine friends.


So without further ado, let’s see which of these pretty, colorful flowers are potentially dangerous for dogs – so you’ll know exactly which of them to avoid planting in your garden or putting in a vase.


Which Spring Flowers Are Toxic to Dogs?


As we all know, dogs are inquisitive and love to nibble and sniff all sorts of odd things, flowers included. This is why you should be vigilant in the spring when many potentially toxic plant varieties are in season. Keep an eye out for the following flowers when walking your pet out and about or when picking out seeds for your flower beds!


Daffodils

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Yellow and endlessly beautiful, daffodils are also very dangerous. All parts of this plant, especially the colorful bulb, are toxic to dogs. They contain toxic alkaloids, and they can cause diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and even cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory distress if ingested in large amounts. So, whenever you spot these yellow flowers, steer clear of them.


Tulips

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Loved across the world for their pretty looks, tulips are sadly dangerous to doggos. They contain toxins called tulipalin A and B, which are found in greatest quantities in the bulb. Tulipalin is a big allergen and will cause a variety of reactions, including severe rash and contact dermatitis. Ingesting tulips can lead to gastrointestinal upset, drooling, loss of appetite, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing or convulsions.


Hyacinths

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These lovely flowers seem inconspicuous and innocent at first glance, but don’t be fooled. Hyacinth bulbs contain similar toxins to tulips, and doggos shouldn’t ingest them in any amount. If they do, they risk gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing or tremors. So many threats from such a small flower!


Lilies

Mariia Romanyk/Shutterstock

Some types of lilies, particularly Easter lilies, are known to be highly toxic to cats. And research showed that they can also cause health issues in dogs if ingested. Ingestion can potentially lead to kidney failure, vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Lilies are quite common, so always be careful when you spot them.


Crocuses

janina.dierks/Shutterstock

A crocus looks so lovely when it blooms, sprouting in green fields. But it is a toxic flower for dogs. Crocuses bloom in spring and autumn, and they are always dangerous if ingested. The most common reaction is major gastrointestinal upset. The autumn crocus version is more toxic and can lead to severe poisoning, including organ damage or failure, seizures, and even death.


Foxglove

patjo/Shutterstock

Foxglove is one of the loveliest spring flowers out there, but its lovely looks hide a dangerous secret. This flower contains cardiac glycosides, and if ingested they can cause irregular heart rhythm, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially cardiac arrest and death. 


Preventing and Treating Spring Flower Poisoning in Dogs


You should always be careful around colorful flowers in the outdoors, and take care that your pet avoids them as well. If you know that your dog is too inquisitive and naughty, then consider investing in  a protective dog muzzle. It will prevent your dog from nibbling and sniffing on dangerous flowers and it’s still comfy and breathable thanks to innovative mesh design.


Additionally, if your dog still manages to nibble on a flower, don’t hesitate to contact your vet as soon as possible. If it happens to be harmless, great, you wasted a phone call – but if it’s not, every minute counts, and early intervention can help save your pet from a more severe reaction. Similarly, for potential toxin exposure and other emergency cases, it pays to have a dedicated first aid kit for your four-legged best friend. Sometimes it’s those first reactions at home before taking your pet to a vet that make the biggest difference in the eventual outcome.

Most premade  first aid kits for dogs are well-stocked for injuries such as cuts, insect stings, burns, and similar, but don’t contain anything that could be used as first aid in case of potential poisoning. That’s why it’s a good idea to buy additional items separately and add them to your kit, such as wet wipes for removing contact toxins from the skin or 3% hydrogen for inducing vomiting (which should only be used if instructed to do so by a veterinarian).

