Which plants are toxic to dogs?

Cheddar the Corgi was just 8 months old when she suffered poisoning from a very commonly found plant in the garden. She loves being outside, so was happily pottering around while owner Rosie was in the kitchen.

Rosie had fenced off a Rhododendron plant having found out it was toxic. However, Cheddar found her way through the fence and had chewed off several branches before Rosie spotted what she was up to. Cheddar was then sick multiple times.

Concerned for her puppy, Rosie called the vet, who advised her to take Cheddar in for some blood tests and monitoring, as the symptoms of poisoning can take 12-24 hours to fully show. Ingesting leaves or flowers of this particular plant can cause nausea, vomiting, depression, and difficulty breathing – in some cases leading to coma or even death.

Cheddar stayed in overnight on a drip. But fortunately, by the next morning, Cheddar was feeling much better and had made a full recovery.

Rosie says: “My advice to any dog owners is to check your garden for any toxic plants. This was such a worrying time, and it could have been avoided if we had simply removed the plant. The vet’s bill came to over £1,000. Find out what’s in the garden. Use a plant-identifying app if you’re not sure… Just take the time to find out."

Another way to protect your four-legged friend is with peace-of-mind dog insurance.

Which plants are toxic?

As well as some unusual varieties, some of the most common plants found in gardens are toxic to dogs. These include:

●       Azalea/Rhododendron

●       Buttercups

●       Clematis

●       Cyclamen

●       Daffodils

●       Elderberry

●       Foxglove

●       Hemlock

●       Holly berries

●       Oak tree foliage and acorns

●       Yew berries and foliage

Find out more about the plants in your garden that are toxic to your pets here: Poisonous plants factsheet.

Plant identifying apps, such as PictureThis, are helpful if you're not sure what's what: PictureThis for Android or PictureThis for iPhone

What to do if your dog eats a toxic plant

If your dog eats a toxic plant, it's important to act quickly to minimise the potential harm. Here’s what you should do:

1. Identify the plant. If possible, identify the plant your dog has eaten. Take note of the plant’s appearance and, if you can, take a photo or sample of it to show your vet.
2. Stay calm.
3. Call your vet. Contact your veterinarian immediately for advice. Give details about the plant, how much your dog may have eaten, and any symptoms your dog is showing. The vet may instruct you to bring your dog in right away or give you guidance on what to do next.

Please note: Don’t induce vomiting unless your vet instructs you to do so. Some plants can cause more damage if thrown back up.

As an Agria Pet Insurance customer, you can speak to a vet completely free whenever you have a question or concern about your pet’s health. Simply download the Agria app for free 24/7 video calls; giving you expert advice to help keep your pet happy and healthy.

Find out more about the Agria app here.