Preparing Your Garden for Pets This Spring
- Mar 16
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 20
By Nicola Roberts, Registered Veterinary Nurse
As the days get longer and gardens begin to come back to life, many of us are heading outside to tidy flower beds, plant new blooms and enjoy the fresh air. It’s such a lovely time of year.
But while spring gardening is satisfying for us, it can introduce hidden risks for our pets. If your dog loves exploring the lawn or your cat enjoys sunbathing in the flower beds, now is the perfect time to make sure your garden is a safe space for them.
A few simple checks now can prevent much bigger problems later.
Contents
Toxic Spring Plants to Watch For
Some popular spring plants can be dangerous if chewed or ingested.
Common plants to be aware of include:
Daffodils are a lovely sign that spring has arrived, and there’s no need to remove them from your garden. However, it’s important to be aware that they can be toxic to pets, particularly the bulbs. If eaten, they may cause vomiting, diarrhoea and drooling, and in more severe cases, tremors or heart problems. Thankfully, serious reactions are very uncommon. If you notice your pet showing an interest in chewing or digging up daffodils, it’s best to gently discourage this behaviour. And if you’re ever concerned that your pet may have eaten any part of a daffodil and is showing symptoms, it’s always safest to contact your vet for advice.
Tulips and hyacinths are lovely spring flowers and safe to keep in your garden, but it’s important to be aware that they can be toxic to pets, particularly the bulbs. If eaten, they may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling and sometimes irritation around the mouth. More serious signs are uncommon but can occur if larger amounts are ingested. Dogs are especially at risk if they dig up bulbs, so it’s sensible to keep an eye on curious pets and gently discourage this behaviour. If you’re ever concerned your pet may have eaten any part of these plants or is showing symptoms, it’s always best to contact your vet for advice.
Lilies are a well-known and much-loved plant, but they pose a serious risk to cats. While not all plants called “lilies” are equally dangerous, many of the most common varieties are highly toxic. The true lilies (from the Lilium family) and day lilies (Hemerocallis), including Easter, Tiger, Asiatic and Oriental lilies, are extremely toxic, and even very small amounts, such as a nibble on a leaf or contact with pollen, or even drinking the water out of a vase, can cause sudden kidney failure requiring urgent veterinary treatment. Some plants with “lily” in their name, such as peace lilies, calla lilies and lily of the valley, do not cause kidney failure but can still lead to vomiting, drooling and irritation. Because it can be difficult to tell the difference, the safest approach is to avoid lilies altogether in homes and gardens where cats have access, and to contact your vet immediately if you are concerned about any possible exposure.
Foxglove is a beautiful, traditional garden plant, but it can be harmful to pets if eaten. It contains natural toxins that affect the heart, and even relatively small amounts can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, drooling, lethargy and changes in heart rate or rhythm. In more serious cases, this can become life-threatening. There’s no clearly safe amount, so any suspected ingestion should be taken seriously. There’s no need to remove foxglove from your garden, but it’s important to be aware of the risk and keep an eye on curious pets, particularly those who like to chew plants. If you’re ever concerned your pet may have eaten any part of foxglove and is showing symptoms, it’s always best to contact your vet for advice.
Rhododendrons and azaleas are popular garden shrubs that bring beautiful colour, but they can be harmful to pets if eaten. They contain toxins that can affect the gut, nervous system and heart, and ingestion may lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling and weakness. In more severe cases, pets can develop abnormal heart rhythms or even seizures. The severity can vary depending on the amount eaten and the size of your pet, but even small amounts can cause significant illness. There’s no need to remove these plants from your garden, but it’s important to be aware of the risk and keep an eye on pets who may be tempted to chew them. If you’re ever concerned your pet may have eaten any part of a rhododendron or azalea and is showing any symptoms, it’s always best to contact your vet for advice.
If you’re planting this season, it’s always worth checking whether a plant is pet-safe before adding it to your garden.
Slugs, Snails & Lungworm
Spring brings damp weather and with it, more slugs and snails.
