Spring toxin 1: Tulips and hyacinths

Next      

Spring toxin 1: Tulips and hyacinths

Tulips contain allergenic lactones, and hyacinths contain similar alkaloids. The toxic principle of these plants is concentrated in the bulbs, as opposed to the leaf or flower. Pet owners should prevent dogs from digging up, then eating these bulbs. When ingested, the bulbs can irritate the mouth and esophagus.

Typical signs of toxicity include profuse drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea depending. With large amounts of bulb ingestion, more severe symptoms, such as an increase in heart rate and changes in respiration, may be seen. These severe cases require immediate treatment.

There is no specific antidote for bulb ingestion. But pets' prognosis is good with the right veterinary care, including rinsing the mouth, giving anti-vomiting medication, and, possibly, administering subcutaneous fluids.

Next springtime toxin: Daffodils