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Take some time to familiarise yourself with these common spring hazards that are poisonous to pets – some of these might surprise you!
Reviewed by Dr Laura Copley BVM BVS PGCertImag MRCVS
Published: 19 February 2026
As the days get brighter and gardens come back to life, curious noses and paws get busy too – and that’s when accidental poisonings are most likely to happen. Here are the most common pet poisons we see each spring in our surgeries, and crucially, how you can keep your pets safe.
Spring blooms are beautiful, but some are dangerous to pets.
Common culprits:
Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or worse. Lily pollen on a cat’s fur can lead to kidney failure.
Vet tip: Check the toxicity status of any plants or flowers, whether this is a bouquet in your home or plants you’re growing in the garden.
Chocolate eggs and hot cross buns are delicious for us, but risky for pets.
Watch out for:
Symptoms can range from vomiting and restlessness to seizures.
Vet tip: Keep tempting treats out of reach and fully sealed to stop curious noses sniffing them out.
A big seasonal tidy-up can expose pets to chemicals.
Common hazards:
Vet tip: Keep pets out of rooms while cleaning, open windows for ventilation and store cleaning products securely.
Common dangers:
Even walking through treated grass and licking paws later can be harmful.
Vet tip: Use pet-safe products and follow instructions carefully.
Call your Vet immediately if you notice:
Poisoning in pets can be a life-threatening situation. The earlier your pet receives treatment, the greater their chances of recovery.
As you can see, a few simple precautions can prevent accidental poisoning from occurring.
If you’re unsure whether something is safe, please ask our team. We’re always here to help!
