Pet owners should 'green audit' gardens - Insurance for dogs

Posted : 29-05-2008

Leading veterinary charity PDSA has warned dog owners about the risks to their pets that could be present in the garden.

The charity is calling on animal lovers to carry out a 'green audit' of their garden, to avoid unnecessary visits to vet and pet insurance claims.

One of the biggest dangers to pets, according to the PDSA, is garden treatments containing cocoa shell mulches, as they contain high levels of theobromine – a chemical which is harmful to animals.

Plants commonly found in UK gardens can also be toxic to cats and dogs, with charity drawing attention to cherry laurel, castor oil bush, daffodils, lilies philodendron and laburnum as flora that should not be mixed with pets.

Sean Wensley, PDSA senior veterinary surgeon, commented: "As summer approaches and people and their pets take to the garden, it's time for increased vigilance to ensure the safety of pets."

Mr Wensley also advised pet owners to seek advice before introducing a new plant to their garden and also recommended research into the flowers found on walks that they commonly take.

PDSA was founded in 1917 and helps provide veterinary care to the animals of people in need.

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