Lords & Labradors Information Hub

The home of handy tips and advice dedicated to pet owners

Designed For The Road - Car Boot Mats
10.04.18 April 10, 2018 Product Spotlight Featured

Designed For The Road - Car Boot Mats

Traveling with your dog is a major consideration for all dog owners. Whether you own the tiniest of Chihuahuas or the mightiest Great Dane, as much care for your pup’s safety and comfort should be taken. From a quick trip into town to a long adventure on holiday, choosing the right pet accessories to travel with is imperative. With Spring finally making an appearance, we’re all thinking about an outdoor adventure or two, so we thought we’d talk a little about Car Boot Dog Mats. A great way to protect your car from muddy paws and soggy fur we have a variety of designs with something to suit everyone…   Water Resistant Dog Crate Mat The Rosewood Waterproof Crate Mat is a really handy, waterproof dog mat available in 3 sizes and 2 colours. A multi-purpose mat that can be used in your dog’s crate or kennel as well as on the road in the boot of your car. Easy to roll up and stow away with your luggage. Take it for days at the beach or long journeys on holiday.   Tweedmill Tweed Travel Bed & Boot Mat If you’d like something a little more stylish than the basic waterproof mat, the tweed travel bed from Tweedmill may be the perfect option. It features a waterproof base and a roll up design for ease of transport. The beautiful tweed upper comes in two designs, both green with a complimentary over-check. A lovely, stylish mat to take out and about on day trips; it’ll look lovely on camping trips and days out… we’ll be taking ours to Badminton Horse Trials!   Kurgo Cargo Cape If you’re looking for something even more protective than our waterproof mats, then the Cargo Cape is just the thing. Offering more coverage than the average boot mat, the Car Cape straps to your back seats. It covers the entire  boot floor space, plus has a fold out panel to protect the outside of your car; perfect when larger dogs jump in and out. It has multiple attachments areas to stop it slipping around when in use. It can even be used for other tasks, such s transporting rubbish to the tip or travelling plants from the garden centre. A really practical accessory for every dog owner, it has a zip pouch for collars and leads and even has an inset water bowl holder.     Whichever you choose, we think you’ll find your choice super handy when out and about on your travels. If you do decide to buy one of our suggestions, let us know how you find it. We love to see photographs of your dogs enjoying their new purchases. Send us your pictures to sales@lordsandlabradors.co.uk… and also let us know if you’re happy for us to share on our social media (we can always tag you in them to link back to your profiles). If you have any questions about this article or anything in general, contact us on the same e-mail or alternatively find us on LiveChat or call 01790 754670 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm). We’re always happy to help!

By Megan Willis

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Essential Guide To Your Miniature Dachshund Puppy
03.04.18 April 03, 2018 Dog Breed Guide Featured

