Toxic Autumn Plants

15 September 2016

Pets like cats and dogs naturally enjoy exploring their surroundings. Whereas we use our hands, pets often use their mouths and sometimes they can end up accidentally swallowing something they only meant to investigate.

Eating parts of certain plants can cause sickness and consuming large amounts can even prove fatal – there are a few plants to avoid having in your garden and keep an eye out for when out and about on walks:

• Acorns are highly toxic for pets if eaten due to tannic acid, which affects the liver and kidneys. Unripe, green acorns, are more toxic than others.

• Horse Chestnut trees have many poisonous parts, such as the bark, leaves, flowers and, of course, conkers. Not only can the conkers cause harm if eaten in large quantities, they can also block a pet’s intestines, which could be fatal.

• Yew trees are commonly found in churchyards and can be extremely toxic to pets. Every part of the tree is poisonous and eating just a handful of the leaves can be very serious.

• Autumn crocuses have pale mauve, pink or white flowers in autumn and all parts of the plant are potentially toxic.

You can protect your pet in the garden by doing a check of what plants you have already and speaking to garden centre staff before planting any new or unusual plants. When out and about, keep an eye on what your pet is investigating. If your dog is a bit of a scavenger that often eats things when out on a walk it may be worth investing in a basket muzzle as well as attending training classes if your dog won’t come back when called.

Signs of poisoning can include sickness, diarrhoea, drooling, abdominal pain, shaking and breathing problems. If you suspect your pet has been poisoned contact your vet for advice immediately.

Download out Poisons and Hazards guide for more information about the common household dangers for our pets.