What plants are toxic to dogs in the UK? There are many poisonous trees or shrubs you may have unknowingly encountered whilst walking your dogs. Here is a list of poisonous plants for dogs you should watch out for.
1. Deadly Nightshade
Scientific name: Atropa belladonna
Where is deadly nightshade commonly found in the UK?
The first one on the list of toxic plants for dogs is the deadly nightshade. It grows abundantly in the southern part of the UK. It is commonly seen along paths and rundown places.
This poisonous plant for dogs can be found in central and eastern parts of England as well. However, it is rarely thriving in other parts of the UK.
What does deadly nightshade look like?
Deadly nightshade is known for its purple flowers. This plant has oval-shaped pointed green leaves and produces green berries that become black when ripe.
Why is deadly nightshade toxic to dogs?
Deadly nightshades are poisonous plants for dogs because they naturally produce solanine, saponin, and other alkaloids. These are harmful compounds to dogs that can damage their nervous system.
All parts of the deadly nightshade plant are toxic to dogs. However, the glossy blackberries contain more potent poison than the other portions of the plant.
What are the signs of deadly nightshade poisoning?
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive drooling
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Pupil dilation
- Slow heart rate
- Confusion
- Muscle twitching
2. English Holly
Scientific name: Ilex aquifolium
Where is English holly commonly found in the UK?
English holly is a native plant in the UK. It thrives in woodlands, hedgerows, and scrub throughout Britain. English holly particularly grows profusely in oak and beech woodlands.
What does English holly look like?
English holly plants, which are poisonous to dogs, appear like small shrubs or trees. They sport dark green leaves with sharp points on the edges.
In winter, the English holly’s small fragrant white flowers turn into bright berries. The colours of the berries can be orange, red, white, and yellow. However, red is the most common shade.
Why is English holly toxic to dogs?
English holly is poisonous to pets, including cats and dogs, since it contains various toxic substances such as saponins, methylxanthines, and cyanogens.
The spiky leaves of this poisonous plant for dogs are also dangerous. Consuming them can cause problems in the gastrointestinal tract and swelling of the mouth.
Aside from English holly, other varieties, such as the American and Japanese hollies, are considered poisonous plants for dogs too.
English holly is commonly used as Christmas ornaments in the UK. However, it should be avoided to prevent the dangers of canine plant poisoning.
What are the signs of English holly poisoning? Signs of holly poisoning include:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Depression
- Loss of appetite
- Head shaking
3. English Yew Tree
Scientific name: Taxus baccata
Where is the English yew tree commonly found in the UK?
Most English yew trees are scattered across southern England. They are sparsely seen in the northern part of the UK. However, Scotland does grow several of them.
English yew trees, which are poisonous to dogs, are used as hedging plants and are a common sight in churchyards, parks, and formal gardens.
What does the English yew tree look like?
English yew tree has a reddish brown bark and flat needle-shaped leaves. It has cones that don a similar appearance to red berries.
Why is the English yew tree toxic to dogs?
English yew trees are also known as Trees of Death because they are lethal to humans and animals. They contain harmful compounds called taxines, making them poisonous plants for dogs.
English yew trees are sometimes used as alternative Christmas trees to pines and firs. However, it is best to avoid turning this into a holiday décor in your home due to its toxic properties.
Other types of yew trees like the Japanese and Chinese varieties are also considered dangerous to dogs for the same reason.
What are the signs of English yew tree poisoning?
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Blood pressure and heart rate changes
- Breathing difficulties
- Pupil dilation
- Tremors
- Seizures
4. Foxglove
Scientific name: Digitalis purpurea
Where is foxglove commonly found in the UK?
Foxgloves are prevalent woodland plants across the UK. They mainly grow on roadside verges, heathland, and woodland edges.
Foxgloves are popular garden plants, just like the sago palm in warmer parts of the world, and is also poisonous to dogs. This is because they look aesthetically pleasing.
What does foxglove look like?
Foxglove is a tall and slender plant that produces clusters of tubular-shaped flowers.
The long bell-shaped blooms point downward and may come in a wide variety of colours, including lavender, pink, purple, red, and yellow. Because of the plant’s gorgeous flowers, they are also known as fairy bells or lady’s gloves.
Why is foxglove toxic to dogs?
Foxgloves are beautiful but deadly plants for dogs. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, they contain cardiac glycosides.
