A Staffordshire dog owner has launched a petition demanding mandatory toxicity labeling on retail plants after her pet chihuahua nearly died from consuming a common garden hosta.
Caitlin Roberts, 25, of Tamworth, started the Change.
org petition following a May incident that left her 18-month-old canine, Cooper, requiring emergency surgery for an intestinal blockage caused by plant toxins.
The pet owner incurred a £9,000 veterinary bill that was uncovered by her insurance due to a recent provider switch, forcing her family to utilize their savings to fund the treatment.
"[Cooper] spent days in pain because we couldn't find an answer," said Roberts. "How do you forgive yourself for that?"
Roberts explained that the financial and emotional toll was exacerbated by the severity of the pet's condition, noting that the toxins temporarily paralyzed the dog's intestines.
"They're not just dogs, are they? They're like your babies," said Roberts.
Cooper now faces permanent health complications and requires a specialized diet following the surgical procedure.
"I love him the same way I love my daughter, exactly equally," said Roberts. "This one just has fur."
The petition, which has garnered more than 500 signatures, requests that UK plant suppliers indicate whether flora is toxic to domestic pets and print the Animal PoisonLine phone number on labels.
"It's such an easy fix," said Roberts. "I'm not asking for a million pounds to change the world."
The Royal Horticultural Society classifies hostas as easy-to-grow foliage plants, though veterinary experts warn they are hazardous to cats and dogs.
"I'm just asking for a little bit of writing on a label upon purchase to save our little fur babies," said Roberts.
Cooper underwent emergency treatment at Vets4Pets in Sutton Coldfield to resolve the blockage from undigested food accumulation.
"Lilies, daffodils, tulips, there's a variety of them," said Gabriel Wax, practice owner and vet at Vets4Pets.
"It's very difficult to have a complete list of all of them because there is far too many."
Wax urged the public to exercise greater caution regarding the types of plants kept inside households and outdoor gardens.
"I think we should be a bit more aware of what we have in the garden and what we have in the kitchen for our pets," said Wax.
The Dogs Trust stated that while plant-poisoning cases remain relatively rare without recent increases, the charity frequently publishes safety guidance regarding common flora like mistletoe, lavender, and geraniums.
"Do your research [and] keep an eye on your dog in the garden," said Tristan Smith, vet nurse manager for Dogs Trust.
"If there are any concerns and you think your dog's eaten anything, call the vet and they will be able to advise you further."
Gurdip Singh, chief executive of Birmingham-based labeling software firm Kallik, backed the mandatory labeling initiative, citing human allergen labeling laws as a viable precedent.
"A lot of people probably don't realise the label is what really keeps you safe," said Singh.
"It tells you how to use a product, what it should be used for [and] the health hazards around it as well."
Singh noted that global companies already operate under strict regulatory tracking systems, making the inclusion of pet warnings technically feasible.
"In terms of feasibility [it's] very doable," said Singh. "Companies around the world work to strict regulations [and] have systems in place."
The British government declined to comment specifically on the petition when contacted by the BBC.
"This is just about putting further information onto the label to enable the consumer to be better informed," said Singh.
A government spokesperson stated that official codes of practice regarding the welfare of cats and dogs are actively published for owners.