Essential Guide To Your Miniature Dachshund Puppy

Getting a new Miniature Dachshund Puppy? How exciting! Here at L&L we are Dachshund lovers and a few of us are lucky enough to be Dachshund owners. We've put together this blog post with our top Miniature Dachshund product recommendations based on our years of trying and testing products with our own Dachshund puppies, as well as our tips and tricks that we've learnt along the way.    Miniature Dachshund History The Dachshund breed has existed since the 16th Century and was developed in Germany. The name derives from the German words dachs (badger ) and hund (dog). Smaller Dachshunds were sought after to be used on European hare which lived in small burrows. At first, these miniature Dachshunds were just the smallest of their litter, but later Miniature Dachshunds were bred intentionally through the time-consuming process of selective breeding. Originally bred to hunt, but now just as popular as family pets, Miniature Dachshunds are highly intelligent, active dogs who make devoted members of the family. An ever-popular companion to many, we have compiled a list below of the essential items you'll need for your Miniature Dachshund puppy     Miniature Dachshund Breed Characteristics The Miniature Dachshund is well-known for its signature stature, the long body and short legs are iconic. Dachshunds come in three types of coat: smooth, long-haired and wire-haired. They also come in a variety of colours from beautiful black and tan to delicious dapples.    Miniature Dachshund Temperament They may be small but they have huge personalities, they are fiercely independent are truly tiny hunters. However, they are also affectionate and loving little dogs who thrive on positive reward based training.  Keeping them focused can be a challenge sometimes due to their excellent sense of smell making it easy to sniff something interesting and get distracted. Patience and focus from you is key when training your Miniature Dachshund.    Dog Walking Accessories Dachshunds are active dogs and benefit from walks and exercise, keeping them fit and strong is super important in helping to build the back muscles they need to protect their long backs. Finding a harness suitable for the small frame of your Mini Dachshund is key. We love the range from. Ruffwear. The XXS Hi & Light Harness is ideal and then you can size up as your puppy grows. Match with a lead and you have the ideal walking set for a miniature dachshund.    Dog Car Booster Seat Travelling your dog safely in the car is an important consideration for all dog owners. A booster seat is ideal for small breeds - the tether attaches to your dogs harness to keep them secure and the seat sits high on the car seat so your pup can see where they are going on their travels. Easy-to-fit and collapsible they make journeys both safe and fun for your pup. We particularly love the Trixie Car Seat for Dogs, the high walls and fleecy inside help to make your mini dax as comfy and cosy as possible.   Miniature Dachshund Fleeces A coat is a must for all Dachshunds; both practical and stylish they will keep their tummies warm. Here at L&L we have designed the perfect fleece just for your pup, each coat is made-to-order and can be tailored to your dogs specific size; perfect for long-bodied Dachshunds. Available in an array of fleece designs.   Toys for Miniature Dachshunds Every puppy, no matter their breed, need an array of toys. Toys aren't just fun, but can also help with teething and puppy development in general. Miniature Dachshunds being bred for hunting means that they are highly inquisitive and intelligent dogs, this means they need plenty of stimulation to keep them out of mischief. Playtime will prevent boredom which can lead to destructive behaviour. Our range of toys will ensure your puppy has plenty of fun! 1. Heartbeat Sheep for puppy snuggles. The heartbeat vibrations will help comfort your Dachshund whilst they are settling into their new home and can help to stop any feelings of separation anxiety. 2. KONG puppy for chewing and teething puppies. Top tip - try filling with your puppies wet food or some dog friendly peanut butter as a great enrichment activity that's sure to keep them occupied 3. Beco Ball for chasing. Dachshunds have lots of energy and a game of fetch is a great way to help burn some of it!   Dog Crate, Cover, Cushion and Bumper Set Our crate sets are an essential for anyone looking to crate-train their new puppy and, with the addition of our lovely L&L bedding, will make a beautiful covered bed to use through adulthood. We suggest starting with one of our Cosy and Calming beds to fill half their crate, this will help massively with toilet training as the separation means your dog instinctively won't want to mess up their bed so will do their business in the other half of the crate. We recommend putting a puppy pad and some vet bed on the other half of the crate just to help clean up any mess. As they grow up a cushion with bumper which will create a wall of cosiness around the inside of the crate for them to cuddle up to when sleeping. The addition of a matching cover will create a truly cosy, den-like experience. 

By Zac Girdlestone

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The World's Most Expensive Luxury Gifts For Your Pets
28.03.18 March 28, 2018 Product Spotlight Featured

