Colorful and hardy, the iris is a popular perennial in many household gardens. Also called bearded iris, snake lily, and yellow flag, the iris is known for bringing a touch of elegance to any garden bed. But are they safe for our pets? Are iris poisonous to dogs?
Unfortunately, yes, iris are considered toxic to dogs, as well as cats. Although iris poisoning is rarely fatal in dogs, the flower can still cause considerable harm to dogs if ingested or touched.
If you’re a pet owner, it’s important to do your homework before incorporating new additions to your garden or flower bed. Let’s explore the signs and symptoms of iris poisoning in dogs and what to do if your curious pooch gets into one (or more) of these flowers.
Are Irises Poisonous To Dogs?
According to the ASPCA, yes—iris are poisonous to dogs. While we can’t deny their aesthetic appeal, these eye-catching blooms can tigger tissue irritation if your dog swallows or touches them. Fortunately, iris poisoning in dogs is usually only mild to moderate in severity.
The primary toxic compound responsible for these unpleasant side effects is irisin. Irisin is found in every part of the plant, but is most concentrated in the bulbs and rhizomes, or underground stems. The Pet Poison Helpline confirms that plants belonging to the Iridaceae family contain the highest concentration of toxins in their bulbs, making these flowers especially hazardous to dogs who love to dig. If that’s your dog, get our tips on how to stop your dog from digging.
What Are The Signs Of Iris Poisoning In Dogs?
Symptoms of iris poisoning vary in severity, depending on the part of the plant ingested, the amount your dog has eaten, and your dog’s size. Symptoms of iris poisoning could appear as soon as two hours after consumption. If your dog has helped himself to a serving of these flowers, watch for the following clinical signs of iris poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Salivation and drooling
- Lethargy
If you strongly suspect that your dog has eaten an iris (or several irises…) don’t wait for symptoms to appear: act quickly, and give your vet a call. If treatment is required, the sooner you start, the better your pet’s prognosis will likely be.
What To Do If Your Dog Has Eaten (Or Touched) An Iris
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 ring.
Even though iris poisoning is rarely fatal in dogs, you should put in a call to your vet for further instructions. If treatment is required, the sooner you start, the better. If you can, let your vet know which part of the flower your dog has consumed, and how much. 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 also works.
To treat iris 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 a lot, intravenous fluids may be required to combat dehydration. Don’t try these treatments at home, though.
What If I Have Irises In My Home Or Garden?
Of course, many of us already have iris in our gardens. As pet parents, do we need to get rid of them?
The short answer: it depends. Ultimately, it’s your responsibility to take whatever steps are necessary to keep your dog away from these poisonous plants.
If you have iris in your yard, make sure Fido steers clear—especially if he’s been known to dig up plants. Ideally, you can replace irises with a more dog-friendly alternative, like marigolds or Gerbera daisies. If you can’t bear parting with your precious spring bulbs, however, consider installing fencing or netting, instead.
For indoor bouquets of daffodils, the safest solution is to re-gift them. But if 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.
Dog-friendly Alternatives To Iris
If you like the look and fragrance of iris, don’t despair—there are plenty of safer alternatives to choose from. Some of our favorite dog-friendly plants include:
- Rose
- Gerbera daisy
- Orchid
- Snapdragon
- Freesia
- Waxflower
- Statice
- Dill
- Rosemary
- Purple Basil
- Nasturtium
- Sunflower
- Coral Bells
- Polka Dot Plant
- Marigold
- Fuschias
The best way to avoid the risk of iris poisoning in dogs is simple: don’t bring the flowers into your home or garden If you’re unsure if a plant is toxic to your dog or cat, check out Rover’s database of poisonous plants to find out before you start getting greenfingered.