🌿🐾 Dog owners, beware! 🌿🐾
Brightening up your home with plants this winter? While they can add beauty and boost your mood, some popular houseplants might be hazardous for your furry friends. Without even realising, your pup could lick sap, chew on a fallen leaf, or dig in toxin-laden soil!
According to Alyssa Ralph, a Clinical Animal Behaviourist & Canine Nutritionist, common plants like lilies, aloe vera, ivy, peace lilies, and snake plants can cause anything from mild irritation to serious poisoning in dogs. Even plant pollen on your dog’s fur can be licked off during grooming, leading to unexpected health issues.
Winter brings added risks as dogs spend more time indoors and plants often find new spots for better lighting. Combined with the dry air from central heating causing leaves to drop, it’s a recipe for potential misadventures by curious pups or restless indoor explorers.
Signs of plant poisoning can easily be mistaken for a simple stomach upset, with symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, pawing at the mouth, and lethargy.
How to keep your pooch safe? Position toxic plants well out of reach, scoop up fallen leaves right away, and maybe reconsider having ground-level greenery if your dog’s a curious type!
The key here is awareness. Houseplants are becoming more common, but pet-proofing tips are lagging behind. Spread the word and keep those tails wagging safely! 🌿💚🐶
Stay informed, stay safe, and enjoy a cosy, plant-friendly home this season!