The World's Most Expensive Luxury Gifts For Your Pets

We all love to spoil our best four legged friends. Birthdays, Christmas, Just Because!  Whilst perusing for Easter gift ideas we came across some ultra luxe pet accessories that we just needed to share with you. From diamonds to designer togs, these are some of the World’s Most Expensive Gifts for Pets, fit for even the most pampered doggy and feline! (Be prepared though; the 000’s on these price tags are no pun!)   Dog & Cat Bowl by Versace We thought we’d ease you into our luxe shopping list gently, with this beautiful pet bowl for cats or dogs from Versace. At a mere £569, it’s one of the less expensive items on our list, but still super exclusive. Your pet will dine in splendour with this bowl. One of several different designs from the fashion house, we particularly liked this style for its elegant, timeless design. Whose cat or dog wouldn’t like to eat or drink from this?!   Louis Vuitton Dog Carrier Travelling in style is a must for any pampered pup and what better way than in Louis Vuitton’s Dog Carrier. A trip to the vet, or journey on holiday, will never be the same again with this beautiful pet carrier. You may wish to start saving now though; LV’s dog carriers start at £1,740 for the 40cm size.   Ballgown for your Dog For the ultimate in luxury doggy fashion, this ballgown, designed and handmade by the team at Furdrobe, is crafted from silk and embellished with thousands of Swarovski crystals. Your dog will definitely be the belle of the ball at your Easter get-together wearing this. At £40,000, the price tag is certainly not for the faint of heart!   Diamond Necklace Dog Collar They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend and our dogs only deserve the best don’t they?! Well these luxury dog collars certainly fit that philosophy. The 52 carat, Amour Amour collar is encrusted with 1,600 diamonds and, at a staggering $3.2 million dollars, is the most expensive dog collar in the world. Of course there are slightly less extravagant versions and by that we mean you can take one zero off the price tag; the diamond collar range starts at £150,000. Still a little rich for our tastes (and bank balance) we think!   These are just a few of the more elaborate gifts we have found for pets. We also came across a mink fur jacket for dogs (don’t dogs have fur of their own?) and a canine fashion collection by Roberto Cavalli. If like us, you don’t appear in the Forbes Rich list you may like to head over to our L&L Shop. We have plenty of lovely goodies that won’t raise the brow of your bank manager, and we know will delight your canine friends all the same! Don’t forget we love to hear from you. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch; call us, LiveChat us, send us an e-mail. Alternatively, chat to us or send us a photo over on our Social Media pages!

By Zac Girdlestone

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Keep Your Dog Safe This Easter
20.03.18 March 20, 2018 Health Featured

Keep Your Dog Safe This Easter

Who doesn’t love to treat their pets. We spend as much time thinking about what to buy our dogs for special occasions as we do our human loved ones! We have already started thinking about Easter treats for our canine companions; do we go for a classic edible gift or something for them to use? It’s also important to note what NOT to give them. Here we highlight a number of dangers to be aware of this Easter:   Potential Hazards For Pets At Easter Chocolate We all like a little chocolate at Easter don’t we? Well chocolate is not such a good idea for our dogs. The fat and sugaralone can cause stomach upsets in dogs and in more serious cases Pancreatitis. Theobromine and Caffeine found in chocolate are also toxic to dogs. Different types of chocolate will contain differing amounts of these substances and the toxic effect can vary depending on the amount eaten and the size of your dog. Be wary and make sure your dog doesn’t have chance to ingest any at all.   Fat Trimmings and Bones Many of us celebrate Easter with a celebratory meal, with ham, duck or chicken often on the menu. Your dog may well find your leftovers tasty, but be wary of allowing him to eat your human food. A high level of fat can cause painful stomach upsets whilst bones can be dangerous with risks such as the breaking of teeth and choking.     Easter Lilies Lilies are particularly poisonous to cats and shouldn’t be brought into the living space of your feline friends. Whilst dogs are not effected quite so drastically, they can still fall ill with vomiting and diarrhoea if they chew on them. Easter Lilies can be prone to the fungus, Botrytis which can cause illness in dogs if ingested. Some other types of Lily are toxic to dogs. Be wary of bringing Calla Lilies and Peace Lillies into your home and always make sure they are well out of reach of your cats and dogs.   Xylitol A sugar substitute found in many human gummy sweets and candy. Xylitol is toxic to dogs and can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels which in worst cases can result in death. Do not give your dogs human sweets and keep all candy out of their reach. Easter should be a time of fun and celebration. Take note of these dangers, but don’t allow them to stop you having a good time. There are plenty of doggy suitable treats you can gift to your four-legged friends. In our last article we shared some of our favourite Doggy Easter gift ideas, so if you haven’t quite decided what to give your dog, then read the post for some lovely ideas. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to help.

