Lily
DangerousMany lily varieties are highly toxic to dogs.
Toxicity Level
8/10Why It's Dangerous
Peace lilies, calla lilies, and lily of the valley can cause severe symptoms. Keep all lilies away from pets.
The Science
Lycorine, oxalates (varies by species)Different lily species contain different toxins. Peace lilies and calla lilies contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate intense oral pain, drooling, and swelling when chewed. Lily of the valley contains cardiac glycosides (convallatoxin) that can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. True lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) are primarily toxic to cats and less so to dogs, but can still cause GI upset. The mechanism varies by species, so identification is important.
Sources
- •ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
- •Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care
- •Clinical Veterinary Toxicology
Dosage & Thresholds
For peace lilies: chewing a single leaf is enough to cause intense oral irritation. For lily of the valley: any ingested amount should be treated as an emergency — cardiac glycosides have a narrow therapeutic window. Symptoms from peace lilies are usually self-limiting (resolve within hours). Lily of the valley poisoning requires immediate veterinary intervention and cardiac monitoring.
Symptoms to Watch For
If your dog has ingested lily
Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison hotline immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet.
callFind Emergency Vet