These toxins can negatively affect the electrolyte balance of the cardiac system, making foxgloves poisonous plants for dogs.
Pet parents should keep any part of the plant away from their pooches. Ingesting them can induce foxglove toxicity.
What are the signs of foxglove poisoning?
- Nausea
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Slow heart rate
- Stomach pain
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Cardiac failure
5. Horse Chestnut Trees
Scientific name: Aesculus hippocastanum
Where are horse chestnut trees commonly found in the UK?
Horse chestnut trees are not native to the UK, but they have long been naturalised. They are rarely found in woodland areas.
Horse chestnut trees are often seen lining the parks, village greens, and gardens all over Great Britain. Many of them can be found growing along roadsides and in hedges.
What do horse chestnut trees look like?
The most distinctive appearance of the horse chestnut tree is its elegant flowers. They unfold in a candelabra display of beautiful pink and white colours.
The horse chestnut tree also produces conkers. These are spiny-shelled fruits containing the seeds.
Why are horse chestnut trees toxic to dogs?
Horse chestnut trees are poisonous plants for dogs because they contain aesculin, which is a neurotoxic glycoside. If ingested in small amounts, mild health issues may occur such as an upset stomach.
Large doses of the toxin can badly affect your pooch’s central nervous system. All parts of the horse chestnut tree are considered poisonous to dogs, including the conkers.
Note that these hard shells may also cause other problems if swallowed. It can result in choking and life-threatening stomach blockage.
What are the signs of horse chestnut trees poisoning?
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Convulsion
- Wobbly gait
- Pupil dilation
- Coma
6. Monkshood
Scientific name: Aconitum napellus
Where is monkshood commonly found in the UK?
Monkshood, which is a poisonous plant for dogs, usually grows in damp places around the southern part of the UK. This wildflower can often be seen in moist mountain meadows, woodlands, and ditches.
What does monkshood look like?
The monkshood has palmed or hand-shaped leaves. These have toothed edges that may range in colour from light to dark green.
The plant’s blue to dark purple blossoms are hood-shaped, resembling the cowl on a monk’s habit, hence the name monkshood.
Why is monkshood toxic to dogs?
Monkshood plants are toxic to dogs since they produce aconitine and diterpene alkaloids. If your dog has eaten this wildflower, it can destroy his nerve and muscle cells.
Every part of the plant is poisonous, but its root is the most potent. Fortunately, monkshood gives off an unappealing taste to dogs; thus, they are less likely to eat it.
Pet parents are advised to always watch out for this poisonous plant whilst walking their pooches outdoors. Steer them away before they try to eat it.
What are the signs of monkshood poisoning?
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Tremors
- Weakness
- Seizures
7. Oleander
Scientific name: Nerium oleander
Where is oleander commonly found in the UK?
Oleander is grown without protection in southern England. This poisonous plant for dogs has become popular in the area and is frequently found in garden centres and retail outlets.
What does oleander look like?
Oleander is an evergreen shrub with narrow dark green leaves. The plant has funnel-shaped flowers that may come in various colours, including purple, pink, or white.
Why is oleander toxic to dogs?
Oleander is one of the most poisonous plants for dogs since all of its parts are high in cardiac glycosides. According to studies, the plant is extremely toxic when dry.
As little as 0.005% of an animal’s body weight in dry oleander leaves may be lethal. Most reported cases of oleander poisoning in animals are due to exposure to clippings or fallen and dried leaves.
Pet owners should be warned that oleanders are not only poisonous to dogs but to humans as well. Ingesting a single leaf can lead to serious life-threatening consequences in both children and adults, like kidney and liver failure.
What are the signs of oleander poisoning?
- Blood pressure changes
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Slow heart rate
- Tremors
Will dogs eat poisonous plants?
Yes, dogs are curious animals and may inspect poisonous plants by eating them. When out for a walk with your pooch, make sure to keep a close eye on him. Do not let him stray near unknown plants he might try to ingest.
What should you do in case canine plant poisoning occurs?
If you could not stop your dog from consuming a toxic plant, avoid panicking. It will not do anything to help your furry friend’s predicament.
Keep a clear head and take samples of the plant that he has eaten. Get different parts of it, including the roots, flowers, leaves, and stems. This will make identification of the plant easier for the vet.
Once you have collected what is needed, take your dog immediately to the vet clinic for a check-up. Avoid delays as it can cost your beloved pet’s life.
