Lilies are popular flowers that can often be found in bouquets, floral arrangements, and gardens. However, some types of lilies can be very toxic and even deadly to dogs if ingested. Knowing which lily varieties are potentially poisonous is crucial for all dog owners in order to prevent accidental poisoning. This article will provide an overview of lily toxicity in dogs, identify the most dangerous lily varieties, explain the symptoms of lily poisoning, and offer tips for keeping dogs safe around lilies.
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Overview of Lily Toxicity in Dogs
Members of the Lilium and Hemerocallis species contain toxins that can cause kidney failure in dogs. All parts of the lily plant are toxic to dogs, including the stem, leaves, flowers, pollen, and even the water in a vase that contains lilies. Just small amounts, such as chewing on a leaf or licking pollen that has brushed up against the fur and coat, can result in poisoning.
The exact toxin responsible for the effects in dogs is unknown, but it does significant damage to the kidneys. The toxin appears to be concentrated most densely in the stamen (the slender stalk in the center of the flower that holds the pollen). As few as two to three lily stamens can result in severe, acute kidney failure in dogs.
Within the lily family, some species contain more of the toxic compound and are considered extremely dangerous, while other types of lilies are less toxic but still pose a poisoning risk if ingested.
Most Toxic Types of Lilies for Dogs
The lily varieties that are most toxic to dogs include:
Asiatic lilies
This group includes popular hybrids like the Stargazer lily. All parts of the Asiatic lilies are very poisonous to dogs.
Easter lily
The Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum) is one of the most toxic types of lilies for dogs. Ingestion often leads to acute kidney injury.
Tiger lilies
Tiger lilies contain high levels of the unknown toxin that causes kidney failure in dogs. Even small ingestions can be fatal.
Daylilies
Daylilies (Hemerocallis species) contain similar toxins as true lilies. In some cases, ingesting just a couple daylily petals or leaves has killed dogs.
Rubrum lilies
Rubrum lilies, also known as red Lancifolium lilies or Japanese fire lilies, are very poisonous to dogs as well.
Western red lilies
Native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, these wild lilies are also toxic.
Wood lilies
Wood lilies (Lilium philadelphicum), found across eastern and central North America, pose a risk despite being a wild, native plant.
All parts and all colors of these lily varieties have the potential to cause poisoning if ingested by dogs, so extreme caution is warranted.
Less Toxic Lilies
Some other lilies appear to be less dangerously toxic to dogs, but they can still cause issues if ingested in significant quantities:
- Calla lilies
- Peace lilies
- Peruvian lilies
- Lily of the valley
These types of lilies can result in gastrointestinal upset like vomiting or drooling. Peace lilies in particular still contain oxalates, which are compounds that can irritate the mouth and esophagus. Any evidence of chewing, eating, or licking these flowers merits a call to your vet.
Lily Poisoning Symptoms in Dogs
Within an hour of ingesting part of a toxic lily plant, you may see your dog:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
More serious clinical signs can develop within 12-24 hours, including:
- Increased urination
- Increased thirst
- Mouth ulceration or inflammation if chewed on lily plant
- Abdominal pain
Without treatment, dogs can develop kidney failure in 36-72 hours. This is characterized by symptoms like:
- Complete lack of appetite
- Depression
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or bloody stools
- Weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Trembling
- Dehydration
- Foul breath
In severe poisoning cases, dogs can experience seizures or complete kidney failure followed by death within 3-7 days of exposure. The sooner dogs get treatment, the better their chance of recovery without permanent kidney damage.
What to Do if Your Dog Ingests Lilies
If you catch your dog eating any part of a lily plant or notice the symptoms above, especially within the first 18 hours, you should take the following steps:
- Contact your veterinarian or emergency vet clinic immediately.
- Bring in any remaining parts of the plant for identification.
- Induce vomiting at home if advised by your veterinarian. Give 3% hydrogen peroxide orally (1 teaspoon per 5 lbs body weight).
- Do not wait for symptoms to develop before getting treatment. The sooner you call your vet, the greater chance you have of preventing kidney failure.
With prompt veterinary treatment, the prognosis for lily poisoning can be good. Quick action helps prevent permanent kidney damage. Treatment your vet may provide includes:
- Inducing vomiting to remove any remaining plant material
- IV fluids to prevent dehydration
- Medications to control vomiting
- Kidney function testing
- Medications to improve kidney function
- Hospitalization with close monitoring of kidney parameters
Without treatment, ingestion of even a small amount of a toxic lily variety often leads to death within 7 days.
Preventing Lily Poisoning
Since it only takes ingestion of a couple lily stamens to cause kidney failure in dogs, prevention is crucial. Here are some tips for keeping your dog safe:
- Avoid having lilies or bringing flower arrangements with lilies into your home. Opt for dog-friendly flowers instead.
- Never let dogs drink out of or play in water that contains lily stems or leaves.
- Quickly wipe any lily pollen off your dog’s fur if they brush up against the flowers.
- Keep lilies and bouquets up high and out of reach of curious dogs.
- Carefully limit access to any outdoor gardens that may contain toxic lilies.
- Be extra cautious when bringing your dog to other homes or events where there may be lilies present.
- Warn any visitors not to bring lilies when they come see your dog.
- Teach children not to feed any plants or flowers to the dog.
With vigilance, you can help avoid accidental exposure and poisoning. If you suspect your dog has ingested any part of a lily plant, however, don’t hesitate to call your vet or emergency clinic right away for treatment advice.
Dog-Friendly Flower Alternatives to Lilies
There are many beautiful, fragrant flower varieties you can grow or have in your home that are completely safe and non-toxic for dogs. Some dog-safe choices include:
- Roses
- Orchids
- Sunflowers
- Petunias
- Pansies
- Snapdragons
- Daisies
- Geraniums
- Daffodils
- Violets
When selecting bouquets or planning your garden, look for these dog-friendly flowers. That way you can ensure you fill your home with beauty safely. Monitor your dog in any flower bed and train them to avoid digging or nibbling plants. But these varieties do not contain the harmful toxins that lilies have and are generally non-toxic for dogs.
Conclusion
All parts of many true lily varieties, including the Easter lily, tiger lily, Asiatic lily, and others contain extremely dangerous toxins that can lead to severe kidney damage and death in dogs that ingest any part of the plant. Prevent access to lilies at home and in gardens. Know the early signs of lily poisoning, and call your veterinarian immediately if exposure occurs. With prompt treatment, the prognosis can be good. Stick to dog-safe flowers like roses, sunflowers, geraniums, and daisies instead to avoid the toxicity risk while still enjoying lovely blooms with your pet. Being aware and vigilant about lily toxicity can help keep your dog safe and healthy.
