VETS have urged inner west pet owners to be aware of the dangers lurking in their backyards, with the popular Brunfelsia flower topping the list.

Commonly known as Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow, this plant is beautiful but deadly for pets.

Dr Fiona Park, an internal medicine specialist from Homebush’s Animal Referral Hospital, said there had been an increased number of Brunfelsia poisonings in recent months, which resulted in the death of a dog last month.

“Dogs seem to be attracted to the berries and seed pods but all parts of the plant can be considered toxic,” she said.

“Signs of poisoning include salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle tremors and seizures, and can last up to several days with or without treatment.

“Because Brunfelsia poisoning can be potentially life-threatening, all exposures need to be taken seriously and treated by a vet immediately.”

Unfortunately, there is no antidote — just supportive therapy via enemas to remove the plant material from the gut, seizure control, administering fluids and possibly general anaesthesia depending on the severity of the case.

Mac, an inner west Beagle puppy, got himself into serious trouble last week when he snacked on the Brunfelsia plant in his backyard.

His owners heard a yelp and discovered Mac seizing, and raced him to the Animal Referral Hospital in Homebush.

Mac required a general anaesthetic with a breathing tube for 24 hours and was lucky to have survived the poisoning.

Dr Park warned of other potential backyard dangers (listed below) and encouraged owners to pet-proof their yards and homes.

Top backyard dangers:

■ Brunfelsia flower, Liliums, Wandering Jew and Daffodils

■ Mushrooms and omato and potato plants

■ Orange seeds from palm trees

■ Rat baits, snail pellets, insecticides and fertilisers

■ Ticks

■ Drowning

■ Cooked bones

■ Wooden skewers