Kathrine Frich
Dog owners may face new risks outside their back doors.
Some seasonal plants and common winter products can become dangerous if pets chew, lick or swallow them.
One pet nutritionist says a quick check of the garden can prevent a serious scare.
Rising winter worries
Pet owners are paying closer attention to outdoor safety during colder months, with search data showing more than 14,000 UK searches for “pet-safe plants” in November.
Laura Ward, a pet nutritionist at natural dog-food brand Green Pantry, said winter clean-ups can expose hazards that are easy to miss when the ground is covered.
“Many of the plants that make gardens look seasonal can be harmful to dogs if chewed or eaten,” she said.
Bulbs and berries
Ward warned that spring bulbs planted from autumn into winter can cause severe illness if dogs dig them up.
Daffodil bulbs and flowers contain lycorine and other alkaloids, which can trigger drooling, vomiting and digestive problems, and may be fatal if enough is eaten.
Crocus plants contain colchicine, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, fatigue and, in some cases, death if consumed.
Snowdrops contain an alkaloid known as galantamine, and eating large amounts may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures and other serious symptoms.
Other winter plants flagged as risky include holly, mistletoe and ivy, which can cause drooling, vomiting and stomach upset.
What else lurks
Some mushrooms and toadstools can be extremely poisonous for dogs, Ward said, urging owners to remove them from areas pets can access.
Conkers and acorns can become a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockages, and may also trigger vomiting, diarrhoea and rashes if eaten.
Rock salt and grit used to treat icy paths can irritate paws and may make dogs ill if licked.
Garden products risk
Compost and fertiliser can also be hazardous, particularly if mould or decaying matter is present.
Ward said compost may contain tremorgenic mycotoxins, which can make pets seriously unwell quickly and require urgent veterinary care.
Fertilisers can attract dogs and may cause vomiting, diarrhoea and paw irritation, she added, recommending that these products be stored securely.
Her overall message was to reduce access, supervise outdoor time and keep risky items out of reach.
Practical steps
Ward said pet owners should regularly clear their gardens of fallen acorns, leaves and berries, as well as mushrooms and toadstools that may grow during damp winter conditions.
“If your pets have a tendency to chew plants, avoid any toxic species of plants and trees in your garden,” she said, adding that some varieties of fungi can be “incredibly poisonous.”
She also advised limiting dogs’ access to flowerbeds to reduce contact with fertilisers, plant foods and weed killers. Antifreeze, salt and fertiliser should be sealed, stored off the ground and kept well out of reach, she said.
Ward noted that rock salt and grit can cling to paws and be ingested later, recommending that owners rinse dogs’ feet after walks in gritted areas.
“Walking your dog in winter is still key,” she said, but warned that being aware of hazards on the ground can help prevent accidents. She advised supervising dogs closely and discouraging them from picking up berries, mushrooms, sticks of unknown origin, conkers or acorns.
Taking a ball on walks or practising commands such as “leave it” and “drop it” can also help reduce risks, she added.
Sources: Green Pantry, Daily Express
