Many pet owners look forward to the summer months with their long evenings and warm weather to allow their furry friends the opportunity to explore the outdoors.
And many will let their dogs into fields full of flowers, plants and trees, which could cause them to chew on poisonous plants.
Insurance claims for toxic substance ingestion have risen by a staggering 62 per cent, with stolen flowers costing owners an average of £986.17 in the past year, according to new data from the Irish Pet Shop.
Declan O’Keefe, digital director at Irish Pet Shop, has warned that it is becoming increasingly essential for owners to be aware of the risks, especially for those living in greener areas.
Stock image. Many pet owners rejoice during the summer months and appreciate the long evenings and warm weather that allow their furry friends the opportunity to explore the outdoors.
She said: ‘With summer flowers and plants starting to bloom, it’s important to be aware of what’s out there that could cause harm to your pets.
‘While it’s nice to brighten up your garden with flowers or walk your dogs in the woods, it’s better to be proactive and keep an eye on these plants to avoid ingesting them.’
Although the risks vary,‘It is important to take preventative measures and seek veterinary attention in case of ingestion to ensure the health and safety of your pet,’ she said.
To avoid the risk of having a sick pet and an exorbitant veterinary bill, pet owners should be aware of wild plants that may pose a risk to our beloved furry friends.
Lavender
Although the aromatic purple plant, lavender (pictured), is known to put humans to sleep, it’s not so good for our pets’ stomachs.
Although the aromatic purple plant is known for its powers to help humans fall asleep, it is not so helpful for our pets’ stomachs.
The plant contains compounds called linalool and linalyl acetate, which can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in significant amounts.
Although the plant is not highly toxic per se, pets that consume a significant amount of lavender may end up with unpleasant symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, malaise, lethargy, loss of coordination, and skin irritation, which would require medical attention.
Lavender typically blooms in early spring, but can continue blooming into late summer, so be sure to avoid large areas of lilacs.
Delphiniums
The stunning indigo blue plants may be nice to look at, but certainly not for your pets to sink their teeth into.
The entire plant, including its vibrant blue petals found at the end of a stem in a candy corn-style arrangement, are toxic to humans and animals.
Perennial plants contain toxic alkaloids, with the most dangerous elements residing in the seeds and young leaves.
Be sure to seek urgent medical help if your pets find their nose in a delphinium bush and watch out for symptoms of: diarrhea, abdominal pain, excessive drooling, seizures, tremors, cardiovascular problems, difficulty breathing, respiratory paralysis, general weakness and paralysis in the limbs.
The tall flower spikes tend to bloom in the peak summer months of June and July.
Dahlias
Another pretty but not so pet-friendly plant, dahlias (pictured) have a large pompom-like flower that contains toxic compounds that, while mild, are worth avoiding for pet owners.
Another pretty plant but not so pet-friendly. Dahlias have a large pompom-like flower that contains toxic compounds that, while mild, are worth avoiding for pet owners.
These compounds can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, skin irritation, and lethargy; symptoms that should be reported to your veterinarian.
The vibrantly colored flowers tend to make themselves known around July, so be sure to look for them now.
Hydrangeas
These full-flowered plants are one of the most moderately toxic flowers.
Their power to cause risks to pets comes from the fact that they release cyanide when metabolized, which, as with humans, is toxic to dogs and cats.
Symptoms to be aware of in case of consumption are vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tiredness or weakness, depression or decreased activity and loss of appetite.
Most hydrangeas bloom from August to October, with some varieties beginning to bloom in mid-June.
Lupines
Lupinus species in particular pose a risk of poisoning for cats and dogs due to the toxic alkaloids they contain, especially in the seeds and pods.
If any of your pets manage to get their paws on this plant, telltale signs of a toxic reaction include: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors, agitation, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
The tall, corn-shaped flowers tend to bloom early in the warmer season and open around May and June.
Sweet peas
Sweet peas (pictured) are considered toxic to our furry family members because they contain a compound called beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), which is a toxic amino acid.
Sweet peas, which are not so sweet for pets, are considered toxic to our furry family members as they contain a compound called beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), which is a toxic amino acid.
Poisoning symptoms can be particularly frightening and animals are at risk of kidney damage, liver damage, tremors, seizures and even coma if consumed.
Sweet peas flower according to the time they are planted, although the general flowering season in the UK is June and July.
Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle (pictured)
This adorably named and fragrant shrub can wreak havoc on pets’ bellies, causing symptoms of erectile dysfunction, weakness, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
The shrub contains a compound called grayanotoxins, which can also cause excessive salivation and ataxia (a loss of coordination and balance in cats and dogs).
These fragrant flowers also bloom in the summer months, some appearing early and others late in the season.
Clematis
Clematis, also known as the “queen of climbers” due to its popularity as a trellis plant, contains a compound called anemonin, which poses a toxic risk to cats and dogs.
If consumed, be alert for symptoms of discomfort, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, convulsions and tremors, all of which vary depending on the amount of plant consumed, with larger amounts posing a greater risk.
Tall climbing plants can flower in several different seasons, although they are most likely to show their colors in summer.
Geraniums
Pelargonium species, in particular, pose a risk to pets as their flowers contain essential oils that It can cause problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, skin irritation, lethargy and depression.
Toxic flowers are often found in gardens and kept as houseplants, so it is important to eliminate the risk of ingestion for both cats and dogs.
Geraniums have a long flowering period, usually between June and October, so it is important to keep an eye on them during spring and summer.
Foxgloves
The flowers that bloom in early summer are highly toxic to both dogs and cats as they contain potent cardiac glycosides, which can have serious and potentially fatal effects if ingested.
The effects of foxglove consumption by pets can be disastrous, with symptoms likely resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, excessive drooling, cardiovascular symptoms, tremors, seizures, confusion, and lethargy.
In severe cases, this modest flower can cause the death of a beloved pet.