Valentine: Tulips, lilies, daffodils, iris: Keep your pets away from these flowers

While flower bouquets are popular birthday and anniversary gifts, they have the potential to be dangerous for cats and dogs. When picking out a bouquet to give to a loved one, you should always consider any pets they have and be aware of what types of flowers to keep away from them. Some popular flower choices can be extremely dangerous to cats and dogs if swallowed, even in small amounts. It is advised to keep any flowers out of reach from curious pets, on a high shelf or separate room that they cannot access.
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Different flower varieties all have different effects on pets, however, it is important to be aware of the common symptoms to look out for. The experts at GoCompare, an international pet insurance company have put together this short guide on how to keep your pets safe and avoid sickness.

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Sally Jaques, pet insurance expert at GoCompare, adds, “It is very important owners consider whether the gifts they purchase are pet-friendly and make sure they take the precautions to keep any of them out of reach from their pets. If you do notice any of the symptoms listed and suspect your pet has eaten something harmful, closely observe your pet's condition and contact a vet immediately. The sooner you react the better chance you will give your pet to recover.”

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Here are the most common flower varieties that are a risk to dogs and cats:

Roses with thorns

Roses are the most common Valentine's Day flower choice. Despite not being toxic, roses are a hazard for pets, as ingesting thorns can cause abrasions and punctures internally which can lead to serious problems.

Lily

Lilies can be extremely poisonous for pets, especially cats, and are the most dangerous flower to have at home. Even if swallowed in very small amounts from just licking the plant, it can lead to incurable poisoning and kidney failure.

Tulip

Tulips are another popular gifting choice, however pet owners are commonly unaware they are in fact toxic for both cats and dogs. Consumption often leads to vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, and even depression amongst pets.

Iris

Iris

Iris are also toxic to pets, commonly causing tummy and skin irritation alongside gastrointestinal symptoms when eaten.

Daffodil

All parts of this yellow flower are toxic to pets. However, the bulbs are particularly poisonous like many spring flowers. Eating a daffodil can cause severe vomiting and health conditions for pets.

Hyacinth

Hyacinth.

A popular plant in spring as well as Valentine's day, Hyacinth is also very toxic to pets, causing both internal and external irritation.

Carnation

A mildly toxic plant, carnations can often cause vomiting and diarrhea when the stem, leaves, or petals are consumed by pets.

Rhododendron

This plant is also toxic to dogs and cats. The leaves in particular are the most toxic when consumed, and symptoms can develop within a few minutes to hours.

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are toxic to both cats and dogs as they contain cyanide. They are rarely fatal but can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and in some cases depression.

Foxglove

Foxgloves are very poisonous to pets. Even a small amount of foxglove or drinking the water from its vase can be fatal for a pet.

READ ALSO:
Veterinarian dr jyoti jain shares: Your guide to pet friendly plants

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