By Zac Girdlestone

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Keeping your Pup Nice & Dry
06.03.18 March 06, 2018 Owning a Dog Featured

Keeping your Pup Nice & Dry

The arrival of Spring is always welcome after three long months of Winter. Longer days, milder weather and the blooming of plants all make for lovely dog walking conditions. It’s the perfect time to make the most out of the great outdoors. We still have to contend with those pesky April showers though. Don’t be deterred from an adventure outside if you think the heavens may well open; instead read our guide to keeping your pup nice and dry through the wetter Spring months.   Our Rainy Day Essentials for Dogs: 1. Dog Coat A good dog coat is a must for smaller breeds who feel the cold, but also practical for larger dogs in inclement weather. Our range includes the doggy pac-a-mac which is ideal if you get caught in a downpour. It can be folded down for ease of transport and then can be worn only when needed. Other styles such as the quilted country coat and tweed dog coats may not offer the same waterproof capabilities, but will give some water resistance whilst keeping your dog protected from the wind and cold.   2. Drying Coat Don’t despair if your dog gets caught in a downpour. Our lovely range of dog drying coats and mitts  will help dry your dog. The coat in particular is a great way to get your pup dry whilst also offering a layer of warmth. Available in a range of colours and sizes to suit all dogs. Not only great after a rainy day walk, they are also handy to use after bath time.   3. Car Boot Mat The Pet Rebellion Boot Mates are a handy item to keep in the car. Offering protection to your cars interior furnishings, they are ideal for wet, muddy paws. Sit your dog on the mat whilst wearing their drying coat and they will be comfortably dry in no time at all and your car furnishings will stay clean too!   Make the most of Spring with your Dog! So make the most of Spring as it develops. Wet weather can put a bit of a dampener (no pun intended!) on outdoor activities, but don’t be put off every time it rains. With one or two of these products, your pup will be able to enjoy his outdoor adventures without getting uncomfortably wet and cold. Don’t forget, if you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us, we’re always happy to help. Speak to us on LiveChat, e-mail or call us. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

By Zac Girdlestone

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How To Measure Your Dog
20.02.18 February 20, 2018 FAQs Featured

How To Measure Your Dog

Many pet products come in size variations for specific ages and breed of dog, so knowing how to measure your dog will come in really handy. Collars, coats, novelty outfits; all come in a number of size options allowing for a good fit. Measuring your dog is simple when you know which measurement to take.   How to Measure Your Dog: Most items are sized either by collar size or by Topline measurement Dog Collars: When measuring your dog’s neck, pull the tape snug, but not tight and take the measurement. Allow for about two fingers to fit between the neck and collar. Dog Clothing: To find your size needed for these items you need to measure your dog’s Topline: measure from the base of the neck to the base of the tail. Dog Harnesses: Dog harnesses tend to fit around your dog’s girth. To find his size measure around your dog’s chest, just behind his front legs.   Need More Help? These three measurements should allow you to work out the size required for most of our products and we have given size guides where possible. If you’re still unsure about the sizing of a certain product, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We are always happy to help as much as we can.

By Zac Girdlestone

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Everything You Need For Your New Labrador Puppy
13.02.18 February 13, 2018 Dog Breed Guide Featured

