Spring poisons

The spring brings colour to our gardens and parks with daffodils, crocus, tulips, grape hyacinths, snowdrops and hyacinths. Pets may chew or eat these flowers or dig up the bulbs. Usually they cause gastrointestinal upset but occasionally more significant signs occur and there is also risk of gastrointestinal obstruction if large lumps of bulb are swallowed. Some of these flowers may also be available in the home as pot plants or cut flowers including bouquets given on for Easter.

The spring clean may be hazardous for pets if cleaning products are left unattended or spills are not cleaned up promptly. Disinfectants and patio cleaners containing benzalkonium chloride, and similar chemicals, are a particular risk to cats which typically present hours after exposure with hypersalivation, oral ulceration and pyrexia.

Lawn treatments for fertilizing the grass, killing moss and weeds are commonly used from March onwards. These contain several different compounds typically nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (NPK) fertilizers, iron sulphate for killing moss and herbicides (typically phenoxyacetic acid derivatives such as 2,4-D or MCPA) for controlling weeds. These compounds are irritant and may cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation if a pet walks over a treated lawn. Ingestion may cause more significant signs. Glyphosate weed killers are also commonly available. This is a non-selective weed killer and not used on lawns but on paths and patios. It is irritant and can cause respiratory signs, particularly in cats.