Daffodils can be 'dangerously toxic' to dogs and cats pet owners warned

Dave Martin, Group Director of Animal Welfare at IVC Evidensia, shares his expert advice to help owners keep their animals safe as spring approaches:

“Daffodils may be a spring favourite, but they’re highly toxic to dogs and cats if eaten. Owners should stay alert on walks and keep any daffodils at home well out of reach. Even the water from a vase containing daffodils can make pets unwell if they drink it, so always dispose of flowers and water carefully.

“Dogs that love to dig need extra supervision, as the bulbs contain the highest concentration of toxins. Other spring favourites like tulips, snowdrops, buttercups, and bluebells might look lovely, but can also be harmful if ingested. Signs of poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhoea and unusual tiredness,” Dave said.

Dave Martin has also urged pet owners to be aware of the signs of hayfever and allergies over the coming spring months:

He said: “Just like us, dogs and cats can suffer from hayfever too. As spring arrives and pollen counts rise, some pets may start sneezing, develop watery eyes or runny noses - while others show it through constant itching, nibbling, or sore patches of skin. In some cases, they can even lose small areas of fur where they’ve been scratching or licking.

“Wiping your dog’s paws and coat after a walk can help wash away pollen and ease irritation, and cat owners can do the same after they have been outside. If your pet’s still struggling, your vet can advise on simple treatments to calm things down”.

Dave continued: “Spring’s mild, damp conditions also create the perfect environment for fleas to multiply, so now’s the ideal time to check your pet’s flea protection is up to date.

“Ticks are also becoming more active, lurking in long grass and wooded areas. After your pets have been outside, it’s important to give their coat a quick once-over, paying extra attention to the head, neck and ears to catch any unwanted hitchhikers early,” he advised.

When removing ticks, owners should use a dedicated tick removal tool, as attempting to remove by hand ‘risks leaving the mouthparts behind, which can require surgery to remove’. Experts urge that If owners are unsure on how to remove a tick, they should seek advice from a vet.

This season also brings more slugs and snails, and while they might seem harmless, they can carry lungworm - a potentially fatal parasite if swallowed. “To keep your pets protected and parasite-free, your vet can recommend monthly preventative treatments such as chewable tablets or spot-ons,” Dave said.

More information on how to keep your pets safe this spring is available at https://ivcevidensia.co.uk/