AS SUMMER approaches Dogs Trust Merseyside is urging dog owners to watch out for hidden dangers lurking in the flower beds.

Many gardening enthusiasts may be gearing up for the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park but they may not be aware that their prized plants can be harmful to their four-legged friends.

Plants our canine companions should avoid include azaleas, foxgloves, lily of the valley, mistletoe, rhododendrons and buttercups as well as daffodils, which can be fatal within hours if dogs eat them especially the bulbs.

However toxic plants aren’t the only danger, the war on slugs and snails can put pets at risk by leaving slug pellets containing toxic metaldehyde where dogs can reach them.

Dogs Trust Merseyside rehoming centre manager Georgina Lowery said: “We all know dogs love getting involved in all aspects of family life, especially gardening, but they often eat things they shouldn’t, so it is important for owners to be aware that some of the UK’s most popular plants are in fact harmful to dogs.

"A secure safe garden is a great place to play with your dog and do training with them, so the more interesting a garden can be, the better.

“Dogs learn quickest when there are few distractions so your garden is a great place to teach them new things and, for example, practice recall.

"If, however, any dog owner thinks their pet has eaten something potentially toxic they should seek advice from their vet as soon as they can and take a sample of the plant with them to the vets if possible.”

Top tips are being issued for a dog-friendly garden:

  • Choose non-toxic plants in your garden. 
  • Be careful when using chemicals such as pesticides, fertilisers and slug pellets
  • If you are worried your dog may have eaten something harmful, seek veterinary advice straight away
  • Make your garden as fun as possible for your dog: Create a quiet retreat or spot where your pooch can shelter and use at their leisure.
  • A variety of textures in your garden can provide extra sensory stimulation – this could be non-toxic sand, grass, wood chippings or gravel, all of which provide interesting places to hide dog toys and treats and for your dog to explore.
  • If your dog loves to dig to uncover things, create a fun area for your dog to show off their digging prowess and praise them for using this spot.
  • Features that offer different heights can give dogs vantage points to enjoy –railways sleepers, steps and small benches.
  • Shallow water features make for another playful environment whilst also providing a cooling off spot on hot summer days.

For more information visit www.dogstrust.org.uk