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Garden Plants That Are Deadly For Pets

Begonias, clematis, dahlias and geraniums and dozens of other common flowers and shrubs can be poisonous

Warning: Charlie Dimmock
Warning: Charlie Dimmock

Some of Britain’s favourite garden plants are potentially poisonous when eaten by cats and dogs, TV presenter Charlie Dimmock has warned.

Begonias, clematis, dahlias and geraniums and dozens of other common flowers and shrubs can be poisonous for pets.

Gardener Charlie Dimmock, the face of the Poisonous Pawtanical Garden in South London designed by Chelsea flower show gold medal winnder Ian Drummond, has revealed 34 poisonous plants found in gardens and parks around Britain which could be harmful to pets.

Pets are banned from the Pawtanical Garden at the Horniman Museum which opens today to highlight the toxic threat in our own backyard.

Don't let your pet make a dog's dinner out of the garden
Don't let your pet make a dog's dinner out of the garden

Beautiful plants in the poisonous garden include Buxus, Chrysanthemum, Cordyline, Daisy, Dahlia, Elderberry, Digitalis Foxglove, Grape plant, Hydrangea, Hedera Ivy, Lillies (variety), Prunus Rotundifolia Laurel, Marigold, Nerium Oleander, Paeonia mix, Papaver Poppy, Tomato plant and Wisteria.

Poisonous plants can cause pets problems from drooling and tummy aches to more serious damage to the nervous system, kidneys and liver.

“At this time of year, everyone is going to their garden centre to buy bedding plants,” said Miss Dimmock.

“Pet owners should avoid geraniums, marigolds and dahlias and go for sunflowers, fuchsia, gerberas, African daisies and busy Lizzies instead.

“We don’t want people to go round ripping up all the plants in their gardens. What we are saying it to be aware and if your puppy is chomping at a particular plant, you know to stop him and then keep an eye on him.

“Then, when are going to the garden centre for new plants or if you are redesigning your garden, how about going for something different, if you have dogs and cats.”

A poll of 2,000 pet owners for insurance firm More Than shows that one in 12 pets has eaten poisonous plants or flowers causing them to become ill enough to need veterinary care and 15 per cent of them died.

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