With their bright yellow hues and pleasing fragrance, daffodils are pretty much synonymous with spring. But are these lovely flowers safe for our pets? Are daffodils poisonous to dogs?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes—daffodils are considered toxic to dogs. While rarely fatal, daffodil poisoning can cause gastrointestinal upset and oral pain in dogs, so it’s best to keep these plants away from our canine pals.
Read on to learn more about the potential harm that daffodils can pose to dogs, as well as how to spot signs of daffodil poisoning and how to treat it.
Are Daffodils Poisonous To Dogs?
According to the ASPCA, yes, daffodils are poisonous to dogs. While consumption of these flowers rarely ends in death, your dog could suffer some unpleasant side effects from them.
The toxic compound that’s to blame for these side effects is lycorine: a crystalline alkaloid that can cause vomiting if ingested. Lycorine is found in every part of the daffodil, but is most concentrated in the plant’s bulb—an important detail if your dog is a zealous digger and chewer.
The Pet Poison Helpline also informs us that daffodils contain sharp calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation of the mouth, tongue, and throat. If your dog eats a daffodil, watch for pawing at the mouth or excessive drooling.
What Are The Signs Of Daffodil Poisoning In Dogs?
The severity of your dog’s symptoms will vary, depending on which part of the plant he’s ingested and the amount consumed. Typically, smaller dogs will have a stronger reaction than giant breeds. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning can manifest as quickly as one to three hours after consumption. Watch your dog for these clinical signs of daffodil poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Salivation and drooling
- Labored breathing
- Shivering
- Lethargy
If your dog has ingested a large amount of the flower, he may also experience low blood pressure, tremors, and heart arrhythmias.
While more commonly seen in human gardeners who handle a lot of daffodils, some dogs experience pesky skin reactions to the plant. “Daffodil pickers’ rash” can develop in response to the plant’s calcium oxalate crystals. These sharp particles irritate the skin and mouth, and are most concentrated in the sap of the stems and bulbs.
In most cases, symptoms will clear on their own within 12-48 hours. If you strongly suspect that your dog has eaten a daffodil, however, you don’t need to wait for symptoms to appear: act quickly, and call your vet for advice. He or she will be able to direct your next steps.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats A Daffodil
First, it’s important not to panic. Keep in mind that veterinary intervention isn’t always required in these circumstances, especially if your dog has ingested an insignificant amount of the plant. Remain calm, remove any plant matter from your dog’s mouth and/or fur, and give your vet a call. If treatment is required, your pooch will fare better with a swift response.
If you can, let your vet know which part of the daffodil your dog has consumed and the amount. Or better yet—bring a sample of the plant into the clinic to help your vet determine its level of toxicity. A quick snapshot on your phone will also work.
To treat daffodil poisoning, your vet may administer medication to induce vomiting. Activated charcoal can also be used to move the toxins through your pet’s digestive tract, according to PetMD. If your dog has been vomiting, intravenous fluids may be required to combat dehydration.
What If I Have Daffodils In My Home Or Garden?
In terms of popularity, daffodils rank pretty high. We find them in gardens, backyards, parks, and walking trails. As a dog owner, it’s up to you to keep your pup safe around these and other potential toxins.
If you have daffodils in your yard, make sure your dog stays away from them—especially if he’s been known to dig up plants. Ideally, you can replace them with a more dog-friendly alternative, like marigolds or Gerbera daisies. But if you can’t bear parting with your precious spring bulbs, consider installing fencing or netting to keep your dog’s curiosity at bay.
For indoor bouquets of daffodils, the safest solution is to re-gift them. If, however, you’re not eager to give up your precious flowers, make sure they’re inaccessible to your pup. Place them on a high shelf or in a room your dog doesn’t have access to.
Have a puppy? His small size and inquisitive nature will require you to exercise extra caution around poisonous plants. Your dog’s breed also comes into play here. Certain breeds, like Labrador Retrievers, are notorious for their undiscerning tastes and voracious appetites. These dogs may be more inclined to sample your carefully curated flower beds, putting them in harm’s way.
Some Alternative Dog-friendly Flowers
If you like the sunny look of daffodils, don’t fret—there are plenty of safer alternatives to choose from. Some of our favorite dog-friendly plants include:
- Rose
- Gerbera daisy
- Orchid
- Snapdragon
- Freesia
- Limonium
- Waxflower
- Statice
- Lisianthus
- Madagascar jasmine
The best way to avoid daffodil poisoning in dog is pretty obvious: don’t bring those plants into your home! Unsure if a plant is toxic to your dog? Check out Rover’s database of poisonous plants to find out.