3 Common Plants to Keep Your Dog Away from This Spring

dog in spring nature. labrador retriever against blooming trees

The days are getting longer, the birds are starting to chirp, flowers are beginning to bloom—the start of spring has finally sprung! Spring is a great time of year for your dog, as they get to spend more time outside and explore the new sights, smells, and sounds of the season.

What you might not realize, however, is that some of those beautiful blossoming flowers decorating your household or lining a nearby landscape can be harmful to your curious pup. As you navigate the beauty of spring together, take note of these common seasonal plants that are toxic for your dog!

1) Tulips

All parts of this spring garden favorite (flower, leaf, and bulb) are poisonous for your pooch, but the bulbs are especially potent with toxins. If your dog is a digger, they may dig up planted tulip bulbs and suffer harmful side effects such as excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and even depression. Don’t take the risk and leave your flowerbeds free of these beauties.

2) Daffodils

Daffodils are often one of the first spring flowers to bloom, and another hazard to your dog’s health. The lycorine and other alkaloids found in daffodils are highly poisonous to our canine friends and present with short-term symptoms of severe vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. Long-term effects of daffodil poisoning can include abdominal pain, low blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, and breathing problems.

3) Sago Palms

While these plants grow naturally in more tropical environments, they’re often used as decorative houseplants and are one of the most toxic plants for dogs. The entire plant is noxious, but the toxins are concentrated in the seeds, making just one deadly for your pup. Only 50% of dogs who ingest this plant survive, even with medical treatment. If you notice any vomiting, seizures, or signs of liver failure, take your dog to the emergency vet immediately.

If you’re going to be taking your pup out on the hunting field, you’ll need to be sure they’ll listen when it matters so you can keep them safe. One of the top traits we breed our Pointing Labs for at Lankas Labs is trainability, making them the ideal hunting companion.

Give us a call at 785-626-9313 today to find the perfect dog to join you on all of your outdoor adventures!