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. 

1. Spring plants and flowers

Spring blooms are beautiful, but some are dangerous to pets.

Common culprits:

• Lilies (extremely toxic to cats)
• Daffodils
• Tulips
• Hyacinths
• Bluebells

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.

2. Easter treats

Chocolate eggs and hot cross buns are delicious for us, but risky for pets.

Watch out for:

• Chocolate (especially dark chocolate)
• Raisins and sultanas
• Xylitol in sugar-free sweets and gum

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.

3. Spring cleaning products

A big seasonal tidy-up can expose pets to chemicals.

Common hazards:

• Bleach
• Toilet cleaner
• Laundry pods
• Essential oil diffusers

Vet tip: Keep pets out of rooms while cleaning, open windows for ventilation and store cleaning products securely.

4. Garden chemicals and pest control

Common dangers:

• Slug pellets
• Weed killers
• Fertilisers
• Rat poison

Even walking through treated grass and licking paws later can be harmful.

Vet tip: Use pet-safe products and follow instructions carefully. 

Signs of poisoning in pets

Call your Vet immediately if you notice:

• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Drooling
• Tremors or seizures
• Lethargy
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of appetite

Poisoning in pets can be a life-threatening situation. The earlier your pet receives treatment, the greater their chances of recovery.

What to do if you suspect poisoning

1. Remove your pet from the source.
2. Call your Vet straight away.
3. Do not make your pet vomit unless instructed.
4. Bring packaging or plant samples to the surgery.

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!