Springtime dangers that could leave your dog seriously ill
Springtime is our favourite season, according to polls, but it also sees an increase in pet emergencies. Here at Vets Now, call volumes from worried pet owners increase over the Easter weekend alone, and it’s often a result of dogs swallowing or chewing some of these unfamiliar things.
Our handy infographic below gives you the lowdown on what to keep out of your dog’s reach during spring.
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This Spring, watch out for these dog hazards
Out and about
Pesticides and herbicides
While off-the-shelf products are generally safe for pets, they can present dangers if brushed against or swallowed.
Cocoa mulch
Like chocolate, cocoa-based garden soil dressing contains theobromine which poses a potentially lethal risk.
Slugs and snails
Dogs can catch lungworm, a potentially fatal disease, by eating slugs and snails which are carrying the larvae of the parasite.
Adders
Adders are most likely to bite in spring when they’ve just come out of hibernation. Their venom is highly dangerous to dogs.
Wasps and bees
Most wasp and bee stings are not emergencies, but veterinary help may be needed if your dog is stung in the mouth or neck, or is allergic.
Flowers and plants
Daffodils
The bulbs are particularly poisonous and, if eaten, can trigger severe vomiting and diarrhoea and possibly even death.
Rhododendrons and azaleas
These contain a highly toxic substance called grayanotoxin which can cause nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing and coma.
Buttercups
A common sight in gardens during springtime, buttercups are mildly poisonous and can cause drooling, vomiting and even seizures.
Tulips, amaryllis and hyacinth
While not as toxic as daffodils, the bulbs of these flowers are dangerous if eaten in large quantities.
Food and drinks
Chocolate
Especially common around Easter, chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine, a bit like caffeine, that’s poisonous to dogs.
Hot cross buns
All grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas, as well as foods that contain them, are toxic to dogs.
Spring onions
Can cause stomach irritation and lead to red blood cell damage and anaemia.