With their elegant beauty and pleasing fragrance, it’s no wonder lilies are such a popular spring flower. But as lovely as they are, lilies and pets don’t mix. Most of us know that lilies are highly poisonous to cats, but what about our canine companions? Are lilies poisonous to dogs as well?
Lucky for your pooch, most lilies are not considered poisonous to dogs. The ASPCA identifies flowers in the “true lily” or daylily families as non-toxic to dogs.
There are, however, several types of lilies that are considered dangerous to dogs. While consumption of these lilies is rarely fatal as it is with cats, your dog can still suffer gastrointestinal issues and mouth discomfort if he ingests them.
Read on to learn more about the potential dangers of this popular plant, as well as how to spot signs of lily poisoning in dogs and how to treat it.
Are All Types Of Lilies Poisonous To Dogs?
Photo by Earl Wilcox via Unsplash
Lily toxicity in dogs varies, depending on the type and amount of lily consumed. Unlike cats, who are highly vulnerable to lily toxicity, dogs can usually stomach a small amount of lily without dire consequences. That said, there are certain lilies that are more toxic to dogs than others.
Typically, daylilies and flowers that are considered true lilies won’t harm your dog. That is, unless he helps himself to an overly generous serving of one of these plants. Yes, they’re technically considered non-toxic to dogs, but eating too much of any plant will do a number on your pup’s digestive system. If your dog eats a substantial amount of true lilies, he’ll probably wind up with an upset stomach.
The following true lilies are considered non-toxic to dogs:
- Easter lily
- Tiger lily
- Stargazer lily
- Peruvian lily
- Japanese show lily
- Oriental lily
- Rubrum lily
- Spider lily
- Wood lily
Some lilies, on the other hand, pose a greater risk to dogs. Here are some of the most toxic lilies for dogs, according to PetMD:
Lily of the Valley
The name of this woodland plant is deceiving. While they may go by the name “lily,” these flowers aren’t considered true lilies. And yet the danger these plants pose to dogs warrants them a spot on this list. Lilies of the valley contain cardiac glycosides–a toxin that causes vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, heart arrhythmias, and seizures in both cats and dogs. In the most extreme cases, even death can occur.
Peace Lily & Calla Lily
These flowers contain sharp calcium oxalate crystals that can’t dissolve in water. If ingested, the particles can cause painful irritation of the lips, gums, tongue, and stomach. Watch for excessive drooling, trouble swallowing, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Prairie Lily (aka Rain Lily)
The most toxic part of the prairie lily is the plant’s bulb, which can cause mild to severe stomach discomfort in dogs.
Gloriosa Lily
The Gloriosa contains concentrated amounts of colchicine in its tubers, which can cause salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure, liver damage, and bone marrow suppression if ingested.
What Are The Signs Of Lily Poisoning In Dogs?
Symptoms of lily poisoning in dogs will vary, depending on the type and amount of lily ingested. To keep your dog safe, it’s important to familiarize yourself with these common symptoms of lily poisoning:
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Hiding
In most cases, symptoms will manifest within two hours after ingestion. If you suspect your dog has consumed a calla lily or peace lily, watch for pawing at the face, lip swelling, drooling, and changes in vocalization. In some cases, breathing difficulties can occur as a result of the irritation, but this is rare.
What To Do If Your Dog Has Ingested A Lily
Whether the lily was toxic or not, monitor your dog for signs of illness, such as excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or disinterest in food. If your dog begins to exhibit one or more of these signs of toxicity, consult your veterinarian for advice.
If possible, let your vet know the type and amount of lily your dog has consumed. Or better yet—bring a sample of the plant into the clinic to help your vet determine the level of toxicity. A quick snapshot on your phone will also work in a pinch.
If your dog has ingested a toxic lily, your vet may induce vomiting or administer activated charcoal to remove the toxins from the body. Hospitalization is rarely required, unless your dog has gotten into some lilies of the valley—PetMD tells us that consumption of these toxic flowers could land your pup in the clinic overnight for a day or two.
What Should I Do If I Have Lilies In My Home Or Garden?
What if you already have a bouquet of fresh stargazer lilies sitting on the kitchen table? Do you really need to discard them to keep your dog safe and healthy?
When it comes to house plants, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Especially if you have an eager chewer on your hands. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to get rid of your lovely lilies. You just need to be smart about where you place them. A vase of calla lilies on a coffee table at dog-level height: probably not a great idea. Up on a high shelf? Now you’re talking.
If you have lilies in your garden, consider installing fencing or netting to keep your dog away from them.
Dog-friendly Alternatives To Lilies
Spring and summer just aren’t the same without our favorite flowers. Fortunately, there are plenty of safe options for beginners and experts alike.
Brighten up your space with some of the following pup-approved plants:
- Purple basil
- Zebra plant
- Spider plant
- Swedish ivy
- African violet
- Gerbera daisy
- Rose
- Snapdragon
- Orchid
- Pansy
- Petunia
At the end of the day, it’s our responsibility as dog owners to keep our furry pals out of harm’s way. One surefire way to accomplish this is to create a dog-friendly home—free from toxic plants and other poisonous substances.
To discover which plants are off-limits for your pet, check out Rover’s comprehensive database of poisonous plants to dogs and cats.
