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Pet owners are being urged to be careful with their dogs this Valentine's Day after vets have warned that certain flowers can be extremely dangerous to animals if ingested.
An estimated 250 million bouquets are sold around the world on February 14th every year, with most choosing roses or tulips to give to their loved ones.
However, despite its beautiful appearance,, Flowers can be very dangerous to dogs, said David Lester, an expert at emergency veterinary company Bets Now. Huffington Post.
The company told the news site that it had seen an alarming 60% increase in flower-related incidents in February last year.
Mr Lester warned that although lilies and tulips are the most popular flowers to give, they are also the most toxic to pets.
As millions of people celebrate Valentine's Day, we've rounded up the most popular flowers and whether or not they're toxic to your furry friend.
Flowers can be toxic to dogs and cats
((Alamy/PA))
lily
Lester explained that certain types of lilies, such as calla lilies, peace lilies, lilies of the valley and palm lilies, are extremely toxic to pets.
All these lilies are derived from the Hemerocallis species lily, he added.
“These plants contain highly toxic substances, and ingesting any part of the plant, even grooming pollen on fur or drinking water from a vase, can cause acute kidney failure. “Lilies are not a serious danger to dogs, but they are still poisonous,” he said. huffington post.
Close-up photo of St. Joseph lily (Lilium formosanum)
(Getty Images/iStockphoto)
tulip
Tulips belong to the lily family and are poisonous to both dogs and cats, Lester explained.
The bulb is the most poisonous part of the plant, but the entire flower can pose a danger to cats, so owners are advised to keep it away.
Close-up, a bouquet of pink tulips made of craft paper in a woman's hands.
(Getty Images)
narcissus
The iconic spring flower can pose a danger to animals and is severely poisonous.
Experts say the yellow flowers contain toxic alkaloids that cause vomiting.
Crystals in the bulb can cause more serious conditions such as arrhythmia and respiratory depression. Symptoms can take anywhere from 15 minutes to a day to develop, Lester said.
A woman walks past blooming daffodils in Liverpool's Greenbank Park on a bright winter morning. Date taken: Thursday, February 1, 2024, PA Photo. Photo credit: Peter Byrne/PA Wire
(Pennsylvania)
chrysanthemum and daisy
Although chrysanthemums and daisies are less toxic than other flowers, chrysanthemums contain pyrethrins, a mixture of six chemicals that are particularly toxic to cats.
If ingested by cats, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite, so owners should seek veterinary advice.
This October 2022 image provided by Jessica Damiano shows perennial chrysanthemums planted directly in a garden bed on Long Island, New York.
(Jessica Damiano)
hyacinth
Lester added that hyacinth bulbs contain high concentrations of toxins that are harmful to dogs and cats.
Ingestion of hyacinth bulbs can cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.
((Alamy/PA))
Which flowers are safe for dogs?
The safest flowers are roses, lavender, sunflowers and orchids, but Mr Lester urged pet owners to be careful during festive periods when flowers are most likely to be displayed in the home.
