Spring in the Pacific Northwest means more time outside for pets to sniff through gardens, roll in the grass, and join in on park adventures. But along with the warmer weather and longer days comes a seasonal uptick in vet visits, as curious dogs and cats come nose to nose with some surprisingly common hazards. Here's what to watch out for this time of year.

Toxic Plants

Many popular spring plants and flowers can be harmful – or even fatal – to pets if ingested. If you have dogs or cats at home, keep these plants out of reach.

Highly toxic plants include:

• Lilies (extremely toxic to cats)

• Sago palm

• Oleander

• Foxglove

• Yew

• Castor Bean

• Azalea & Rhododendron

• Hydrangea

• Tulips & Daffodils

• Lily of the Valley

• Poison Hemlock & Water Hemlock

• Pathos/Devil’s Ivy

• Philodendron

• Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)

• Aloe Vera

• Peace Lily

Lilies deserve special attention. Even a small exposure to pollen, plant material, or water from a vase can cause severe kidney failure in cats. Because symptoms may not appear immediately, any potential exposure should be treated as a medical emergency.

Other Common Spring Toxins

Spring yard work and seasonal cleaning can also expose pets to chemicals and substances that may be dangerous if ingested.

Common non-plant toxins seen in spring include:

• Fertilizers and lawn chemicals

• Herbicides and weed killers

• Pesticides and insecticides

• Slug and snail bait

• Rodenticides

• Compost or moldy organic material

• Mulch containing cocoa shells

• Standing water that may contain bacteria or toxins

Pets may walk through treated lawns, dig in freshly planted gardens, or investigate compost piles while exploring outdoors. Even products labeled as “pet-safe” can cause illness if ingested in large amounts. Supervising pets outside and storing yard chemicals securely can help reduce the risk of accidental exposure.

Spring gatherings may also introduce food-related hazards from certain human foods, too. Chocolate, alcohol, onions, garlic, foods containing xylitol, and certain table scraps can cause serious harm to pets.

Signs of Possible Toxin Exposure

Symptoms of toxin exposure can vary depending on the substance but may include:

• Vomiting

• Drooling

• Lethargy

• Tremors

• Difficulty walking

• Seizures

If you notice these or any other unusual symptoms and believe your pet may have ingested something toxic, seek veterinary care as soon as possible.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

(888) 426-4435

Consultation fees may apply.

With a little awareness and preparation, pet owners can help ensure a safe and healthy spring for their animals. If your pet experiences a medical emergency, prompt veterinary attention can make a significant difference in treatment and recovery.