The Cosmic Watchdog

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, an influx of flowers will soon be gifted to loved ones, but there are a number that should be avoided if you or, perhaps more importantly, the person receiving these have pets.

Many commonly-gifted flowers and plants can be highly toxic if ingested by dogs or cats, according to a leading vet.

Certain species can cause discomfort or, in severe cases, serious health issues in pets and should be avoided at all costs.

Head Vet Sean McCormack at Tails.com has pointed out that pets are naturally curious and it’s in their nature to investigate anything new that arrives home, which includes any flowers or other plants.

To prevent needing a trip to the vet or having to fork out for expensive bills, Sean has shared five flowers and plants that should not be brought into any home with pets.

Carnations

Carnations can be widely purchased in supermarkets, making them a quick and easy choice for a Valentine’s Day gift. But not only may your partner label you ‘cheap’ for opting for these budget-friendly flowers, they are also mildly toxic to dogs.

Sean states that while the specific irritants causing this toxicity are unknown, whether in the petals or stem, but it’s best not to take any chances. If ingested, carnations can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs.

Lilies

The next flower, Sean has issued a warning about are lilies. These flowers symbolise devotion and beauty, which makes them a rather popular choice for couples on Valentine’s Day – however, they are toxic to dogs and cats, and can even be fatal in some cases – as some species of lilies contain insoluble oxalate crystals that can severely irritate the intestinal system.

If ingested, lilies can cause:

• Kidney failure
• Seizures
• Slowed heart rate
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea

Daffodils

While beautiful, daffodils are highly toxic to dogs, and the bulbs of these flowers are especially harmful, as they contain lycorine and other dangerous compounds. Ingesting these compounds can lead to severe cardiac symptoms when consumed in large quantities

Sean cautions that dogs who consume daffodils can be left with abdominal pain, low blood pressure, arrhythmias, and/or diarrhoea.

Roses

Roses might be a romantic staple, but you may want to avoid these flowers if your Valentine has a furry friend in their home. While not toxic, the thorns can physically injure a dog’s mouth, gums, throat, and digestive tract if ingested.

Sean highlights that if left untreated, this can cause cuts, internal blockages and even infection. He adds: “If roses that have been dethorned have been ingested, particularly by dogs with sensitive stomachs, they may experience mild symptoms. These symptoms should resolve within a day, but it’s always wise to consult a vet if concerned.”

Tulips

Tulips are timeless, romantic flowers available in a range of colours, making them a popular Valentine’s Day gift. However, they are another that can prove toxic to dogs – due to their bulbs containing tulipalin A and B, compounds that can irritate a dog’s stomach lining.

If ingested, tulips can cause:

• Drooling
• Tremors
• Breathing difficulties
• Vomiting

Alternative options

Sean has also shared some alternative options for those wanting to give their pet-loving Valentine some flowers that won’t harm their cat or dog. These are:

• Chinese Money plant
• Rattlesnake plant
• Spider plant
• Bird’s Nest fern
• Orchid
• Fishbone Cactus
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