Tiny Toxins

🌿 Tiny Toxins: Paws Off Plants 🐾

(A little series combining my love of plants and pets 🌿🐶)

Today’s tiny check: Elder — the shrub that produces elderflowers and elderberries.

Those clusters of tiny flowers and dark berries may be familiar sights in hedgerows and gardens.

But they aren’t something we want our dogs helping themselves to.

The leaves, stems, bark, roots and unripe berries contain naturally occurring compounds called cyanogenic glycosides. If chewed and digested, these can release cyanide.

Eating part of the plant may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, tummy discomfort or weakness. More serious effects are possible depending on the part and amount eaten.

Before anyone panics — many dogs walk past elder bushes every day without giving them a second glance.

But fallen berries, low branches and garden prunings may be more tempting to curious puppies, adolescent dogs, enrichment seekers or dogs who enjoy foraging.

🐾 One small thing to do today:

✔ Check whether elder grows in your garden or along your regular walking routes.

✔ Prevent your dog from chewing the plant or eating fallen berries.

✔ Clear away pruned branches rather than leaving them within reach.

If you think your dog has eaten part of an elder plant, contact your vet or Animal PoisonLine for advice 01202 509000. https://www.animalpoisonline.co.uk/ rather than waiting for symptoms.

Awareness, not alarm 🩵🐾

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