Are Dahlias Toxic to Dogs? Symptoms & What to Do

Mildly toxic

Yes, dahlias are mildly toxic to dogs

Dahlias are mildly toxic to cats and dogs. The irritant is unknown, and signs are usually mild and short-lived.

Dahlias and dogs: key facts

Toxic to dogs?	Mildly toxic
Toxic to cats?	Mildly toxic
Scientific name	Dahlia spp.
Toxic compound	Unidentified irritant compounds
Toxic parts	All parts
Signs usually start	Usually within a few hours
Plant type	Flower

Symptoms of dahlias poisoning in dogs

Mild vomiting and diarrhea
Mild skin irritation (dermatitis)

Why dahlias are toxic to dogs

The specific toxin has not been well characterized, but the plant irritates the gut and sometimes the skin.

What to do if your dog ate dahlias

Remove plant pieces from your dog's mouth and move dogs away from the plant. Wipe sap or pollen off the fur and paws with a damp cloth.
Call your vet or animal poison control for advice: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661.
Identify the plant. Take a photo or bring a piece (or the plant label) to the vet, and estimate how much was eaten and when.
Do not make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to. Home remedies such as hydrogen peroxide or salt can cause serious harm.
Watch for mild vomiting and diarrhea, mild skin irritation. Go to a vet if signs are severe, last more than a day, or your dog has trouble breathing or swallowing.

Treatment and outlook

Supportive care is usually enough. Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than a day.

How to keep your dog away from dahlias

Place dahlias on high shelves or in hanging planters out of reach of paws and tails, or in a room your dog cannot enter.
Give your dog something better to chew: chew toys and puzzle feeders reduce boredom chewing.
Pick up fallen leaves, petals and pollen promptly, and empty vases where pets can reach them.
In the garden, fence off beds, supervise dogs that dig, and store bulbs in a closed container before planting.

Pet-safe alternatives to dahlias

If you love flowers, these are listed as non-toxic to dogs by the ASPCA:

See the full list of plants safe for dogs.

Dahlias and dogs: FAQ

Are dahlias poisonous to dogs?

Dahlias are mildly toxic to dogs. Unidentified irritant compounds can cause mild vomiting and diarrhea and mild skin irritation (dermatitis), but serious poisoning is uncommon.

What part of dahlias is toxic to dogs?

All parts.

Can dogs die from eating dahlias?

It is very unlikely. Dahlias usually cause mild, short-lived signs. See a vet if signs are severe or your dog has trouble breathing or swallowing.

How long after eating dahlias will my dog show symptoms?

Usually within a few hours.

Are dahlias toxic to cats too?

Yes, dahlias are mildly toxic to cats.

Other plants toxic to dogs

Sources

Toxicity ratings follow the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant lists. Severity depends on the amount eaten, the part of the plant and your dog's size and health. When in doubt, call your vet.

Are Dahlias Toxic to Dogs?