For dogs, this increases the risk of lungworm, a serious parasite spread by slugs and snails. Even if your dog doesn’t eat a slug directly, lungworm larvae can be left behind in slime trails on grass, toys, water bowls and puddles. Dogs that eat grass are particularly at risk.
Symptoms of lungworm may include:
Coughing
Breathing difficulties
Lethargy
Vomiting
Bleeding problems
In severe cases, sudden collapse
Because lungworm can be life-threatening, prevention is far safer than treatment. Importantly, not all worming products cover lungworm, so it’s essential to use a vet-recommended product that includes this protection.
Lungworm and Surgery - An Important Note
One of the more serious risks of lungworm infection is abnormal bleeding, as the parasite can interfere with normal clotting.
Dogs not receiving routine lungworm prevention should consider having a lungworm blood test prior to any surgical procedure due to the increased risk of bleeding complications.
We recommend that any dog undergoing surgery receives lungworm treatment at least 30 days before their procedure, where possible, to reduce this risk.
If you’re unsure whether your dog is covered, please just ask, we’re always happy to check.
Be Careful with Slug Pellets
Traditional slug pellets containing metaldehyde are extremely toxic to pets and can cause severe tremors, seizures and even death if ingested. Even small amounts can be dangerous, so these products should always be avoided in pet households.
If you need to manage slugs in your garden, there are safer alternatives:
Choose pet-safe slug pellets that contain ferric phosphate instead of metaldehyde
Use physical barriers such as copper tape or copper rings around pots
Try crushed eggshells or grit to make surfaces uncomfortable for slugs
Water plants in the morning rather than evening to reduce damp conditions
Remove hiding spots like damp boards or plant debris
Consider wildlife-friendly methods such as encouraging natural predators like birds
Whatever method you choose, always store products securely and supervise pets outdoors, especially if your dog likes investigating (or tasting!) everything they find.
Fertilisers, Weedkillers & Chemicals
Many garden treatments can be harmful if licked off paws or ingested.
To reduce risk:
Keep pets indoors while applying chemicals
Follow product instructions carefully
Allow treated areas to dry fully before allowing pets back outside
Store products safely in locked sheds or cupboards
Even organic products can cause stomach upset, so supervision is always important.
Compost Bins & Mulch
Compost bins can attract curious dogs, but mouldy food waste can produce toxins that cause serious illness, including tremors and seizures.
Cocoa mulch is another common hazard, it smells appealing to dogs but contains theobromine, the same toxic compound found in chocolate.
Keeping compost secure and choosing pet-safe mulching options can help avoid emergencies.
Fencing & Garden Hazards
Spring is also a good time to check your garden for physical hazards:
Fencing for gaps or damage
Loose decking boards
Sharp tools left out after gardening
Open ponds or water features
A quick safety check now can prevent accidents later.
Consistent Prevention Matters
Many spring garden risks, particularly parasites like fleas, ticks and lungworm are much easier to prevent than treat.
For owners who prefer a simple way to stay on track, our Vital Pet Club includes routine parasite protection as part of a convenient monthly plan. It helps spread the cost while keeping your pet protected throughout every season.
If you’d like to learn more about what’s included, just have a chat with us, we’re always happy to help.
Final Thoughts
Spring is a wonderful time to enjoy your outdoor space and with a few simple precautions and the right prevention in place, your garden can remain a safe haven for every member of the family.
If you’re ever unsure whether something in your garden could pose a risk, please get in touch.
📞 Contact Roundwood Vets for advice on parasite prevention, lungworm protection, or general spring pet safety, we’re here to help keep your pets safe and happy all season long. 🌷🐾
We believe preventing disease is a far better way of helping your pet stay fit, comfortable, happy and healthy. So we’ve created the Vital Pets Club to make sure every pet owner has easy access to the best pet care at an affordable price.
Save money, and help your pet live a happy and healthy life with Vital Pets Club, by Roundwood Vets.
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