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Angela Vuckovic
Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Melatonin is an important hormone, which is naturally produced in the pineal gland of the brain. It has numerous beneficial aspects, such as it can help regulate mood, sleep cycles, and reproduction. However, its production is directly stimulated by darkness, while it is inhibited by light. What does this mean? It means that both dogs and humans will produce melatonin only when it is dark outside. As soon as the dawn arrives with the light of day, melatonin production ceases. This means that many people will supplement melatonin, or use it throughout the day for various reasons. Which brings up the question - is melatonin safe for dogs? Let’s find out. Is Melatonin Safe For Dogs? Melatonin is generally considered extremely safe for dogs, and it is almost always safe to give it to them - when it is used appropriately and under the guidance of a veterinarian. While melatonin is used in humans for the above-mentioned reasons, for dogs it is usually used for treating various skin conditions, anxiety, or sleep disorders. But even with all the positive aspects, it is necessary to first heed the advice of your veterinarian, before giving melatonin to your pet. This is because the proper dosage is important. The dose of melatonin administered depends on your pet’s size, weight, and overall health condition. Generally, veterinarians recommend starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it if necessary. Dosages typically range from 0.5 to 3 milligrams per dog, but this can vary. Mistake the dosage, and you risk a lot of side effects, like digestive upset, lethargy, and changes in mood or behavior.What is more, melatonin might not be suitable for dogs with certain health conditions or those taking other medications. Because of this, it is always crucial to seek professional advice before administering any supplements or medications to your pet. Ignoring this can cause a lot of harm.

The Unseen Threat: Dangers of Secondhand Smoke for Your Pet

Most people are well aware of the dangers of smoking. They understand what smoking does to their bodies and know the potential health risks of lighting up a cigarette. But did you know that exposure to secondhand smoke may have serious health consequences for your pets?It’s no secret that smoking is bad for people. In the United States, between 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths are linked to cigarette smoking. Secondhand smoking is also linked with an increased risk of other forms of cancer, such as breast and colorectal cancer, heart and respiratory disease.Studies have shown that more than 50% of bladder cancer cases in humans are caused by cigarette smoking. A recent study involving Scottish terriers found a link between cigarette smoke exposure and bladder cancer. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in dogs, and many pooches are diagnosed with some form of this terrible disease. Although many factors may predispose a pet to cancer, research shows that passive smoking is a main danger.Scientists from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University discovered that Scottish terriers who were exposed to secondhand smoke at home were six times more likely to develop bladder cancer than those who were not routinely exposed to smoke.Passive smoking is also linked with nasal cancer in dogs. This type of cancer is often diagnosed in long-nosed breeds such as collies, greyhounds, and borzois. The increased surface area in their nasal canals traps inhaled particles, allowing carcinogens from tobacco smoke to accumulate in the nasal mucus. As a result, long-nosed dogs are at a greater risk of developing tumors in their snouts. On the other hand, brachycephalic or short-nosed dog breeds, such as pugs and French bulldogs, are more likely to develop lung cancer. Their short noses aren’t as effective at trapping inhaled particles and allow more carcinogens to reach the lungs.Being exposed to smoke increases the risk that your dog will develop cancer, but that’s not all. Pooches that live with smokers are more likely to develop asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems.Dogs aren’t the only pets to suffer the consequences of inhaling secondhand smoke on a daily basis. Cats, birds, and small critters like guinea pigs and rabbits are also at risk.Cats that live with smokers are more likely to develop asthma and lung cancer. Felines that inhale secondhand smoke regularly also have a higher incidence of malignant lymphoma.  Studies have found higher nicotine concentrations in the hair of cats living with smokers than those living in smoke-free homes. The same is true for dogs living with smokers, no matter whether their owners smoked inside or outside. Cats are famous for being fastidious groomers, but licking the fur puts them at risk of ingesting even more toxic particles from secondhand smoke than simply inhaling them. Felines that groom excessively can develop oral tumors from licking toxic particles off their fur.Secondhand smoke alone isn't responsible for all health problems seen in cats and dogs. Diet, genetics, lifestyle, and exposure to other potentially toxic substances in the environment combined affect the pet’s overall health.Owners concerned with the well-being of their four-legged companions should be more aware of the air quality in their homes and make necessary lifestyle changes.Choosing to smoke outside can minimize some risks associated with exposure to secondhand smoke. Improving ventilation, opening the windows, and using air filters can help too. However, it’s important to note that even a low exposure to secondhand smoke can be harmful to your four-legged companion.Quitting smoking is hard, but knowing how secondhand smoke affects your pet’s health may motivate you to put down that cigarette once and for all!Join the PetGuiJoin the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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