“April showers bring May flowers” heralds the arrival of beautifully colored florets that many of us have been looking forward to all winter.  At the same time however many of these gorgeous blossoms are dangerous to pets.

It’s wise for green-thumbed pet guardians to familiarize themselves with the varieties of toxic spring plants that are highly toxic to cats and dogs.

The bulbs, flowers and leaves of daffodils contain an alkaloid called lycorine.  This alkaloid can trigger gastric symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.  More serious reactions to lycorine can range from heart problems and upper respiratory distress, and also must be treated immediately.

The Lily of The Valley is toxic to both cats and dogs, with a toxic level of moderate to severe.  If a cat or dog has been exposed to this plant contact the Pet Poison Helpline at 1800 213-6680.