Everything You Need For Your New Labrador Puppy

Historically working dogs, Labradors were originally bred as fishermen’s companions and later gun dogs. A dog of many talents, other Labrador roles have included military dog, therapy dog and guide dog. Over the last century Labradors have become an ever-popular breed amongst pet owners. Intelligent, loyal, agile, even-tempered and outgoing, they make wonderful family pets. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a shopping list of everything you need for your new Labrador puppy.   Dog Crates and Bedding for Labrador Puppies We’d highly recommend investing in a crate from the day your puppy comes home. An extra large size dog crate will last until they're fully grown, whilst the addition of a cover, bumper and cushion set will create a cosy, den-like bed. A crate will keep your puppy safe when unoccupied and stop them from gnawing on your furniture. A cage can be a great toilet training aid too. We suggest using a cosy & calm puppy crate bed in one half of the crate, with a puppy training pad in the other.   Dog Beds for Labradors All puppies love to snooze and labradors are no different. Choose a snuggly bed for the first few months, something like the Grow with Me Puppy Bed is ideal as it has an inner ring that can be removed as your puppy grows. Our cosy & calm puppy crate beds are great for puppy's crate training and they can be used as a stand alone bed too. Then after five or six months you can swap out to a full size dog cushion such as our dog cushion in the X Large size which is ideal all the way up until they are a fully grown adult Labrador.     Dog Collars and Harnesses for Labradors Choose a collar and harness that is easily adjustable as your Labrador grows. The D&H rolled leather collar is beautifully crafted from buttery soft leather. A luxury accessory that will last and last. Choose the matching rolled leather lead for the ultimate stylish walking accessory. Easy to take care of; just clean with leather soap and conditioner.   Puppy Toys For Labradors Labradors are intelligent dogs and require plenty of playthings to keep their minds occupied and encourage their development. A chew toy  will provide hours of fun and also helps reduce destructive behaviours associated with boredom. We’d also suggest the floppy soft toy such as the KONG Honkers Giraffe toy which are perfect for carrying around, and the pheasant thrower which is perfect for games of throw and retrieve. Lastly an interactive toy will provide a whole puzzle at playtime; perfect for clever Labradors! Hide some treats inside for hours of tasty fun.   Food and Water Bowls Every puppy needs a food and water bowl. We love the eco friendly pet bowls by Beco as they come in a range of sizes and colours; and they're really durable. We'd suggest three normal bowls - one for dry food, one for wet food and one for water. You could also invest in a travel bowl for any journeys you might have. It's great for the day you collect puppy especially if you're travelling a long way to collect them.   Dog Clothes for Labradors Dog clothes aren't just a style choice, but are a practical choice too. We have a range of coats and bandanas that are perfect for your Labrador. Shop the range of dog coats and bandanas in our online store where there is bound to be a style to suit your taste.   If you are unsure of what size to to purchase then take a look at our How to Measure Your Dog article. It has all the information you will need to measure your dog and find the correct sizes in all kind of wearable dog accessories including dog collars, coats and jumpers.   Training Accessories for Labradors Puppy training and development is an important consideration for every prospective puppy owner. There are many aspects to training your puppy including toilet training, crate training, lead training and teaching manners. Shop a range of different products including clickers, puppy pads, walking accessories and training treats in our Puppy Training department.  If you need some handy advice and tips on puppy training then our article, How To Clicker Train A Puppy might come in useful.   Other Items to Consider for a Puppy Labrador    Slicker Brush: A slicker brush is a must and will help stop tumble weed accumulating in corners! Grooming time is important, not only for keeping your puppy looking his best, but it’s also great bonding time. A slicker brush will remove any loose hair form the coat and help keep it looking soft and shiny. Waterproof Crate Mat: Labradors can get muddy very quickly! A waterproof crate mat is really practical used as a dog cushion bed and can be used both in the crate and as a car boot mat when travelling. Use the mat to protect your car furnishings or your labradors bedding from wet or muddy paws and it can easily be wiped clean. Get In Touch: Of course this isn’t a definitive list, but rather some top suggestions that we think will particularly suit a new Labrador puppy. If you have any more questions then please get in touch. We love hearing from you!

