Beware: Toxic Plants Blooming This Spring & Summer in the UK – Protect Your Pets & Livestock

As spring breathes life back into the UK countryside, gardens, and meadows, it also brings a hidden danger for pet owners and farmers —toxic plants. While beautiful to look at, many common plants that flourish in the warmer months are actually poisonous to animals, including cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, lizards, tortoises, poultry, horses, and other farm animals.

Let’s take a closer look at which plants you should watch out for, how they can affect your animals, and tips to keep your furry (and feathered or scaly) friends safe.

1. Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens)

These cheerful yellow flowers are a common sight in gardens, fields, and verges across the UK—but don’t be fooled by their harmless appearance. Creeping buttercups are toxic to many animals, and that includes cats and dogs.

Danger to: Horses, cattle, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs, cats, and other grazing animals.

Toxic Compound: Protoanemonin, released when the plant is chewed or crushed.

Symptoms in cats and dogs: Drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, oral irritation, pawing at the mouth, lethargy, and in severe cases, tremors or convulsions.

Note for Pet owners: Dogs that like to graze or dig in gardens can accidentally ingest fresh buttercup leaves. Cats may be exposed while roaming or grooming after contact.

2. Daffodils (Narcissus spp.)

These springtime favourites are popular in UK gardens, but all parts of the plant—especially the bulbs—are toxic to pets and livestock.

Danger to: Cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, horses, and poultry.

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Tip: Avoid letting pets dig around daffodil beds and make sure bulbs are stored securely.

3. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Foxgloves are striking, tall, and elegant—but they contain digitalis, a chemical that affects the heart.

Danger to: All animals, including cats, dogs, livestock, and even poultry.

Symptoms: Drooling, nausea, irregular heartbeat, tremors, seizures, and sudden death.

Important: Even dried leaves remain toxic, so clear clippings from grazing areas.

4. Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna)

This sinister-sounding plant lives up to its name. Its shiny black berries can attract curious pets or farm animals—but they’re extremely toxic.

Danger to: Dogs, cats, poultry, horses, and many others.

Symptoms: Dilated pupils, confusion, rapid heartbeat, loss of coordination, and coma.

5. Yew (Taxus baccata)

A common hedging plant in the UK, yew is one of the most poisonous plants to animals.

Danger to: Horses, cattle, sheep, goats, dogs, and even wildlife.

Symptoms: Trembling, difficulty breathing, collapse, and sudden death (especially in horses).

6. Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)

Don’t let the delicate white bells fool you—this plant contains cardiac glycosides, which affect the heart.

Danger to: Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and farm animals.

Symptoms: Vomiting, decreased heart rate, cardiac arrhythmias, and seizures.

7. Lords-and-Ladies (Arum maculatum)

Also known as Cuckoo-pint, this woodland plant has toxic berries and leaves.

Danger to: Cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, and livestock.

Symptoms: Intense mouth irritation, swelling, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Tips for protecting your animals

Inspect pastures & gardens regularly: Remove harmful plants before they flower or fruit.

Fence off dangerous areas: Especially if you grow daffodils, foxgloves, or yew.

Supervise pets outside: Don’t let them chew or dig near unfamiliar greenery.

Educate others: Make sure farm staff, family members, or pet sitters know which plants to avoid.

As the weather warms up and greenery returns, don’t let your guard down. Spring and summer are peak seasons for plant toxicity, and many cases of poisoning happen simply because owners weren’t aware of the risks. A little vigilance can go a long way in ensuring a safe season for your beloved animals.

If you suspect your pet or livestock has ingested a toxic plant, contact a vet immediately—time is crucial in poisoning cases.

Stay safe, enjoy the sunshine, and happy (careful) gardening!