In the aesthetic world of flowers, lilies stand tall as the symbol of beauty, purity, and elegance. Delicate petals and full of fragrance. But amid this captivating flower world there is hidden danger as they may be poisonous for our dogs. This might make you wonder, “Are Lilies Poisonous to Dogs?”
Let’s unravel the hazardous effect of lilies on dogs. We will see the signs of infection and what should we do to prevent it by raising awareness about the potential hazards that lilies pose to our canine companions. 🌺🐾
Are Lilies Poisonous to Dogs?
Yes, lilies are poisonous for the dogs. Not all but maximun kind of lilies cause toxicity in dogs and hence should not be fed to the dogs. Lilies like, “lily of the valley”, “peace lily” and “prairie lily” are generally considered to be most toxic for the dogs.
According to Dr. Laci Schaible from PetMD, “Lilies aren’t just dangerous to cats—they pose a risk to dogs, too. While lethal lily poisonings are rare in dogs, lilies are still considered to be poisonous for our dogs. You should be aware of lily toxicity in dogs so you can help keep your pets protected”
Next time when you are about to plant some flowers or bring some flowers to your home just to give your eyes something soothing to look at then make sure you are not buying lilies if you have a dog at your home. If you have lilies in your garden, consider installing fencing or netting to keep your dog away from them.
Not all types of lilies are dangerous. However, there are types of lilies highly toxic, here are some of them[1]:
- Prairie Lily/ Rain Lily
- Lily of the Valley
- Peace Lily
- Calla Lily
- Easter Lily
- Tiger Lily
- Japanese Show Lily
- Daylilies
- Asiatic Lily
- Peruvian Lily
- Madonna Lily
- Martagon Lily
- Turk’s Cap Lily
What Are the Signs of Lily Poisoning in Dogs?
Symptoms of lily poisoning in dogs look a lot like any other toxicity symptoms, Here are some of the signs due to lily poisoning includes:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
- Swollen or painful belly
- Dehydration
- Changes to urine color
- Seizures
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Excessive drooling
- Redness in the eyes, gums, mouth, or tongue
The effects of lily toxicity are rapid. Within 1-3 hours of ingestion. After 12-30 hours your dog will develop excessive thirst and urination as the kidney damage advances. Within 3-7 days of ingestion, as symptoms progressively become worse even death can occur[2].
What to Do if Your Dog Has Ingested a Lily?
If you suspect that your dog has ingested a toxic plant, you should take the following steps[3]:
- Remove the plant from your dog’s mouth.
- Get a sample of the plant or take a photo.
- Ensure your dog is breathing normally.
- Don’t induce vomiting or give home remedies.
- Call a vet/animal poison control center immediately.
- Put your dog in a safe space away from the toxin.
- Call the vet even if your dog is acting perfectly normal.
Alternatives for Your Garden
Before starting to grow your dream garden you should look out for all the information on how those plants may affect your pets, here are some safe alternate flowers:
- Roses
- Sunflowers
- Snapdragons
- Zinnias
- Orchids
- Carnations
- Daisies
- Cymbidium Orchids
- Freesia
- African Violets
- Marigolds
- Petunias
- Hibiscus
- Cosmos
To ensure that flowers or plants are safe for dogs, it is important to keep them free from harmful chemicals, pesticides, or fertilizers that could be harmful to dogs.
There are many alternatives that are generally safe, it is essential to observe your dog around any new plants or flowers and monitor them to prevent any potential ingestion or unwanted interactions.
If you have any concerns about the safety of specific flowers or plants, consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice.
FAQs
Symptoms of Lily Poisoning in Dogs?
Death. Hiding. Kidney failure (swollen abdomen – fluid retention, unusual urination – marked increase or decrease), Liver failure (abdominal pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, swollen abdomen, vomiting, yellow skin, and eyes), Shock.
Are Peace Lilies Poisonous to Dogs?
Peace lilies, like traditional lilies, are in the Araceae family – and yes, according to the ASPCA, are toxic to both dogs and cats. The main culprit to blame? Calcium oxalate crystals, aka needle-like crystals, are present in all parts of the peace lily plant, including the stem and leaves.
Are Calla Lilies Poisonous to Dogs?
Yes. The entire plant is toxic, with the highest concentration of toxins found in the underground stem called the rhizome. Calla lilies, scientifically known as Zantedeschia aethiopica, contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, the primary cause of toxicity.
Are Peace Lilies Poisonous to Dogs?
Peace lilies, like traditional lilies, are in the Araceae family – and yes, according to the ASPCA, are toxic to both dogs and cats. The main culprit to blame? Calcium oxalate crystals, aka needle-like crystals, are present in all parts of the peace lily plant, including the stem and leaves.
Is It Okay to Have Lilies in the House With a Dog?
There are a variety of different types of lilies – some of these are highly toxic and some are not so much. We say it’s not worth the risk in your home or garden and we do suggest steering clear of them altogether to make sure your dog is always safe. Always check with your vet in case of any issues with lilies.
Are Lilies Poisonous to Cats?
The entire lily plant is toxic: the stem, leaves, flowers, pollen, and even the water in a vase. Eating just a small amount of a leaf or flower petal, licking a few pollen grains off its fur while grooming, or drinking the water from the vase can cause your cat to develop fatal kidney failure in less than 3 days.
Summary
So, no matter how beautiful and breathtaking lilies are, they are highly toxic to our dogs also Be careful around your dogs with lilies.
Try not to bring lilies home or grow them around your house, If you accidentally find ingestion of toxins in your dog then rush to the vet.
By paying attention to these steps you will ensure the well-being of your dog, keeping them rose and happy! 🌺🐾
Reference:
- Which lilies are toxic to pets? (2022, April 6)- ASPCA.
- The MSPCA-Angell. (2020, January 28). Lily Toxicity: The Potentially Fatal Danger to Cats- MSPCA Angell.
- Admin. (2023). Pet Poison Prevention: Understanding lily toxicity in pets- Animal Emergency Care.
