Flowers may be beautiful, but there are definitely a few that can pose a serious risk to your pets. If you live with a dog, knowing which plants are safe is key. Lily family (Liliaceae)which includes about 15 genera and approximately 610 species, is of particular concern. While plants from two genera in this family, Lily (Real lilies) and Hemerocallis (daylilies), are fatally toxic to cats, their toxicity in dogs remains unconfirmed. The level of toxicity to plant canines in Liliaceae the family varies by species, with some being virtually harmless while others are highly poisonous. To further complicate matters, some plants that are not true lilies still include the term “lily” in their names, adding to the confusion.
We can definitely say that these plants are more toxic to cats than dogs due to their different physiology. The best advice we can offer is to avoid adding lilies to your garden or as houseplants in your home if you have a pet. Prevention is by far the best medicine.
Examples of toxic types of lilies
Lilies as a group are versatile. We can say that most species are perennial bulbs. Many species have showy flowers or are aromatic. Scientists refer to those of Lily genus like true lilies. Many varieties have their own scientific name, which makes knowing this information useful.
Dogs are susceptible to accidental poisoning due to their eating habits. Many puppies will consume anything they find, making canines more likely to become victims. That’s why we recommend avoiding any lily plant entirely because most accidents happen in a pet’s home. As discussed, the degree of toxicity varies by species. For example, Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum), which belongs to Lily stork, is not documented to be poisonous to dogs, but is extremely toxic to cats.
Types of plants in Liliaceae families that are toxic to dogs – and cats – through various toxins include the following:
- tulip (Fire species)
- Hosta (Hosta plataginea)
- climbing lily (Glorious and proud)
- lily of the valley (Convallaria majalisspp.)
- Palace lily or Barbados lily (Hippeastrum)
Learning about the hosta, or lily, surprised us, considering how popular the plant is for landscaping. Hostas contain saponins, which cause gastrointestinal problems in dogs, cats and horses after they are eaten. In particular, rabbits and deer can eat them without any ill effects. Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station lists it as one of the least resistant species to deer. However, the conclusion is that toxicity varies from animal to animal. So just because wildlife can eat a particular plant doesn’t mean it’s safe for your dog.
Other types of plants are called lilies
There are a number of plants that are called lilies, but are actually members of different families. “Lily” has come to mean any similar-looking flower, and you’ll notice many variations on this list. Toxic species for dogs that do not belong Liliaceae family includes the following:
- lily of the valley (Convallaria Majalis)
- Calla lily or trumpet lily (Zantedeschia spp.)
- Wild daffodil or Lent lily (Narcissus pseudonarcissus)
- Palace lily or Barbados lily (Hippeastrum)
- peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
- impala lily (Adenium obesum)
- Flamingo Lily (Anthurium scherzeranum)
We have included the scientific names of all these species because many have several names in common, further complicating their classification. Some plants have “spp.” after their genus name to indicate that many species exist under that umbrella, including many cultivars. Toxicity exists regardless of the individual species.
Signs of poisoning
The variety of plants on our list only scratches the surface of the lily problem. The signs of poisoning can also vary due to the specific toxin and its effects. For example, wild daffodils and lily of the valley contain a toxin called lycorine. This alkaloid is responsible for the signs of poisoning that follow the ingestion of this herb: vomiting, nausea, mouth irritation, stomach pain and diarrhea.
One of the most common signs of poisoning is vomiting. A dog only needs to eat one bulb to show signs of toxicity. The toxin is mostly concentrated in the bulb, however ingestion of the leaves is of equal concern.
Other plants, such as daylily and peace lily, contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause mouth irritation when swallowed or chewed. These crystals can lead to signs such as drooling, difficulty swallowing, pawing in the mouth, vomiting, and swelling of the lips and tongue.
Lily of the valley is particularly dangerous because it contains toxins that can negatively affect your pet’s cardiovascular system. Puppies and older dogs are most at risk. Tulips are also highly toxic due to the content of tulipalin A and B, which causes drooling, vomiting, depression and diarrhea. The highest concentration of these chemicals is in light bulbs and there is no known antidote.
The most common signs of toxicosis include the following:
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Stomach pain
- Attacks
Diagnosis and treatment
Due to the diversity of species, there are different mechanisms of action when it comes to accidental poisoning. This, in turn, affects treatment and prognosis. If you suspect that your dog has eaten lilies or any poisonous plant, contact your vet or doctor immediately ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Hotline (888-426-4435).
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Collect some of the remaining plants to take with you to the clinic for proper identification, if possible. You can also take a picture with your smartphone. If your pet does not show signs, your vet may choose to induce vomiting. Further treatment depends on the toxin and will likely include supportive care, such as intravenous fluids and anti-nausea medications.
Immediate action is critical because many types of flora contain potentially life-threatening toxins. Complications from accidental poisoning can include organ damage, requiring additional care and possible hospitalization.
Prevention
Keeping these plants out of your garden and home is the best prevention. We strongly encourage you to research any species to make sure it is safe for pets. Don’t assume your dog will leave them alone. An animal that is bored will find things to do, even things it shouldn’t, such as eating poisonous plants. Many are bitter and may prevent your puppy from swallowing them. However, this is not a solution or a wise strategy.
Final Thoughts
There are hundreds of species of lilies, with varying degrees of toxicity. For example, true lilies and daylilies are highly toxic to cats, while not particularly unsafe for canines. However, other plants that belong Liliaceae families are poisonous to dogs, and many other plants called lily of the valley are also poisonous to dogs and other pets. Therefore, we recommend only pet-safe plants in your home or yard to prevent accidental poisoning. By choosing pet-safe plants, you can enjoy the beauty of nature without putting your beloved companions at risk.
Featured Images: Bhupinder Bagga, Shutterstock
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