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Is Calla Lily Toxic to Dogs? Signs and What to Do

PawAI Lab
6 min read

Find out whether calla lilies pose a risk to dogs, what signs of oral irritation may appear after chewing, and what steps a veterinarian may recommend.

Quick Answer

Calla lilies are potentially harmful to dogs. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause immediate oral irritation, drooling, and swelling when chewed. While calla lilies are not the same as true lilies (Lilium) and are generally less likely to cause kidney damage in dogs, ingestion can still be painful and distressing. Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service if your dog has chewed on a calla lily.

Before using any tool, contact a veterinary professional if your dog may have chewed on a calla lily.

  • US: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661)
  • UK: Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) or your nearest veterinary emergency clinic
  • Canada: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661)
  • AU: Animal Emergency Centre or your regular vet
  • EU: Contact your nearest veterinary emergency service

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Safety Verdict

Potentially Harmful. Calla lilies (Zantedeschia species) contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, also known as raphides. When a dog chews on the plant, these needle-like crystals are released and penetrate the soft tissues of the mouth, tongue, and throat, causing immediate pain and irritation. The plant also contains protein-based toxins that may intensify the inflammatory response.

It is important to distinguish calla lilies from true lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species). True lilies are far more dangerous to cats and can cause severe kidney injury. Calla lilies belong to the Araceae family and primarily cause localized oral and gastrointestinal irritation rather than organ failure. However, this does not mean they are safe, and significant ingestion can still cause discomfort and complications.

What Should the Owner Do Now?

  1. Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service for guidance, especially if your dog is drooling heavily, pawing at the mouth, or showing swelling.
  2. Rinse your dog's mouth with water if it is safe to do so, to help remove remaining plant material and crystals. Offer fresh water to drink.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian directly instructs you to do so. The irritating crystals can cause additional damage coming back up.
  4. Remove the plant from your dog's reach to prevent further chewing.
  5. Collect relevant information (see the section below) so the veterinary team can assess the situation accurately.
  6. Do not give milk, food, salt, or home remedies. These are not proven treatments for calcium oxalate irritation.

What Signs May Occur?

Signs of calla lily exposure in dogs typically appear immediately or within minutes of chewing, as the calcium oxalate crystals cause instant mechanical irritation.

Common signs may include:

  • Excessive drooling
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Oral pain or reluctance to eat
  • Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
  • Vomiting
  • Difficulty swallowing

In most cases, the signs are limited to oral and gastrointestinal irritation. However, if swelling in the throat is significant, breathing difficulty may occur. The absence of signs does not necessarily rule out risk, particularly if only a small amount was tasted and the dog stopped chewing on its own.

What Information Should Be Ready?

When you contact a veterinarian or poison-control service, having the following details available can help them assess the situation:

  • Dog's details: species, breed, approximate age, and body weight
  • Plant identification: confirm whether the plant is a calla lily (Zantedeschia); a photo can help distinguish it from true lilies
  • Part of plant consumed: leaves, flowers, stems, or roots
  • Estimated amount: best guess of how much plant material was chewed or swallowed
  • Time of exposure: when the chewing or ingestion occurred
  • Current symptoms: any drooling, swelling, vomiting, or breathing changes
  • Medical history: any pre-existing conditions or current medications

Differences That May Affect Risk

Several factors may influence how severely a dog is affected:

  • Amount chewed: Dogs that take a single bite may experience mild irritation, while those that consume larger quantities may have more pronounced swelling and gastrointestinal upset.
  • Body size: Smaller dogs may be more affected by a given amount of plant material, and throat swelling can be more concerning in smaller airways.
  • Plant part: The leaves and stems contain calcium oxalate crystals, and the concentration can vary across the plant.
  • Individual sensitivity: Some dogs may have stronger inflammatory reactions than others.

When to Contact a Veterinarian

Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service if your dog has chewed on a calla lily, particularly if drooling, swelling, or oral pain is present.

Emergency signs that require urgent veterinary attention include:

  • Swelling of the tongue or throat that may affect breathing
  • Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Refusal to drink or extreme drooling that does not improve
  • Signs of distress or collapse

Non-urgent follow-up: If your dog took a small taste and shows only mild drooling that resolves quickly, monitoring at home may be appropriate, but consulting a veterinarian for reassurance is still recommended.

FAQ

Are calla lilies as dangerous as true lilies for dogs?

Calla lilies and true lilies (Lilium species) are different plants with different toxic principles. Calla lilies contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation, while true lilies can cause severe kidney injury, particularly in cats. For dogs, calla lilies generally cause localized discomfort rather than organ damage, but any ingestion still warrants veterinary consultation.

What should I do if my dog is drooling after chewing a calla lily?

Rinse your dog's mouth with water to help remove remaining crystals, offer fresh water to drink, and contact a veterinarian for guidance. Drooling is a common response to the oral irritation caused by calcium oxalate crystals. A veterinarian can assess whether further treatment is needed.

Can calla lily poisoning cause breathing problems in dogs?

Significant swelling of the tongue or throat from calcium oxalate irritation can potentially affect breathing, although this is less common than drooling and oral discomfort. If your dog shows any difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, or severe swelling, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

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Disclaimer

This article and the PawAI Toxicity Checker provide general safety information and cannot determine an individual pet's toxicity risk or replace a veterinarian or animal poison-control service. If exposure may have occurred, contact an appropriate professional promptly, even if your pet appears well.

Written by PawAI Lab