By Zac Girdlestone

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Top 5 Lifestyle Brands
06.02.18 February 06, 2018 Product Spotlight Featured

Top 5 Lifestyle Brands

In an age of mass consumerism, fast fashion and a hugely competitive high street, brands offering quality goods and a level of service to match can be hard to find. Customer service really does make all the difference to the whole shopping experience. We have picked some of our favourite brands that offer luxury service to match their lovely products.   Land Rover A spacious car is an essential for most dog owners. Whether you live in the countryside, by the coast or in town, a Land Rover is a practical choice for many families. We have come to love their rugged good looks, spacious interior, luxurious comfort and practical nature. And most importantly, the support they have for their customers is second to none.   Burberry We couldn’t compile our list of favourite brands without mentioning the quintessentially British Burberry. World renowned for their raincoats, Burberry have become a powerful fashion house. Burberry designs a whole array of product lines including luxury accessories for our four legged friends. Who doesn’t love a little flash of Burberry House check?!       Lani Lani is a make-up and cosmetics brand, handmade in Nottingham in the UK. A well established Green beauty brand, Lani produce cruelty free, Vegan, affordable skin and hair-care made from tropical ingredients. Products are made from high quality food-grade ingredients and are always free from parabens, silicones, synthetic fragrances and any animal derived ingredients. Lani has gained cult status amongst the vegan community and regularly donates a percentage of their profits to animal charities.   Dubarry Dubbary are synonymous with quality, style and function. Renowned for their waterproof country boots in particular, their lifestyle collection extends to include mens and womenswear plus accessories for all kinds of weather. The Dubarry shopping experience is second to none; regularly seen at equestrian events around the world, customers can try on their boots in comfort whilst lounging on leather sofas and sipping a complimentary glass of bubbles.   Barbour The quintessential British outdoor clothing brand, Barbour are famous for their weatherproof outerwear. The collection includes wax jackets for human and canine alike, as well as casual clothing and accessories to match. The Barbour range encapsulates items designed for all parts of our lives. The Barbour service is excellent too. It includes a repair service so you can make that old weather-worn wax jacket weatherproof again! Of course, there are many wonderful brands and companies that haven’t made our list. This is just a selection of brands that we particularly love ourselves and think will suit doggy owners everywhere.​​​​​​

By Zac Girdlestone

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Walking Your Dog In The Countryside
30.01.18 January 30, 2018 Health Featured

Walking Your Dog In The Countryside

What could be more relaxing than walking your dog in the countryside, especially on a warm Spring day. The world starts to come alive again, which means new smells and the sound of birds busily preparing their nests. It’s a wonderful time for you and your dog to make the most of the milder climate and get out exploring. With this in mind, we have compiled a short list of things to remember when walking your dog in the countryside.   Countryside Etiquette For Walking Your Dog: 1) Be respectful of signs In the countryside not all land is public land, but some private land does have public access. Look out for signs indicating Public Footpaths and stick to them, keeping your dog by your side at all times.   2) Beware Livestock If you are using a public right of way through farmland with livestock, make sure your dog is on a lead at all times, even if your dog is well trained. Pregnant animals and those with young ones are more protective than usual and therefore may see your dog as a threat. Also, it is an offence for dogs to chase livestock. Farmers are legally allowed to shoot any dog they think may be worrying their animals. Stick to the designated footpaths to refrain from trespassing and keep your dog by your side at all times.   3) Pick it Up When your dog poos on his walks, always pick it up wherever you are and put it in the nearest bin. Even in the muddy countryside it is not nice to step in poo. If your dog does his business in long grass of course there isn’t much you can do, but if it’s on a public path, do pick it up. The same goes for any litter you may have. We should cherish the beauty of the country! A biodegradable bag is our preferred poo bag option as it has a less negative impact on the environment.   4) Horse Riders It isn’t just dogs and their owners who enjoy the countryside in Springtime, as horses and riders enjoying a leisurely hack are also a regular sight. Be respectful and keep your dog on a lead as the horses pass. Even if your dog is well behaved around horses, not all horses are used to dogs. It’s polite to give the riders plenty of room and listen for their instruction; if they ask you to wait whilst they pass, they are thinking of your safety as much as their own. Be patient, be polite and say hello… you may just end up having a friendly chat!   5) Enjoy Walking your Dog in the Countryside The Countryside is full of an abundance of life and characters, especially as spring arrives and the weather becomes warmer. Be aware of your surroundings when out dog walking and be respectful of the people and animals you come across. We should all, human and animal alike, have the chance to enjoy this beautiful time of year!

