Lilies

Why it’s considered safe for dogs

"Lily" is a nickname shared by many unrelated plants, and the answer depends on which one your dog reached. True lilies (Lilium) include Easter, tiger, Asiatic and Stargazer lilies, while daylilies (Hemerocallis) are a separate group. The ASPCA plant database lists both as non-toxic to dogs, and Merck Veterinary Manual does not report true lily poisoning in dogs. Pet Poison Helpline expects dogs to develop only stomach upset after eating true lilies. One ASPCA advice article is more cautious and says lilies can be toxic to dogs too, so "non-toxic" here means serious poisoning isn't expected, not that lilies are a safe snack.

The look-alikes are a different story, and every one of these is toxic to dogs. Peace lily and calla lily contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth. Lily of the valley contains cardiac glycosides that can disturb the heartbeat. Gloriosa lily, also called climbing lily, contains colchicine-related alkaloids.

Dogs usually meet lilies in cut-flower bouquets or garden beds.

If your dog ate lilies

A nibble of a true lily or daylily is not expected to cause serious trouble. Take the plant away, offer fresh water, and watch for drooling, vomiting or diarrhea. Eating any plant material can upset a dog's stomach.

Call your vet or a poison helpline if your dog ate a large amount, keeps vomiting, seems unwell, or you can't be sure it was a true lily or daylily. If it might have been a peace lily, calla lily, lily of the valley or gloriosa lily, call right away, because those are toxic to dogs. In the US, ASPCA Animal Poison Control is (888) 426-4435 and Pet Poison Helpline is (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply); elsewhere, call your local emergency vet. Please don't try to make your dog vomit at home.

Pesticides, fertilizers and other plant treatments can matter as much as the lily itself. Tell the vet if the plant or soil was treated.

Keeping your dog safe

Put vases of cut lilies on a high shelf or in a room your dog can't enter, and sweep up fallen petals and pollen quickly. In the garden, keep lily beds away from the spots where your dog likes to patrol and dig.

If you can't tell which lily-named plant you have, treat it as toxic until you've identified it. A plant tag or a photo checked against the ASPCA plant list settles the question. Teaching a solid "leave it" cue helps with every plant, and a bored dog with a chew toy is far less likely to shred the flower arrangement.