Overview
- Dogs Trust centres in Ilfracombe and Darlington issued the seasonal alert as spring begins on 20 March.
- High‑risk plants highlighted include daffodils, tulips, bluebells and snowdrops, with additional hazards such as rhododendrons, azaleas, foxglove, hyacinth and cyclamen.
- Reported signs of poisoning range from vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling and lethargy to breathing difficulties, tremors, seizures and, in some cases, death, with early treatment improving recovery odds.
- Daffodils are flagged as especially dangerous, with all parts—particularly the bulb—being highly toxic and even vase water posing a risk; tulip bulbs can irritate the mouth, stomach and skin and may cause heart issues in severe cases; bluebells contain cardiac toxins and can be fatal in large quantities.
- Prevention advice includes checking plant safety before planting, blocking access to bulbs, adding dog‑safe herbs and varied textures for enrichment, providing shade and fresh water, and supervising or draining shallow water features.