Are Peace Lilies Toxic to Dogs? Symptoms & What to Do

Mildly toxic

Yes, peace lilies are mildly toxic to dogs

Despite the name, peace lilies are not true lilies and do not cause kidney failure. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate mouth pain, so most pets stop after one bite.

Peace Lilies and dogs: key facts

Toxic to dogs?	Mildly toxic
Toxic to cats?	Mildly toxic
Scientific name	Spathiphyllum spp.
Also called	Mauna Loa, white sails
Toxic compound	Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals
Toxic parts	Leaves, stems and flowers
Signs usually start	Immediate (within minutes of chewing)
Plant type	Houseplant

Symptoms of peace lilies poisoning in dogs

Pawing at the mouth
Drooling and foaming
Mouth and lip swelling
Vomiting
Difficulty swallowing

Why peace lilies are toxic to dogs

The plant cells contain bundles of needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals (raphides). When a pet bites into the leaf, the crystals are ejected and embed in the mouth, tongue and throat, causing immediate burning pain, drooling and swelling. The crystals are not absorbed into the body, so organ damage is not expected.

What to do if your dog ate peace lilies

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 pawing at the mouth, drooling and foaming, mouth and lip swelling. Go to a vet if signs are severe, last more than a day, or your dog has trouble breathing or swallowing.

Treatment and outlook

Most cases need only supportive care. Gently rinse your pet's mouth with water and offer water to drink. A vet may give pain relief, anti-nausea medicine or an antihistamine for swelling. Go to a vet right away if you see swelling of the throat or any trouble breathing.

How to keep your dog away from peace lilies

Place peace 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.

Pet-safe alternatives to peace lilies

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

See the full list of plants safe for dogs.

Peace Lilies and dogs: FAQ

Are peace lilies poisonous to dogs?

Peace Lilies are mildly toxic to dogs. Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals can cause pawing at the mouth and drooling and foaming, but serious poisoning is uncommon.

What part of peace lilies is toxic to dogs?

Leaves, stems and flowers.

Can dogs die from eating peace lilies?

It is very unlikely. Peace Lilies 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 peace lilies will my dog show symptoms?

Immediate (within minutes of chewing).

Are peace lilies toxic to cats too?

Yes, peace lilies are mildly toxic to cats.

Do peace lilies cause kidney failure in cats?

No. Peace lilies are not true lilies. They cause mouth irritation and drooling, not the kidney failure caused by Lilium and daylilies.

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 Peace Lilies Toxic to Dogs?