Lilies are a toxicity question, not an allergy one — and which lily matters. True lilies are toxic to dogs and cats both, but far more severe in cats, where small amounts destroy the kidneys. Lily of the valley is the one that most endangers a dog: it carries cardiac glycosides and can cause an irregular heartbeat, collapse and seizures. Identify the plant, then call a vet.
Dogs are beloved pets that bring joy and companionship to millions of households around the world. However, as much as we love our furry friends, it’s important to remember that they can be sensitive to certain substances that are harmless to humans. One such substance is the lily flower, which can cause serious health problems for dogs if ingested.
Many people are surprised to learn that lilies are toxic to dogs, as they are often used in floral arrangements and are a common sight in gardens and parks. However, according to PetMD, several species of lilies, including the Easter lily, tiger lily, daylily, and stargazer lily, can cause serious health problems for dogs if ingested. Symptoms of lily poisoning in dogs can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and loss of appetite. The kidney failure that lilies are known for is a cat emergency; in dogs, the plant to worry about is lily of the valley, which affects the heart.
In this article, we will explore the dangers of lilies for dogs in more detail, including which types of lilies are most toxic, how to recognize the symptoms of lily poisoning in dogs, and what to do if you suspect your dog has ingested a lily. We will also discuss some alternative flowers and plants that are safe for dogs and can be used to brighten up your home or garden without putting your furry friend at risk.
What are Lilies?
Lilies are beautiful flowering plants that come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. They are a popular choice for gardens, floral arrangements, and home decor due to their elegant appearance and sweet fragrance.
There are over 100 different species of lilies, including Asiatic, Oriental, and Trumpet lilies. Each species has its own unique characteristics, such as petal shape, color, and blooming time.
Lilies are typically grown from bulbs, which are planted in the fall and bloom in the spring or summer. They prefer well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
While lilies are beloved by many, they can be dangerous to certain animals, including dogs. Some species of lilies contain toxins that can cause serious health problems if ingested. In the next section, we will explore the potential risks of lilies for dogs.
Are Dogs Allergic to Lilies?
Lilies are beautiful flowers that can add a touch of elegance to any home or garden. However, pet owners need to be aware that certain types of lilies can be toxic to dogs. According to PetMD, lilies from the Lilium and Hemerocallis genera are the most dangerous for cats, but they can also be harmful to dogs.
Which lily decides how serious this is. True lilies can cause stomach upset in dogs, usually vomiting and diarrhea; the ASPCA lists the Easter lily as non-toxic to dogs and notes that cats are the only species known to suffer the kidney failure that lilies are famous for. Lily of the valley is the exception that matters for dogs, and it is covered below. If you suspect that your dog has ingested any part of a lily, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.
It is also important to note that not all lilies are created equal when it comes to toxicity. The peace lily and calla lily are not true lilies at all. The ASPCA lists the peace lily as toxic to dogs through insoluble calcium oxalates, which cause burning of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing rather than tremors or seizures.
As a responsible pet owner, it is best to avoid having lilies in your home or garden if you have dogs. If you receive a bouquet of flowers that contain lilies, make sure to remove them from the bouquet and dispose of them properly. Keep your dog away from any lilies that may be growing in your garden, and consider planting pet-friendly flowers instead.
Symptoms of Lily Toxicity in Dogs
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
The most common symptoms of lily toxicity in dogs are gastrointestinal in nature. These symptoms typically begin within two hours of ingestion and may include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive drooling
Renal Symptoms: In Cats, Not Dogs
Kidney damage from lilies is a cat problem, not a dog one, and the ASPCA is explicit that cats are the only species known to be affected. The signs below are the ones a vet watches for in a cat, and they are listed here so nobody mistakes a cat emergency for a dog one:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Decreased or absent urination
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
Cardiovascular Symptoms
Lily of the valley is the lily that reaches a dog heart. It contains cardiac glycosides, and the ASPCA lists these signs:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
- Cardiac arrest
Respiratory Symptoms
Ingestion of lilies can also cause respiratory symptoms such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid breathing
- Coughing
Dermatological Symptoms
Finally, some dogs may experience dermatological symptoms after ingesting lilies. These symptoms can include:
- Redness or swelling of the skin
- Hives
- Itching
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
If you suspect that your dog has ingested lilies, it is important to take them to a veterinarian immediately. The vet will perform a physical examination and ask about your dog’s symptoms. They may also perform blood tests and urinalysis to check for kidney damage. Additionally, the vet may perform an ultrasound or X-ray to check for blockages in the digestive system.
It is important to note that not all lily poisoning cases are easy to diagnose. According to PetMD, “the signs of kidney failure can be delayed for up to three days after ingestion, so early recognition and treatment are critical to the prognosis of the dog.”
Treatment options
If your dog has ingested lilies, the vet will likely induce vomiting to remove any remaining plant matter from the stomach. They may also administer activated charcoal to prevent further absorption of toxins into the bloodstream.
If your dog is showing signs of kidney damage, they may need to be hospitalized for supportive care. This may include intravenous fluids, medication to control vomiting and diarrhea, and monitoring of kidney function.
According to the American Kennel Club, “the prognosis for dogs that have ingested lilies is generally good if they receive prompt veterinary care.” However, it is important to note that the earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the better the chances of recovery.
Prevention
Keeping your dog away from lilies is the best way to avoid poisoning, which is the real risk here rather than allergy. If you have lilies in your home or garden, keep them out of reach of your dog. If you receive a bouquet of flowers that includes lilies, remove them from the bouquet and dispose of them safely.
When walking your dog outside, keep an eye out for lilies in the area. If you see any, keep your dog on a leash and steer clear of them. It’s also a good idea to educate your friends and family about the dangers of lilies to dogs and ask them not to bring them into your home.
If you’re unsure whether a plant is toxic to dogs, consult the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants. This list can help you identify which plants to avoid and which are safe to have around your dog.
If you suspect that your dog has come into contact with lilies or any other toxic plant, seek veterinary care immediately. The sooner your dog receives treatment, the better the outcome is likely to be.
Before You Go
Lilies are worth keeping away from dogs, but be precise about why. True lilies mostly cause stomach upset in a dog and are a life-threatening kidney emergency in a cat. Lily of the valley is the one that can put a dog in real danger, because it affects the heart. And sago palm, which is sold as a palm and is not a lily at all, causes liver failure in dogs and is on the ASPCA toxic list.
In a dog, the usual signs after eating a true lily are vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and loss of appetite. Signs that point to lily of the valley instead, and mean an emergency, are a fast or irregular heartbeat, weakness, collapse, disorientation or a seizure. If your dog has ingested any part of a lily, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately for advice and treatment.
While there are some species of lilies that are considered “non-toxic,” they can still cause illness if ingested. It is important to keep all lilies out of reach of dogs and to be vigilant in identifying any potential sources of lily exposure.
Overall, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid exposing your dog to lilies altogether. If you have lilies in your home or garden, be sure to keep them away from your dog and dispose of any fallen petals or leaves promptly. With proper care and attention, you can help keep your furry friend safe and healthy.
