plant
Lilies
DANGEROUS
Yes, lilies should be treated as poisonous to dogs. Lily of the valley is the most serious and can affect the heart.
If your dog has eaten this item, contact your vet or an emergency veterinary service now.
If your dog is showing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seizures, collapse, severe vomiting, unconsciousness or other serious symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
What to do
Contact your vet with a photo of the plant if you can. Rinse the mouth with water if your dog is drooling from an irritant lily.
When to contact a vet: Contact a vet immediately if lily of the valley may have been eaten, or if your dog is collapsing, weak or has an irregular heartbeat.
Symptoms to look for
- drooling
- pawing at the mouth
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- lethargy
- slow or irregular heartbeat
- collapse
Why
Lily is a name used for several unrelated plants with different risks. True lilies are notorious for causing kidney failure in cats; in dogs they more commonly cause stomach upset, but ingestion should still be taken seriously. Lily of the valley is genuinely dangerous to dogs because it affects the heart rhythm. Peace lily and calla lily contain irritant crystals that cause mouth pain, drooling and swelling.
- Substances of concern
- cardiac glycosides in lily of the valley, insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in peace and calla lily
- Parts to avoid
- All parts, including leaves, flowers, bulbs and vase water.
- How much matters
- Even a small amount of lily of the valley can affect the heart. For other lilies, larger amounts increase the risk of stomach upset.
- Severity
- Moderate to high depending on the species
Identifying this plant
- Scientific name
- Lilium and related genera
- Plant family
- Liliaceae (true lilies); peace lily is Araceae
- UK common names
- Lily, Easter lily, Tiger lily, Day lily, Peace lily
- Poisonous parts
- flower, pollen, leaves, stem, bulb, vase water
- Toxic principle
- True lilies contain an unidentified toxin; peace lily and calla lily contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause mouth and throat irritation.
- When it's a risk
- Sold in cut-flower bouquets all year, and most common indoors around Easter and Christmas.
- Easily confused with
- Day lily, Peace lily, Calla lily, Amaryllis
Plants that look alike can differ greatly in how poisonous they are. A photograph is never proof of identity — if your dog may have eaten a plant you can't name with certainty, ask your vet or a qualified professional to identify it.
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlPrimary authoritative — Plant toxicity
- PetMDVeterinary information — Plant toxicity
Information reviewed against recognised veterinary and animal-safety sources. Source organisations are independent of Is It For Dogs unless otherwise stated.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026 · next review due September 2027.
Safety classifications are based on available expert and veterinary information. Individual dogs may react differently, particularly dogs with allergies, existing health conditions or specific dietary requirements.
Important: Is It For Dogs provides general information about the safety of foods, plants, drinks, ingredients and other items around dogs. Our information is based on sources we consider reliable and is intended to help dog owners make informed decisions. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified veterinary professional. Read more
Dogs can react differently depending on their size, age, health, allergies, medications, the amount consumed and other circumstances. An item classified as Safe is not necessarily suitable for every individual dog.
If your dog has eaten something potentially poisonous or dangerous, has eaten an unknown substance, or is showing concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Do not induce vomiting or give your dog medication unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.
Also known as lily, lilies, peace lily, lily of the valley, calla lily · Lilium and related genera