With keen gardeners everywhere inspired by The Chelsea Flower Show, the incidence of enthusiastic dogs ingesting varying amounts of fertiliser has increased.

The products are of low toxicity but may be irritant to the gastrointestinal tract, causing vomiting and diarrhoea. Any exposure to feet or skin should be washed off to reduce the irritant effect of the fertiliser.

If required, an anti-emetic can be given if vomiting is severe and protracted, and hydration levels should be maintained.

It should also be confirmed that the product is solely a fertiliser, and not a fertiliser combined with moss or weed killers, which would represent a greater risk.