Vet issues urgent warning to pet owners about common flowers ahead of Valentine's Day

As Valentine's Day approaches, thousands across the UK are set to partake in the timeless exchange of gifting chocolates or flowers to loved ones. However, certain bouquets could spell trouble for your furry friends as they can be highly toxic, according to a leading vet. Sean McCormack, from Tails.com, has warned pet owners to avoid purchasing five species of pretty petals while celebrating the romantic occasion on February 14.

Dogs and cats, both known for their curious nature, are often eager to investigate anything new brought into the home - including bouquets of flowers and plants. McCormack explained that many common flowers, while beautiful, contain harmful toxins, and when accidentally ingested can cause serious discomfort or even life-threatening conditions for pets. And if you're set on gifting your partner a bouquet this Valentine's Day, he has also revealed some more pet-friendly alternatives, without compromising on looks.

Here are five flowers and plants McCormack recommended pet owners should avoid. As Valentine's Day approaches, certain bouquets can spell trouble for your furry friends as they can be highly toxic, according to a leading vet (stock image). Widely available in supermarkets, carnations are often picked up for loved ones as a last-minute gift on Valentine's Day. The pretty flowers are available all year round in a wide variety of colours.

Today, they are often given around the world on Mother's Day, but they're a popular choice for Valentines too. But according to McCormack, these flowers can be mildly toxic to dogs, causing vomiting and diarrhoea if ingested, reports the Express. While the exact irritants remain unidentified, the vet has advised pet owners to steer clear of the cheap and cheerful choice this February 14. Lilies are seen as a symbol of devotion and beauty, making them a popular Valentine's Day choice.

However, these flowers are particularly dangerous to both cats and dogs, as ingestion can lead to severe health issues like vomiting, diarrhoea, kidney failure, seizures, and even death. Certain lily species contain insoluble oxalate crystals, which can irritate the digestive system. McCormack stressed that lilies should be strictly avoided in homes with pets. Roses are undoubtedly the most popular bouquet of choice on Valentine's Day, but they can still pose a risk to pets (stock image).

Roses are undoubtedly the most popular bouquet of choice on Valentine's Day, but they can still pose a risk to pets. While not toxic, the thorns can cause physical harm a dog's throat, gums, mouth and digestive tract if swallowed, resulting in cuts, internal blockages, or infections - especially in dogs with sensitive stomachs. If your dog ingests a rose, particularly one with thorns, McCormack recommended consulting in a vet to avoid complications.

While daffodils add a cheerful touch to any bouquet, they can be highly toxic to dogs, especially the bulbs. According to McCormack, daffodils contain lycorine and other harmful compounds, which can cause severe symptoms like abdominal pain, low blood pressure, arrhythmias, and diarrhoea if ingested. If ingested in large quantities, these compounds can lead to severe cardiac symptoms in dogs. Tulips are another popular flower for Valentine’s Day, but they can be harmful to dogs.

The bulbs of tulips contain toxic compounds known as tulipalin A and B, which can irritate a dog's stomach lining. Symptoms of ingestion include drooling, tremors, breathing difficulties, and vomiting, with dog owners advised to seek immediate assistance from a vet if they spot these symptoms. For pet owners who want to give a beautiful bouquet without the risk, McCormack suggested several safer alternatives, including:.

The veterinarian's tips comes as another vet shared his 'brutally honest' advice for those considering which breed of dog to adopt. Taking to TikTok, South African vet Amir Anwary, advised potential pet owners to think twice about which dog they choose to become the next member of their family - urging them to be wary of some popular breeds. According to the pet expert, several popular dog breeds - including Labradors and dachshund - can be prone to health conditions that can make them costly to keep.