The clocks will be jumping forward this weekend and spring has officially sprung! We hope the longer days and nicer weather bring you lots of time making the most of the great outdoors with your furry friends, but we also want dog owners to be aware of some of the common dangers that can be hidden amongst the greenery. This will allow you to enjoy the fresh air knowing that you’re doing everything you can to keep your pet safe.
Can dogs eat grass? A question we’re asked very frequently! We’ve all been on walks with our dogs when they’ve seemed fixated on gobbling as much of this readily available green snack as they can, but should we be letting them?
There are a variety of reasons that might be causing this behaviour: if your dog is eating grass in large quantities, it may be that they’re feeling unwell and are trying to purge their system, but if it’s just the occasional nibble, your dog may simply be snacking because they find it tasty. Grass itself isn’t inherently dangerous to dogs and eating small quantities is unlikely to cause any problems, but it’s best to prevent them eating lots of it. This is especially true for areas which have been treated with pesticides or chemicals, or are home to slugs, snails, insects or parasites which may cause health problems if ingested.
It’s normal for dogs to eat grass every now and again, but if you’re worried about the amount your dog is consuming, or think there may be an underlying condition causing them to feel nauseous, make an appointment with your vet.
Lots of species of flower bloom in spring, and it’s one of the things we can all look forward to: they transform our gardens and walking routes. However, some varieties can pose a danger to your dog, so it may be worth taking extra care to ensure they’re not getting too close to anything which can harm them. The main danger comes when flowers are ingested, so if you have a particularly snacky dog or cat, read on…
Our woodlands are full of beautiful flowers which are generally harmless, but you will want to prevent your dog from eating. Bluebells, for example, are a popular spring visitor, blooming in droves from mid-April until late May. It’s best for your dog to keep their distance from these beautiful flowers though, as bluebells but are likely to upset your dog’s stomach if eaten, and can be harmful if eaten in quantity. Other common spring plants, such as english ivy, foxgloves and lily of the valley, which can also be toxic if eaten, often causing nausea and vomiting. Even the very common and innocent-looking buttercup can be a problem: the juice from these flowers can harm your dog’s digestive system, and can cause dermatitis – an uncomfortable condition which causes inflammation and itching.
If your dog is a notorious snacker, it’s worth being mindful of what you have planted in the garden too. Many dogs are allergic to hyacinth, a popular garden flower – getting too close to these can cause skin irritation and they can also be harmful if eaten in quantity. Other plants to watch out for are daffodils and their close relative narcissus, rhododendrons, crocuses, geranium and wisteria – while these lovely flowers may brighten up your garden, they can all cause health problems for your dog if ingested.
It’s harder to protect your cats outdoors as they will have a greater territory than just your garden. However, thankfully, as cats are discriminate eaters, they are unlikely to try eating anything unfamiliar and will most likely spend their time nibbling on safe grass or watching everything else going on out there.
However, it is wise to avoid planting certain flowers if you can to keep them as safe as possible. All types of Lilies can be poisonous to cats so best to avoid them in your garden altogether. Other plants such as tulips, daffodils and juniper berries can be toxic when ingested.
There are a few others, but you can always ask your vet to be sure.
Over the last year, the vast majority of people have been spending more time at home than usual – and for many, houseplants are a great way to make a space feel more homely and bring the outside in. However, there are some varieties which you should consider keeping out of your dog’s reach.
Aloe vera, spider plants, and swiss cheese plants are all very popular choices, but they can all cause a variety of health issues if ingested, ranging from excess salivation, mouth irritation, vomiting and diarrhoea. A particular one to watch out for is the delightfully named mother-in-law’s tongue, which can be very dangerous – eating this can cause tremors, seizures, loss of balance – and can even be fatal in some cases.
To report cruelty or an animal in distress call 0300 1234 999
RSPCA Cotswolds, Gloucester & District Branch
