Planting the wrong things puts dogs and cats in danger.
These popular plants can put your pets in danger(Image: Liudmila Chernetska via Getty Images)
If you’re fortunate enough to have a garden, you’ll know how delightful it can be to sit outdoors and soak up the spring sunshine. For pet owners, it’s natural to want your dog or cat to enjoy the garden equally, which is why ensuring it’s a secure environment for them is essential.
One frequent error people make is failing to plant appropriate species, inadvertently placing their animals at risk. Nearly everyone understands that lilies are toxic to animals, but there are numerous other popular spring plants that can prove hazardous for them as well.
Fortunately, there are equally beautiful alternatives you can cultivate that will provide you with a stunning flowering garden to enjoy safely alongside your pets.
Dr Emily Attlee, conservation scientist and co-founder of Seedball, has revealed her top plant recommendations for creating a garden that supports wildlife while keeping pets protected.
Keep your pets safe this spring(Image: Getty)
Daffodils
The first swap she advises all animal lovers to make is to abandon the daffodils, reports the Express.
She explained: “Daffodils are toxic to both cats and dogs if eaten. They contain lycorine, which can cause digestive upset, and other parts of the plant may irritate the mouth, throat, and skin.
“The bulbs are particularly dangerous, so if your pet tends to nibble on plants or dig up the flower garden, it’s best to avoid daffodils altogether in gardens where pets are prone to digging or chewing.”
Instead, you can plant cowslip. These stunning yellow blooms are a familiar sight across the English countryside. The flowers emit a sweet apricot fragrance, and they won’t cause any harm to your cherished pets.
Cowslips and cornflowers are both safe for pets(Image: Getty)
Foxgloves
These trumpet-shaped flowers are lovely but they are extremely poisonous to animals and even humans. This is because they contain cardiac glycosides – which can prove fatal if consumed as it disrupts the heart muscle.
Instead, plant red campion. This attractive perennial flower blooms from late-spring to late summer and produces striking red flowers – plus it’s non-toxic.
Oxeye daisies
While these delightful, fast-growing wildflowers are excellent for pollinators they can trigger stomach problems in animals, so are best avoided in a pet-friendly garden.
Instead, you can plant cornflowers – they’re equally beautiful with their bright vibrant blue blooms and are excellent pollinators too. They pose no threat to pets, and will make your garden look stunning.
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