PET owners are being warned that many common plants have hidden dangers for cats and dogs.

Research carried out by BillyOh.com shows many garden flowers are can be poisonous.

A spokesperson for BillyOh.com, who carried out the research, said: “Flowers can look gorgeous and smell even better, but many can be very dangerous to a beloved cat or dog.

“When you’re deciding which plants to put in your garden, or a pot in the house, check first to make sure it isn’t toxic.”

The garden experts have highlighted ten of the most dangerous plants.

  • Azaleas This species of rhododendron is poisonous to cats and dogs. Ingestion of 0.2 per cent of an animal’s body weight can result in poisoning. Symptoms range from vomiting and diarrhoea to blindness, seizures and comas.
  • Foxtails These grass-like weeds burrow in to the ground to germinate but can work their way in to any part of a dog or cat. The seeds from an imbedded foxtail can lead to serious infection or even death if left untreated so pets should be regularly checked.
  • Lilies Many varieties of lily are highly toxic to cats. The ingestion of two or three petals, or even pollen or water from a vase, can lead to kidney failure.
  • Tulips Tulips, a member of the lily family, are dangerous for cats and dogs. The poison is contained within the bulb and large ingestions can lead to increased heart rate and difficulty breathing.
  • Potatoes Unripe, green and raw potatoes, and their leaves, are poisonous to cats and dogs. Any potato plants should be kept out of their reach.
  • Tomatoes Tomato plants come from the same family as potatoes so should also be kept away from pets. The danger is in the leaves which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea if ingested.
  • Castor Beans The beans of this plant contain the highly dangerous poison, ricin. Only a very small amount needs to be ingested to cause sudden collapse or death.
  • Heavenly Bamboo These plants produce bright red berries that pets may find attractive. The berries, leaves and stems contain cyanide that can cause respiratory failure and death in large enough quantities.
  • Autumn Crocus Spring crocuses can cause vomiting and diarrhoea but the autumn variety is far more dangerous. All parts of the plant are highly toxic to cats and dogs and can cause respiratory failure, seizures and death.
  • Sago Palm These tropical palms are sometimes used as ornamental houseplants. All parts of the plant are dangerous but the seeds are the most toxic. Ingestion can cause severe liver failure and death.