As spring comes to Cardiff, flowers are in bloom in Bute Park. But dog owners don’t realise the potential dangers that certain flowers pose if consumed by their pets.
As the days turn warmer and brighter, Bute Park is coming alive with vibrant flowers and lush grass. It is the perfect time for dog owners and their pets to visit the park for strolls and a bit of fun in the sun.
However, despite the beautiful scenery of spring, the lawns of Bute Park may prove to be potentially dangerous for dogs.Many dog owners are unaware of the potential dangers certain flowers pose to dogs if ingested. Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, commonly found in gardens and other green environments, can cause major health concerns, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and even life-threatening symptoms.
Michael Nelson, founder of Cardiff-based Kennel Store, a famous doghouse and accessories company, has asked dog owners to be vigilant. “If dogs eat daffodils, the consequences can be very serious,” he said. “Narcissus bulbs contain toxins capable of causing serious health problems and possibly even death. The lycorine found in plants can cause severe toxic symptoms, sometimes fatal.”
Although many dog owners have bought pet insurance to deal with emergencies like accidental eating poisoning, dog treatment remains expensive in the UK. If they eat harmful plants, it could cost veterinarians paying up to £500.
Sarah Cockwill, who has an eight-year-old dog, is wary of how expensive pet ownership can get. “Keeping ownership has become a financial burden for some people in the UK,” she said. “Although pet insurance can cover most of the treatment costs, there are still a lot of expenses that dog owners should cover themselves.
“When treating dogs, there are often no cheaper alternatives, and veterinary fees usually require a one-time payment, and the lack of an installment option undoubtedly adds to the financial pressure.”
Many dog owners report a lack of understanding of harmful flowers, and although they want to keep their dogs away from them, the lack of knowledge greatly increases the risk of pet exposure to toxic plants.
Jade Relf often takes her dog to Bute Park for a stroll. “I know some flowers are toxic to dogs, so I keep them away, but I think the park still needs to have some warning signs put out there for the dog owners,” she said.
The reason dogs eat poisonous flowers is usually because they are particularly curious and like to explore their surroundings. They are naturally interested in fresh things, especially those brightly colored and particularly tasty flowers. Dogs have a keen sense of smell, and the smell of some flowers may make them mistaken for something to eat or something interesting.
If your dog has eaten poisonous plants, first remove the plant from its mouth to prevent further intake. Try to identify the plant by sampling, photographing, or collecting any vomit to provide to the veterinarian. When contacting a vet or emergency hotline, share details such as the plant’s name or characteristics, intake time, the dog’s weight, and current symptoms. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinarian, as different plants require different responses. Dogs cannot instinctively avoid toxic plants, so owners must stay vigilant to prevent exposure to dangerous plants.
“If your dog is in an emergency or cannot afford your dog, you can ask the PDSA for help. They are dog-friendly agencies and will provide free medical care and medical support in an emergency.”said Sarah Cockwill.