Farewell to cosying up under a blanket – spring has sprung and it’s time to get out into the garden!

With balmy temperatures and plants bursting into bloom, it’s the perfect opportunity for you and your pets to spend more time outside.

But before you pull on your gardening gloves and start digging, here are some common garden hazards to be aware of, so you can keep your cat or dog safe and ensure a sensational spring for everyone.

Toxic plants and flowers

Whether they’re growing in the garden or displayed inside, it’s important to remember that some of the plants humans love can pose a serious risk to our curious canine and feline friends.

We’ve all seen cats and dogs eating grass, but it’s also common for pets to have an exploratory chew on whatever else is growing in the garden. Some key culprits to avoid include:

• Lilies: Extremely toxic to cats. Even small amounts of the plant, pollen or vase water can cause acute kidney failure.

• Cycads: All parts are toxic, but the seeds are especially dangerous. Ingestion can cause vomiting, neurological symptoms and severe liver damage.

• Yesterday-today-and-tomorrow: Can affect the nervous system, causing vomiting, tremors, seizures and loss of coordination.

• Oleander: Contains toxins that interfere with the heart and can be fatal.

• Azaleas: Can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness and abnormal heart rhythms.

• Tulips and daffodils: The bulbs contain the highest concentration of toxins. Pets that dig them up may experience severe gastrointestinal irritation and, in some cases, heart or breathing problems.

This isn’t a complete list, so make it a rule to check a reputable source or ask your vet before adding a new plant to your garden.

Fertilisers, pesticides and garden baits

Fertilisers, weed killers and pesticides can all help keep your garden looking its best, but some products contain ingredients that may irritate your pet’s mouth, eyes, skin or tummy.

Pets can be exposed by nibbling the product itself, walking across a freshly treated area and licking their paws, or drinking from a contaminated puddle.

It’s especially important to be careful with snail and slug bait. Some varieties contain metaldehyde, which is highly toxic to cats and dogs. Even a small amount can cause drooling, vomiting, restlessness, tremors and seizures – and symptoms can develop quickly.

Iron-based baits may be promoted as a safer option, but they can still cause poisoning if enough is eaten. In other words, “pet-friendly” doesn’t necessarily mean completely harmless.

Rodent bait can also be extremely dangerous. Because different products affect pets in different ways, contact us immediately if you suspect your furry friend has eaten any – and bring the packaging with you if possible.

The safest approach is to follow the directions on the label, store all garden products out of reach and keep pets away from treated areas for the recommended period. If your pet seems unwell after possible exposure, please contact us for advice.

Snakes, cane toads and ticks

As the weather warms up, we’re not the only ones coming out of hibernation – you’re also likely to see more critters in and around your garden.

Snake bites and paralysis ticks can both be life-threatening, so keep grass trimmed, clear away garden clutter and check your pet regularly for ticks – even if they’re receiving tick prevention. If your pet suddenly becomes weak, wobbly or unusually quiet, or has difficulty breathing, contact us immediately.

Cane toads are another warm-weather hazard, particularly for curious dogs that may lick or mouth them. Their toxin acts quickly and can cause profuse drooling or frothing, bright red gums, vomiting, disorientation, tremors and seizures.

If you suspect your pet has encountered a cane toad, use a damp cloth to carefully wipe their gums and tongue outwards, rinsing the cloth between wipes, then contact us immediately for further advice.

Physical and heat hazards

A seasonal garden tidy-up can introduce several physical hazards for curious pets. Secateurs, sharp branches, garden stakes, loose wire and netting can cause cuts, puncture wounds or entanglement, while string and plant ties may cause choking or an intestinal blockage if swallowed.

Pack tools and materials away as soon as you’ve finished, cover freshly dug holes and check that gates and fences remain secure.

It’s also important to prepare for warmer days – especially here in South East Queensland. Make sure your pet always has access to fresh water and shade, and avoid intense outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.

Paving, concrete and artificial grass can become hot enough to burn sensitive paw pads, so test surfaces with the back of your hand before allowing your pet to walk on them.

Once these hazards have been taken care of, it’s time to step outside, soak up the sunshine and enjoy some spring quality time with your furry friend.

Want to know more? Read “Our 5 Favourite Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Brisbane” and “Caring for Dogs with Seasonal Allergies.”