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Are Tulips Toxic To Cats And Dogs - DutchGrown

Are Tulips Toxic To Cats And Dogs - DutchGrown

Tulips are one of the world's most popular flowering plants for your garden and as a cut flower indoors. And for a good reason, because they add beautiful colour to your home or garden in the spring. Do you have a curious cat or dog that likes to go on adventures? Be careful, as Tulips, even the bulb, can be quite dangerous for them. Fortunately, many other ways exist to create a pet-friendly home and garden. Read more in this article.

Before reading the article, please note that we are not medical professionals. For questions and advice on pet medical issues, please consult your veterinarian.

Are Tulips Poisonous To Cats And Dogs?

Yes, Tulips are poisonous to cats and dogs if they ingest any part of the plant. From the Tulip leaf and flower to the stem and bulb. Even a small bite will irritate a dog’s or cat’s mouth.

Why Are Tulip Plants Poisonous To Cats And Dogs

Tulips belong to the Liliaceae (Lily) family, a group of plants known to be toxic to pets. The Tulip plant contains toxic alkaloid compounds: Tulipalin A and Tulipalin B, which are types of glycosides. These compounds are the plant's natural defences to deter animals and pests from eating it. Glycosides can become toxic during digestion because the body breaks down the sugar molecules in them, changing how reactive they are.

Tulipalin A and Tulipalin B can be found in all parts of the plant, but the Tulip bulbs contain the highest concentration of these toxic substances. Both compounds can make your dog or cat sick.

Good to know: Other flowers such as Daffodil, Allium, and Hyacinth are also toxic for pets.

What Happens If Your Cat Or Dog Eats A Tulip Plant?

A small bite from a Tulip will cause irritation to most cats and dogs. The symptoms and severity of their reaction can vary depending on the amount ingested. If your pet eats large amounts of Tulips, severe toxicity can be fatal if left untreated. Do you notice any symptoms? Contact your vet immediately and follow their instructions.

What Are The Symptoms Of Tulip Poisoning?

There are several mild symptoms and severe symptoms that you can look for to tell if your cat or dog has eaten a Tulip, depending on the amount ingested and the sensitivity of your pet. Some symptoms are:

  • Vomiting

  • Excessive drooling

  • Diarrhoea

  • Loss of appetite

  • Irritated skin/mouth

  • Depression/unusual behaviour

  • Lethargy/weakness

  • Increased heart rate

  • Breathing difficulties

  • Tremors/muscle weakness

  • Stomach pain

  • Organ damage

  • Seizure

What Do You Need To Do When Your Pet Ate Tulip?

Have you seen your cat or dog eating a Tulip? Or do you suspect your pet may have ingested a part of the plant? The first thing you need to do is to remove them from the plant immediately to prevent your dog or cat eats the flower. Also, remove any remaining Tulip. Then, check for any symptoms (see the list above). Next, call your local vet's emergency line and tell them when, how much and what part of the Tulip your pet may have eaten. Also, explain any of your dog’s or cat’s symptoms. If you have it, bring a sample of the Tulip to the vet for easier identification. Finally, follow your veterinarian's instructions and advice for treatment.

Create A Pet-Friendly Garden With The Right Flowers

The best way to protect your cat or dog from Tulip toxicity is to avoid exposure to Tulips altogether. Fortunately, many alternatives to Tulips are non-toxic to your pet. Take, for example, the beautiful Grape Hyacinth (Muscari) with its spikes of densely packed pale blue florets, shaped like a bunch of grapes. Or the Dichelostemma (Firecracker Flower), featuring a tall stem topped with an umbel bearing 6-20 flower pendants.

More Toxic-Free Flowering Bulbs And Perennials

Other non-toxic plants are also suitable for cats and dogs. Take the following, for example:

Choosing these flower bulbs and perennials does not mean that you can just let your four-legged friend or feline companion eat the plants. Always monitor your pets around any plants. Do you notice any unusual symptoms? Consult a veterinarian immediately. And if you still want Tulips in your garden, make sure you choose a spot where your pet cannot reach the Tulip bed.

Choose Cat And Dog-Friendly Flower Bulbs And Perennials

At DutchGrown, you will find a wide collection of pet-friendly flowering plants for your garden. From high-quality spring blooming bulbs to summer blooming bulbs and perennials. (Always check first if the plant is suitable for pets.) Discover our beautiful collection now and create a safe garden for your cat or dog. We ship from the Netherlands to the UK.

Meet Ben, our Flower Bulb Specialist
Meet Ben, our Flower Bulb Specialist

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