My friends often complain about the damage their pets do digging up their gardens and chewing their plants. But what lots of people don't realise is the damage that many common plants can do to our pets - causing a raft of serious health issues, and sometimes even death.

Pretty deadly
Most people are aware the beautiful oleander seen in so many public gardens and suburban backyards is a deadly poison. So much so that stirring a picnic cup of tea with an oleander twig has claimed a human life. Oleander is also poisonous to dogs, but few would be inclined to chew the plant. Young puppies, however, are much more likely to play with the twigs and fallen leaves.

Fatal flowers
Flower bulbs often prove to be attractive toys for puppies or adult dogs - especially ones who like to play with a ball. The bulbs of daffodils, jonquils, tulips, spider lilies, nerines and crocuses are all poisonous if eaten by pets. So too are burning bush, castor-oil plant, ivy, golden chain, daphne, foxglove, lily of the valley, larkspur, monkshood, rhododendron and sweet pea bulbs.

Danger indoors
Always put indoor plants out of reach of pets, since dumb cane, elephant's ears and cyclamens may be chewed by a bored pup
or curious cat with dire results.

Itchy issues
Humans aren't the only ones who can suffer allergies as a result of garden pollens and grasses. Wandering Jew plants can cause dogs to get itchy feet, lower legs or stomach, while paspalum and rye-grasses can also create allergy issues. Keeping your lawn mown to prevent the seeds of these grasses spreading - and restricting your dog to mown areas - can help to prevent a reaction in your beloved pet.

Managing garden risks
Always take immediate action. If you suspect your pet may have eaten a toxic plant, snail pellets or a poisoned rabbit, contact your local vet immediately. If you aren't sure what type of plant your pet has eaten - or if it's poisonous - take a sample of the plant along with you. Always ask before you buy plants if you're concerned any new ones might pose a hazard to your pet's health. Check with the nursery staff before finalising your purchase - it's their job to know which types can be dangerous to animals.

Poison problems
Keep all household poisons, insecticides and fertilisers
out of reach from pets. Store these on high shelves or in locked cupboards and make sure your pet stays away from
any garden areas that have recently been chemically fertilised, sprayed for pests or laid with poison pellets.
Even if you don't have pets yourself, let your neighbours and guests with pets know that poisons have recently been used on your property so they can keep curious animals out of harm's way.

Snail bait
Every spring vets see an influx of canine patients suffering snail bait poisoning. This toxin is irresistible to dogs. If you have dogs and snails at your place, consider using non-toxic methods of snail control, or place baits where pets can't reach them. Make a simple snail trap by putting a half-full beer can into a hole in the garden. The snails will be attracted to the beer, crawl into the can and drown.

Rabbit controls
Many areas have rabbit eradication programs using poisonous carrots as bait. While the carrots aren't attractive to dogs and cats, the rabbit carcasses will be, and when the stomach contents are eaten, this can prove fatal.