A Cumbrian vets practice is raising awareness of the dangers of some flowers for pets ahead of Mother’s Day this weekend.
Paragon Veterinary Group has teamed up with Carlisle florists to promote pet-friendly bouquets for Sunday.
It follows the success of a similar campaign for Valentine’s Day which highlighted the risks certain flowers pose to cats and dogs.
Daffodils, for example, are a popular choice for Mother’s Day and Easter but can cause illness in dogs, while lilies are toxic to cats.
Graham Lewis from Paragon said many people were unaware that very common flowers could be a risk to pets. The practice has produced stickers to go on pet-friendly bouquets to raise awareness and inform customers.
He said: “In terms of Mother’s Day daffodils are a risk, as well as lilies, as they can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and other problems in dogs.
“The bulbs are a particular risk as they have higher concentrations of the toxins than the rest of the plant.”
“The Valentine’s Day campaign went well,” said Stacey Osgood, a florist at Linda’s Flowers in Denton Holme, Carlisle. “We had a few enquiries from customers asking which flowers are harmful to pets, so we were able to tell them and it definitely raised awareness.
“Our dogs and cats are family members, so it is important people know what to buy. Just ask us, we’re here to help.”
Graham added: “Many people are not aware that lilies are toxic to cats and can be fatal.
“Some people think only the pollen is a problem, but the whole plant is poisonous to cats, including the water which the flowers have been standing in.
“My advice to cat owners is not to have lilies at home. If you have any suspicions that your cat has come in contact with lilies, call your vet straight away.”
Jade Williams from Morton is the owner of kittens Chester and Charlie who had to visit Paragon after touching lilies.
“I bought the lilies unaware that they were poisonous to cats,” said Jade. “The kittens got into the dining room and when I walked in, they were both on the table and covered in lily pollen. We just rang the vets straight away.”
The kittens were made to be sick, given fluids and blood tests and kept in the surgery for two days.
“Now they are absolutely fine,” says Jade. “I had no idea lilies were a problem until I did some research. People need to know about it.”
Paragon has surgeries at Dalston, Wetheral and Newbiggin near Penrith.
