Spring brings a burst of color and new life to our surroundings, but the very thing that makes spring so vibrant can pose serious threats to our beloved pets.
Dr. Murl Bailey, a senior professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, provides valuable insights into common poisonous plant pet owners should be mindful of, whether indoors or outdoors, during the spring season.
Easter Lilies
Popular in springtime floral arrangements, Easter lilies —– and lilies in general —– contain toxins that cause severe kidney damage in cats, making them extremely toxic for our feline friends. Even small ingestions, such as chewing on a petal or drinking water from a vase containing lilies, can lead to acute kidney injury in cats.
While the exact toxin that causes this issue is unknown, owners can still recognize signs of lily poisoning, which include loss of appetite, hiding behavior, and lethargy.
“If owners notice a change in their cats, especially if they have lilies around the house, they should immediately take their cat to their veterinarian,” Bailey said. “The veterinarian will start the cat on extensive intravenous fluid therapy to protect the kidneys, but the therapy should be given within