No, lilies are not toxic to dogs
True lilies (Lilium) and daylilies (Hemerocallis) are among the most dangerous plants for cats. Eating two or three leaves, chewing a petal, or licking pollen off the fur can cause acute kidney failure. Dogs do not develop kidney failure from lilies, though eating the plant can upset their stomach.
Lilies and dogs: key facts
| Toxic to dogs? | Non-toxic |
| Toxic to cats? | Highly toxic |
| Scientific name | Lilium spp. and Hemerocallis spp. |
| Also called | Easter lily, tiger lily, Asiatic lily, stargazer lily, daylily |
| Toxic compound | Unknown water-soluble nephrotoxin |
| Toxic parts | All parts: petals, leaves, stem, pollen and even the water in the vase |
| Plant type | Flower |
What dog owners should know
True lilies and daylilies are not kidney-toxic to dogs, and the ASPCA lists them as non-toxic to dogs. A dog that eats a bouquet may still vomit or have diarrhea from the plant material. Note that some "lilies" are different plants: peace lilies and calla lilies cause mouth irritation, and lily of the valley is dangerous for dogs.
What happens if a dog eats lilies?
- Vomiting within 0-12 hours
- Drooling and loss of appetite
- Lethargy and hiding
- Increased or decreased urination (12-24 hours)
- Dehydration and acute kidney failure (24-72 hours)
Why lilies are considered safe
The exact toxin in true lilies and daylilies has not been identified, but it is water-soluble and attacks the cells lining the kidney tubules. Cats are uniquely sensitive: tiny exposures (a couple of leaves, a bitten petal, pollen groomed off the coat, or vase water) can cause acute kidney injury.
What to do if your dog ate lilies
- Remove any remaining plant material from your dog's mouth and move the plant out of reach.
- Offer fresh water. Mild vomiting from plant fiber usually settles within a few hours.
- Check the pot: fertilizer sticks, systemic pesticides, slug bait and cocoa mulch can be more dangerous than the plant itself.
- Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours, or if your dog seems lethargic.
When treatment is needed
There is no antidote. Vets make the cat vomit (if ingestion was recent), give activated charcoal, and start aggressive IV fluids for at least 48 hours while monitoring kidney values. Treatment started within about 18 hours greatly improves survival; once the kidneys stop producing urine, dialysis may be the only option.
How to keep your dog away from lilies
- Place lilies 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.
Lilies and dogs: FAQ
Are lilies poisonous to dogs?
Lilies are non-toxic to dogs, according to the ASPCA. Eating a lot of any plant can still cause mild stomach upset.
Can I keep lilies in a house with dogs?
Yes. Lilies are considered pet-safe. Keep them where your dog cannot knock them over or dig in the soil, and avoid pesticide or fertilizer products pets could lick.
Are lilies toxic to cats too?
Yes, lilies are highly toxic to cats. The risk is different for cats: see our cat guide.
Is lily pollen dangerous to cats?
Yes. Cats can be poisoned by grooming pollen off their fur. Wipe pollen off your cat with a damp cloth and call your vet right away.
Is the water in a lily vase toxic?
Yes. The toxin is water-soluble, so drinking vase water can poison a cat.
My cat ate a lily and nothing happened. Is it fine?
Not necessarily. Kidney damage can develop silently over 24-72 hours. Go to a vet immediately even if your cat seems normal; early IV fluids are what prevent kidney failure.
Other plants toxic to dogs
- AzaleasHighly toxic
- OleanderHighly toxic
- Sago PalmsHighly toxic
- FoxgloveHighly toxic
- Lily of the ValleyHighly toxic
- YewHighly toxic
- Autumn CrocusHighly toxic
- DaffodilsToxic
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants for Dogs
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Poisonous Plants
- Pet Poison Helpline: Lilies
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.