West Midlands dog owners warned how dangerous spring bulbs can be for their pets
Daffodils, tulips and other common garden plants contain toxins that can make dogs very ill, experts say
A senior vet at Dogs Trust is urging dog owners across the West Midlands to be vigilant this spring as garden bulbs start to appear.
People are being urged to pay extra attention when out on walks with their pets and to make sure they are supervised around potentially harmful plants.
The warning comes as the Easter bank holiday weekend is currently taking place.
On some plants and bulbs to look out for, Dogs Trust vet Charlie Dobson said: “The most common ones that cause a problem because they’re so common are daffodils and tulips.
"Other spring bulbs including bluebells, rhododendrons, azaleas, and amaryllis, are also toxic, but the biggest problems tend to be with daffodils because of their size and abundance."
The message to owners also includes the danger that come when dogs eat the bulbs, which contain a potent toxin called an alkaloid.
“Sniffing them is usually fine,” Dobson said.
“But if they eat them, it can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, tummy pain, and drooling, if a dog eats a lot, it can lead to seizures and tremors, any amount is dangerous, but the bulbs are particularly concentrated.”
On some advice for what people can do to keep their dogs safe, Dobson added: “Ideally, grow these plants in your garden where you can control access.
“Train your dog to have a reliable ‘leave it’ command, and if you’re worried, keep your dog on a lead; it’s always safer.”