Apex Vets’ list of poisonous plants for rabbits could save your pet

Pottering in the garden and chewing on grass is every rabbit’s dream. Plus, it’s excellent for their digestive system and teeth. However, not everything that grows in your garden this summer will be safe for your rabbit.

Our head nurse Chloe Green has pulled together a list of plants that are poisonous to rabbits, and plants that are safe for them.

It’s a good idea to pop Apex Vets’ phone number in your phone now, so we can help you with what to do if your rabbit eats a poisonous plant. We have a 24 hour emergency service, so you will be given the contact number of our oncall vet if you call us outwith opening times.

Get our emergency number here.

Plants that could harm your rabbit this summer in Stirlingshire:

• The most poisonous plants for rabbits include Azalea, Bittersweet, Buttercups, Daffodils, Deadly Nightshade, Figwort, Foxglove, Hemlock, Meadow Saffron, Poppies, and Ragwort.
• Other poisonous garden plants for rabbits include Begonias, Chrysanthemums, Clematis, Dahlias, Delphinium, Hyacinth, Iris, Lily of the Valley, Lupins, Morning Glory, Primrose, Rhododendron, Sweet Peas (there is a rabbit-safe variety), and Tulips.
• Garden-grown human foods that rabbits shouldn’t eat include Apple Pips, Garlic, Onion, Potato Plants, Rhubarb (all of it), and Tomato Plants.
• Most evergreen leaves are poisonous to rabbits and some lighter coloured lettuces (e.g. iceberg) can harm them too.

Chloe suggests making a note of these potential signs your rabbit has eaten a poisonous plant: abdominal tenderness, bleeding, breathing difficulties, depression, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, mouth irritation, pain, seizures, vomiting, weakness, and death. Call us straight away on the number above if you’re concerned.

If your rabbit likes to dig, Chloe recommends removing dormant bulbs and filling your flower beds with rabbit-safe plants. Alternatively, how about a designated patch or digging container filled with plants & vegetables your rabbit can eat? For more rabbit enrichment tips, get in touch with our pet-loving team.

• Safe plants for rabbits include Chickweed, Clover, Daisies, Dandelion, Nasturtiums, Nettles, Roses, Pansies, Pot Marigolds, and Sunflowers.
• Safe garden vegetables for rabbits include Kale, Romaine Lettuce, Bok Choy, Carrot Tops (carrots themselves are high in sugar so give these sparingly), Basil, and Broccoli Greens.

Now you’re ready to spend a sunny afternoon inspecting your garden and ‘weeding out’ any plants that could get your rabbit in trouble. We’re here for your rabbit emergencies, just call 01324 829 989.

For more rabbit care advice, book a consultation with one of our team.