Many of the plants and trees poisonous to dogs can be found in the back gardens of most homeowners, and therefore researching which vegetation to avoid can help prevent health problems for your canines.
The toxic nature of particular parts of plants, including the seeds and leaves, can often cause vomiting from the animals and in some cases may be responsible for more severe health problems.
From perennial flowers to shrubs and vines, there are a whole host of plants that can be poisonous to dogs.
Foxglove is a commonly known flower for dog owners to avoid, as it contains cardenolide steroids which can severely affect the heart of most canines. Likewise, perennials such as monkshood or wolfsbane can cause burning sensations leading to vomiting.
Vines also have the potential to be invasive plants, with certain types of sap resulting in serious irritation. Both English and Boston Ivy can lead to sore mouths and tongues for dogs, as well as diarrhoea and abdominal pain caused by the sap.
Begonias and lantana flowers, often used in hanging baskets due to their vibrancy, are to be avoided by dog owners due to their poisonous nature. Hanging them at a height inaccessible to your pooch is suggested, ensuring that it cannot consume toxic properties such as triterpenoid.
Other decorative plants such as daffodils can pose a threat to the health of dogs, and similar bulb plants like tulips and lilies hold toxins too. Preventing your pet from digging up the bulb plants is key, as severe poisoning can come as a result of them digesting a large amount of hyacinth.
Weeds and wild plants are however more difficult to control and can be seen as equally dangerous as other toxic vegetation. Yellow dock, a common perennial in the summer months, can cause cramping and vomiting if over-consumed - yet the wild flower has some therapeutic use to cure nettle stings.
Although they may seem harmless, particular shrubs and trees must be avoided too. This might not be easy, as many gardens are filled with foliage, but it is important to know what to look out for and how you can prevent your pooch from taking a bite.
Hydrangeas flourish in gardens across the country, but as they contain prussic acids and cyanide, it's best to keep them out of the reach of your pup. Apple seeds also include the toxin cyanide, and the leaves of the fruit trees can be dangerous too.
However, not only fruit trees pose a threat. Oak trees are widely renowned for their poisonous leaves and acorns, and although they are hard to avoid whilst walking with your dog, monitoring where he or she are sniffing is essential in aiding their health.
Most toxic plant types can be avoided through preventative measures, especially in gardens using fencing or simply by removing the poisonous florae. But for weeds, wildflowers and shrubberies found outside of the home, this is not so easy.
If you become suspicious that your dog has consumed something poisonous, contact your local veterinarian as soon as possible to seek help.