Spring walks: beware of these French plants that are toxic for dogs - and watch out for animal threats

Spring is a wonderful time for dog owners, as the sometimes dreary and cold walks of winter start to get replaced with warm and sunny conditions. 

In addition, the arrival of spring sees nature bloom, bringing colour and vibrancy along walking routes, and making walks more enjoyable. 

Dog owners should be aware of rules on walking their pets, however they should also be cautious when out on their walks of toxic plants, particularly if their dog is an explorer that likes to dig their snout in all the areas they can find. 

Several common flowers toxic

“Animals can be poisoned by ingesting, coming into contact with or inhaling plants,” said vet Mélody Boche to French media outlet RMC Conso. 

“The most common symptoms are hypersalivation, vomiting and diarrhoea, and even neurological symptoms such as convulsions or problems with leg coordination and mobility,” 

If your animal does ingest a plant or begins presenting any of these symptoms, you should immediately call a vet (a local one if possible in case the matter is urgent) or the French animal poison control centre on 0 (+33) 2 40 68 77 40.

“You also need to remain calm and try to remember and identify the plant your pet ingested. It will be easier and more useful for the vet to set up a treatment,” the vet adds.

A list of common plants in France poisonous to pets are: 

• Laurier-rose (oleander)

• Muguet (lily of the valley)

• Rhododendron/Azalée (Rhododendron/Azalea)

• Tulipes/Jonquilles (tulips and daffodils)

• Iris (iris)

• Morelle noire (black nightshade)

• Prunus (prunus) 

When it comes to poisoning from flowers however, just as much caution should be taken when inside. 

“Flower poisoning outdoors is not the most common form of poisoning. But indoors, there's a greater risk because the animal is bored, so it tries to play or chew on anything it finds… even water from a vase containing plants and dried flowers are toxic for your pets,” the vet said. 

This is particularly the case in spring, when flowers such as muguets are popular. 

Animal threat

It is not only flowers you should be cautious of when taking your animal outside for a walk. 

Certain small critters can be toxic if ingested by your pet, particularly the dangerous processionary caterpillar. 

Read more: People with gardens urged to spot and report this common but dangerous pest via French ministry site

“Cases of ingestion are extremely frequent, almost every week at this time of year. With the stinging hairs [found on processionary caterpillars], your pet can suffer facial pain, swelling, oedema or ulcers on the tongue, and this can lead to total loss of the tongue,” said the vet. 

Again, the best advice in this situation is to call a vet. 

The best advice to reduce the threat of poisoning is to keep your dog on a lead – even in an area where they can roam free – and keep a close eye on what they sniff. 

Pet owners should also be wary of the threat of ticks, and regularly check their pets after walks. 

Using tick repellant is advised, however make sure to buy the specific kind for your species – the repellants used for dogs are highly toxic to cats. 

Finally, although it may sound far-fetched, there is a risk of a snake attacking your pet in France.

Venomous snakes are found in some parts of France, and can attack animals as well as humans, causing pain and swelling and potentially serious kidney problems. 

If walking in a rural, wooded area, bring a stick with you and tap it on the ground to ward off snakes, and again watch your dog carefully to see it does not go sniffing out a snake.