A BLACKBURN based company has issued a warning about plants and flowers which can make pets unwell.

Webbox Naturals, based on Whitebirk Industrial Estate, says that many of the UK's favourite flowers, like lilies, daffodils, and carnations can cause a range of symptoms in pets if eaten, from mild nausea to more serious cases of kidney failure.

This comes after a poll found 93 per cent of respondents told Squires Garden Centres that gardening had been a "life saving hobby" during lockdown.

Webbox Naturals pet expert Melanie Smith said: "If your pets are eating your plants, it could be a sign that they are looking for extra nutrition or fibre that they’re not getting in their regular diet, so make sure to evaluate what you’re feeding them.

"If there is a chance your pet has bitten or chewed a toxic plant, get them into a safe space away from the toxin and you will need to take them to a vet or call a poison helpline.

"Pets will usually start to show symptoms of poisoning within two hours, such as the animal drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting or showing other signs of oral pain."

The UK's favourite flowers and their risks:

  • Roses – Non toxic to cats and dogs
  • Lilies - Kidney failure in cats
  • Tulips - Non toxic to cats and dogs
  • Daffodils – Ingestion of the bulb can case vomiting, salvation, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias in cats and dogs
  • Sunflowers - Non toxic to cats and dogs
  • Orchids - Non toxic to cats and dogs
  • Carnations - Mild gastrointestinal signs and mid dermatitis
  • Bluebells – Diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal problems, and heart problems
  • Freesias - Non toxic to cats and dogs
  • Poppies – Poisonous to cats, causing symptoms such as dilated pupils, difficulty walking, lack of appetite, and coma

However, despite many of these plants proving toxic to pets, Webbox Naturals is still keen to encourage owners to continue gardening a long as it is made safe.

Floral designer Chloe Robinson said: "For those who want to create a beautiful garden that is safe for your pets, opt for traditional flowers like roses, tulips, sunflowers, and orchids.

"Or, if you want to go for something a bit more unusual, try flowers like snapdragons, camellias, and calendulas.

"These will help create a vibrant yet safe space for pets and parents to both enjoy, especially during the upcoming summer months.

"Make sure to vet all of your garden for dangers though, as some pesticides and slug pellets can also be harmful to pets, so look for non-toxic alternatives if you use these in your garden."

To find out more, go to: www.webbox.co.uk/naturals.