Spring brings new life to UK gardens — and new dangers for pets. Bulb plants, garden chemicals, and even wildlife can pose serious risks. Knowing what to watch for lets you enjoy spring safely with your dogs and cats.
Toxic Spring Plants
| Plant | Toxic Part | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Daffodils | All (especially bulbs) | Lycorine → vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures. Even vase water is toxic |
| Bluebells | All | Glycosides → stomach upset; large amounts → heart problems, difficulty breathing |
| Tulips | All (especially bulbs) | Mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting; severe: heart problems |
| Lilies | All (pollen too) | Fatal kidney failure in cats — even tiny amounts |
| Crocuses | All | GI upset; Autumn Crocus more toxic (colchicine) |
Adder Bites
The adder (Vipera berus) is the UK’s only venomous snake, most active February–October with bites peaking June–August.
- Signs: Rapid, painful swelling around two small puncture marks, lethargy, vomiting, bruising
- Action: Keep your pet as still as possible. Carry them if you can (movement spreads venom). Get to a vet immediately
- Most UK adder bites are survivable with prompt veterinary treatment
Slug Pellets & Garden Chemicals
- Metaldehyde (slug pellets): Banned in the UK since April 2022 — but older products may still be in sheds. If found, dispose of safely. Causes tremors, seizures, death within hours
- Ferric phosphate pellets: Safer alternative, but large quantities can still cause GI upset
- Fertilisers: NPK fertilisers cause gastric upset. Weed-and-feed/moss killers are more toxic. Blood and bone meal attracts dogs — store securely
- Cocoa mulch: Contains theobromine — same toxin as chocolate. Keep away from dogs
FAQs
My dog dug up and chewed a daffodil bulb — what should I do?
Contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509 000) immediately. Daffodil bulbs contain the highest concentration of lycorine and are the most dangerous part of the plant. Symptoms can include severe vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, tremors, and in serious cases, seizures. Treatment is more effective when started early.
Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Jenkins, MRCVS
Dr. Jenkins is a fully practicing veterinary surgeon in the UK with over 15 years of clinical experience in small animal medicine and canine behaviour. She reviews and verifies our health content to ensure medical accuracy.
