Edgewood Vets list of poisonous plants for rabbits could save your pet (from Rabbit Welfare association)

May 7, 2021

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. All house plants should be considered toxic. There is such a huge variety it’s impossible to list them all. Few are safe, and it’s far better to consider them all dangerous and not to allow your rabbits to eat any of them. Keep house plants high up where your rabbits can’t reach them, and if possible, in rooms your rabbits don’t go into. If leaves are about to drop where your rabbits can get to them, snip them off and dispose of them.”

Our head nurse Nicola Watson 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 Edgewood Vets’ emergency number in your phone now, so we can help you with what to do if your rabbit eats a poisonous plant.

Get our emergency number here.

Plants that could harm your rabbit this summer in Essex:

  • The most poisonous plants for rabbits include Azalea, Bittersweet, Buttercups, Daffodils, Deadly Nightshade, Figwort, Foxglove, Hemlock, Meadow Saffron, Poppies, and Ragwort, Bryony, Cowslip, Dock, Fool’s Parsley and Wood Sorrell.
  • 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.

Nicola 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, weakness, and death. Call us straight away on the number above if you’re concerned.

If your rabbit likes to dig, Nicola 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 01621 828381.

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