Gardening: Red alert as green shoots start to spring up

WITH the green shoots of a new season finally managing to push their way out now that the blanket of snow and ice has gone, spring is finally feeling as if it's arrived.

The first heady sight of golden daffodils emerging is one which definitely gladdens the hearts of humans, with its promise of longer, lighter and warmer days to come.

And for our four-legged friends, it also means more time to romp outside.

But, while the fresh air and increased exercise is great for our pets' health, there are dangers that owners need to be aware of. Those plants and blooms appearing now in our flowers beds, beautiful though they may be, can prove deadly to our animal companions.

PDSA senior veterinary surgeon Sean Wensley says: "Some plants and flowers pose a serious health risk to pets.

"Dogs and cats can be poisoned by eating the leaves, stems, bulbs or flowers of certain plants and, in some cases, by simply coming into contact with them.

"Signs of poisoning can include vomiting, lack of appetite and diarrhoea.

"Severe cases of plant poisoning can prove fatal, so it is vital that owners are aware of which plants are hazardous to their pets."

The most common poisonous plants are:

• Daffodils: All parts of the daffodil, even the bulbs, are potentially harmful to pets. Chewing or eating just a small amount can prove fatal. Even drinking the water from a vase of daffodils can cause pets to suffer vomiting and diarrhoea.

• Lilies: All lilies are toxic to pets. They are especially harmful to cats and can be fatal. Both the flower and pollen are harmful, causing vomiting, diarrhoea and drowsiness.

• Laburnum: This is a common ornamental tree with flowers that develop into flat pods with dark brown seeds. The seeds are dangerous to dogs, causing breathing difficulties, cramps, fits and even death.

• Cherry laurel: This is a hedging plant, often used in public parks. Pets can be poisoned by eating or chewing even a small amount of the leaves, so owners should ensure they dispose of hedge cuttings properly and keep a watchful eye when walking dogs.

• Castor oil bush: This plant can be kept both indoors and outdoors and dogs are particularly attracted to its seeds. If eaten, they can cause seizures. Fatalities often occur within two to three days of consumption.

• Philodendron: Philodendron is a popular house plant but is extremely toxic. Any contact with the plant can cause irritation to the eyes and mouth resulting in excessive salivation. If the plant is eaten, the effects include vomiting, diarrhoea and gastroenteritis. In cats, the poison is often fatal.

Sean continues: "If gardeners are using slug pellets, pesticides, insecticides or cocoa shell mulches, they must keep in mind that these products contain compounds that can be harmful to pets. If safer alternatives can't be found, follow the instructions carefully and keep your pets out of harm's way."

To find out more about plant and garden safety, download a free copy of PDSA's A Safer Garden for Pets leaflet from www.pdsa.org.uk/safergardens