Is Lily of the Valley Toxic to Dogs and Cats?

Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is toxic to both cats and dogs.

If your pet has eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away and bring a photo or piece of the plant. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).

Why

Despite the name, lily of the valley is not a true lily. It contains cardiac glycosides, which can cause a dangerously slow or irregular heartbeat.

All parts of the plant are toxic, including the small white flowers and the red berries. Water from a vase holding these flowers can also be harmful.

How to recognize it

Lily of the valley is a low plant with two or three broad oval leaves and a stem of small, fragrant, white bell-shaped flowers hanging in a row, later followed by red berries. It is common in shady gardens and wedding bouquets.

Signs to watch for

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Slow or irregular heartbeat
• Weakness, disorientation or collapse
• Seizures in severe cases

What to do

• Contact a veterinarian immediately; heart effects need monitoring.
• Keep bouquets containing lily of the valley out of reach and empty vase water safely.
• Remove the plant from areas of the garden your pets use.

How is it different from the lilies that harm cats' kidneys?

Lily of the valley and true lilies get mixed up because of the name, and the difference changes who is at risk. True lilies and daylilies damage cats' kidneys and mostly just upset dogs' stomachs. Lily of the valley affects the heart, and it is dangerous for dogs and cats alike.

Cats and dogs both chew it, and small pets need only a small amount for signs to appear. So a dog owner who has read that "lilies are only a cat problem" should not apply that rule here. Any pet that chews this plant needs a vet.

Which exposures are most likely?

The plant spreads by underground rhizomes and forms thick patches under trees and along shady fences. Dogs dig into these beds, and in late summer the orange-red berries are within easy reach.

Indoors, the flowers turn up in spring bouquets, wedding arrangements and small potted gifts. Cats may chew the bells or drink the vase water.

• Freshly dug clumps or rhizomes left out while dividing plants
• Bouquets placed on low tables or windowsills
• Vase water left standing after the flowers are thrown away
• Berries dropping onto paths in late summer

What will the vet check?

The toxins in lily of the valley act much like the heart drug digoxin. After an exam, the vet may decide to empty the stomach and give activated charcoal. The next priority is the heart: an ECG to look for a slow or irregular rhythm, and blood tests that include potassium.

Pets are often kept for several hours or longer for monitoring, with fluids and heart medications as needed. Severe cases may be given digoxin-specific antibody fragments. Signs can start later than you expect, so a pet that looks well after chewing the plant should still be checked.

Pet-safe alternatives

Looking for something similar without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

• Non-toxicAfrican violet
• Non-toxicOrchids (moth orchid)

Common questions

Is lily of the valley poisonous to pets?

Cats: Toxic. Dogs: Toxic. Yes. Lily of the valley is highly toxic to both dogs and cats and can affect the heart.

Is it safe to keep lily of the valley in a home with cats and dogs?

Not within your pets' reach. Remove the plant from areas of the garden your pets use.

What should I do if my pet chews lily of the valley?

Contact a veterinarian immediately; heart effects need monitoring. Keep bouquets containing lily of the valley out of reach and empty vase water safely.

Which pet-safe plants can I grow instead of lily of the valley?

African violet and orchids are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

← All plants

Sources

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List (dogs, cats).
• Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.