One of the more necessary tasks for dog owners is walking your pet several times a day — especially during the spring and summer when the weather is most welcoming.  But they are also the seasons when flowers bloom and some of them can be dangerous to your pet.  According to Robert Fitzpatrick, DVM, among the toxic plants to avoid are daffodils, lilies, azaleas and begonias.

The vet, whose practice includes clients throughout southern New Jersey, says that walks in rural areas in Cape May County can bring pets into  contact with a variety of flowers and its up to the owner to know which ones to avoid. As he says:

Daffodils — "A taste of this spring flower and your pet will need an emergency visit to our office." 

Lilies — "All varieties are toxic, but be especially wary of peace lilies, amaryllis and calla lilies."

Azaleas — "Both the leaves and the flowers of this plant are dangerous to your pet."

Begonias — "All species of this plant are toxic to your pet."

If you think your pet may have had contact with a poisonous plant, you can call the Poison Helpline at (888) 426-4435 or Dr. Fitzpatrick at (609) 465-1368.

Beau Weisman, Editor