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Is Lily Toxic to Dogs? What Owners Need to Know About Lilies

PawAI Lab
8 min read

Learn which lily species may pose a risk to dogs, how the effects differ from the well-known danger lilies present to cats, and the steps a veterinarian may recommend after exposure.

Quick Answer

Lilies are not as dangerous to dogs as they are to cats, but some types can still cause harm. True lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) may be associated with gastrointestinal upset and, in some cases, kidney effects in dogs. Other plants commonly called lilies, such as Peace, Calla, and Peruvian lilies, can cause oral irritation and digestive upset. If your dog chewed on or ingested any part of a lily, contact a veterinarian or an animal poison-control service for guidance.

Before using any tool, contact a veterinary professional if your dog may have chewed on or eaten a 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. The term "lily" refers to several different plant species, and their effects on dogs vary. True lilies (belonging to the genus Lilium, such as Easter lilies, Tiger lilies, and Asiatic lilies) and daylilies (Hemerocallis) are well known for causing severe kidney failure in cats. In dogs, the effects are typically milder, but these plants may still cause gastrointestinal upset and, in some cases, kidney-related issues.

Other plants commonly referred to as lilies can also affect dogs through different mechanisms:

  • Peace lily (Spathiphyllum): Contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, drooling, and gastrointestinal upset.
  • Calla lily (Zantedeschia): Also contains calcium oxalate crystals, which may cause similar oral and digestive irritation.
  • Peruvian lily (Alstroemeria): May cause mild gastrointestinal upset when ingested.

Because different "lilies" carry different risks, and because the exact species is sometimes difficult to identify, any ingestion should be discussed with a veterinarian.

Important note: Lilies are far more dangerous to cats than to dogs. Even small exposures to true lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis) can cause life-threatening kidney failure in cats. If a lily is present in a household with cats, extra caution is essential.

What Should the Owner Do Now?

  1. Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service. Have the details of the plant and how much was eaten ready so the team can assess the level of concern.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or poison-control professional directly instructs you to do so.
  3. Remove any remaining plant material from your dog's reach to prevent further ingestion.
  4. Do not give food, milk, salt, oil, charcoal, or any home remedy. These are not proven treatments for lily exposure and may complicate the situation.
  5. Try to identify the plant. If possible, take a photo or bring a sample of the plant to help the veterinary team determine the species and appropriate response.
  6. Follow the veterinarian's instructions regarding whether an examination, monitoring, or supportive care is needed.

What Signs May Occur?

The signs that may occur depend on the type of lily involved. Not all dogs will show every sign, and the absence of early signs does not necessarily rule out risk.

For plants containing calcium oxalate crystals (Peace lily, Calla lily), signs may include:

  • Oral irritation or burning sensation in the mouth
  • Drooling or excessive salivation
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Vomiting
  • Difficulty swallowing

For true lilies (Lilium) and daylilies (Hemerocallis), signs in dogs may include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Reduced appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Changes in drinking or urination, which may indicate kidney effects

If your dog shows changes in urination, drinking, or energy levels after lily exposure, treat the situation as urgent and seek veterinary care promptly.

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 more efficiently:

  • Dog's details: species, breed, approximate age, and body weight
  • Plant involved: the common name and, if known, the botanical name (e.g., Lilium, Hemerocallis, Spathiphyllum, Zantedeschia, Alstroemeria)
  • Part of plant consumed: leaves, flowers, stem, pollen, or roots
  • Estimated amount: best guess of how much plant material was ingested
  • Time of ingestion: when the exposure occurred, or the window of time during which it may have happened
  • Current symptoms: any drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, oral irritation, lethargy, or changes in drinking and urination
  • Photograph or sample: if available, a photo or physical sample of the plant for identification
  • Medical history: any pre-existing kidney disease, current medications, or other health conditions

Provide honest estimates rather than precise numbers. The veterinary team can work with approximate information to determine the best course of action.

Differences That May Affect Risk

Lily toxicity risk in dogs is influenced by several factors:

  • Species of lily: True lilies (Lilium) and daylilies (Hemerocallis) carry different risks than Peace, Calla, or Peruvian lilies. The exact plant species matters.
  • Part of plant: Some parts of a lily may contain higher concentrations of toxic compounds than others.
  • Amount ingested: Larger ingestions are more likely to produce noticeable signs, but individual sensitivity also plays a role.
  • Species of pet: Lilies are far more dangerous to cats than to dogs. Safety conclusions for dogs should never be transferred to cats, and vice versa.
  • Individual sensitivity: Dogs with pre-existing kidney disease or other health conditions may be more vulnerable.
  • Body size: Smaller dogs may be more affected by a given amount of plant material.

Because of these uncertainties, any known or suspected ingestion of a lily should be discussed with a veterinarian.

When to Contact a Veterinarian

Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service if your dog has chewed on or ingested any part of a lily.

Emergency signs that require urgent veterinary attention include:

  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
  • Oral irritation, drooling, or pawing at the mouth
  • Lethargy, weakness, or collapse
  • Changes in drinking or urine output
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing changes

Non-urgent follow-up: If a small amount was eaten and your dog appears normal, professional guidance is still recommended to confirm whether monitoring at home is appropriate or whether an examination is advisable, particularly if the plant was a true lily (Lilium).

FAQ

Are lilies more dangerous to cats than to dogs?

Yes. True lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) can cause life-threatening kidney failure in cats, even from small exposures. In dogs, the effects are typically milder, but these plants can still cause gastrointestinal upset and possible kidney effects. Lilies should be kept away from all pets, especially cats.

Which lilies are toxic to dogs?

Several plants called lilies can affect dogs. True lilies (Lilium) and daylilies (Hemerocallis) may cause gastrointestinal and kidney effects. Peace lilies and Calla lilies contain calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation. Peruvian lilies may cause mild digestive upset. Any ingestion should be discussed with a veterinarian.

What should I do if my dog ate a lily?

Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service right away. Try to identify the plant, note how much was eaten and when, and follow professional guidance. Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies unless instructed by a veterinarian.

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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