By Zac Girdlestone

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The Top Six Poisonous Springtime Plants
16.01.18 January 16, 2018 Health Featured

The Top Six Poisonous Springtime Plants

As springtime approaches, the weather becomes warmer, the days become longer and nature comes to life again. Spring is a beautiful season, full of blooming plants and green landscapes; the perfect time for longer walks in the countryside! With this comes the hazard of poisonous plants, some that can cause illness and in worst cases even death. In this article we highlight the top six plants that you need to watch out for, as well as the symptoms your pet may display if they ingest them.   The Poisonous Springtime Plants to avoid: 1. Lily of the Valley These plants are very popular in the spring, and many people choose to have them in their home or garden. The Cardenolides in Lily of the Valley are extremely poisonous to pets. If your pet ingests Lily of the Valley, they should be taken to a vet immediately. The symptoms include Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Drop in heart rate and Seizures.   2. Lilies Lilies are beautiful plants, but a number of varieties are poisonous to pets, cats in particular. Not every lily is toxic: Calla, Peace and Peruvian lilies may cause some intestinal discomfort or drooling, but there isn’t too much need for concern. However, the following list of lilies are toxic: Tiger lily Asiatic lily Stargazer lily Casablanca lily Rubrum lily Day lily Japanese Show lily Easter lily If your cat swallows even a tiny amount, including the pollen, it can cause kidney failure. With these plants time is of the essence, so if you suspect your cat has swallowed some, you need to take them and the plant to your vet immediately.   3. Crocuses There are a number of different types of crocus that bloom in the springtime, and all of them are a potential danger to your pet. The Ingestion of Spring crocuses can cause the following symptoms: Gastric upsets (flatulence and diarrhoea) Vomiting Pet owners should be aware of another crocus, the Meadow Saffron. Whilst it doesn’t grow in Springtime, rather in the Autumn, it’s highly toxic and therefore important for pet owners to avoid. Symptoms of Meadow Saffron ingestion include: Vomiting Gastrointestinal bleeding Liver and kidney damage Respiratory failure Symptoms can occur right away or after a few days.   4. Daffodils People often forget how toxic daffodils can be for pets. Even licking the flower can cause serious health issues. If a pet licks or chews a daffodil, they are at high risk of ingesting an alkaloid called Lycorine, which can cause: Irritated mouth tissue Excessive drooling Vomiting Abdominal pain Diarrhoea Heart problems Respiratory problems If the more serious symptoms occur, veterinary attention is required immediately.   5. Tulips A pretty flower, and one that (like daffodils) is typically associated with the coming of spring, this plant can cause some serious damage to your pup. It is important to remember that it is the bulbs that are poisonous. Here are the symptoms: Mouth and throat irritation Drooling Vomiting Diarrhoea Increased heart rate Changes in breathing There is no antidote for the ingestion of this plant, so veterinary treatment should be sought out immediately.   6. Hyacinths Hyacinths cause the same issues as tulips, as they both contain allergenic lactones, and again it is the bulbs that are poisonous when ingested. Here are the symptoms you should look out for: Mouth and throat irritation Drooling Vomiting Diarrhoea Increased heart rate Changes in breathing There is no antidote for the ingestion of this plant, so veterinary treatment should be sought out immediately Spring is a time of colour and beauty and should be enjoyed by both you and your pet. It’s important that you are aware of the potential hazards so you can make the most of the season without any disasters. If you are ever in doubt, or think your pet may have ingested a poisonous plant, do not hesitate to contact your vet immediately.

By Zac Girdlestone

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