As the weather finally warms up, you may be spending more time with your dog in the garden - so you'll want to make sure that your outside space is actually safe for your furry friend.
There are things that you may never have considered that may be concerning for your dog, and there are several popular garden plants and substances you should always protect your pet from.
You want to be able to let your dog run around and explore as much as they want to, so your garden needs to be as dog friendly as possible, and Vets Now recommend some things you should avoid to make that possible.
To keep your dog safe in the garden, you should avoid a compost heap that they can access, as they're usually full of mouldy food and waste.
Mycotoxicosis, which is poisoning by-products contaminated by fungi, can be fatal, so it's best to keep your dog well away.
Similarly, food waste bins should not be kept where dogs can reach them, as the mouldy food will spell the same fate for your dog.
And if you want to get rid of garden pests, it's best to do it in a natural way, as insecticides and pesticides contain dangerous chemicals such as metaldehyde or disulfoton. It's best to read the packaging and double checking before making any decisions.
Lawn feed and moss killer also pose a similar risk and can cause skin problems, or gastrointestinal issues.
Mushrooms and toadstools should also be avoided as "while some mushrooms are edible, others are highly toxic", according to Vets Now, and it's hard to tell which are bad for your dogs.
Symptoms of eating funghi include sickness, hallucinations, and even kidney or liver failure, which is devastating.
Toads may look harmless, but they can be potentially fatal for your dog. Dogs will want to play with animals that move, assuming that all things are friends, but "toads produce a venom through their skin when they’re under attack and toad venom poisoning can be fatal if left untreated."
And the symptoms are horrible, including foaming at the mouth, vomiting, and signs of general distress such as pawing at themselves.
Metaldehyde-based slug and snail pellets are one of the most common types of poisoning that vets see, and signs of the poisoning can occur as quickly as an hour after ingestion.
Whilst it may be tempting to plant certain bulbs in your garden such as daffodil, lily, and spring crocus' - but they're all super toxic to your dog and can cause vomiting, upset stomachs, and heart and kidney problems, so it's best to avoid if you want your dog to be roaming around.
And did you know that the stones and pits of plums, cherries, apricots, and peaches contain cyanide? So there's no need to explain why they would be so dangerous for dogs.
The stems and leaves can also be toxic, and large stones can obstruct airways if swallowed whole.
If you suspect your dog has come into contact with any of these things, Vets Now recommend you call your vet immediately, or if it's out of hours, take your dog to your nearest emergency clinic.
Did you know all these facts? Let us know in the comments.
