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
Tulips and hyacinths contain compounds that irritate the mouth and digestive tract. The bulbs contain the highest concentration, so dogs that dig up or chew bulbs are most at risk.
Eating flowers or leaves usually causes mild to moderate stomach upset, but eating bulbs in larger amounts can lead to more serious effects, including changes in heart rate and breathing.
How to recognize it
Tulips have a single cup-shaped flower on a smooth stem with broad, bluish-green leaves, while hyacinths have a dense spike of small, very fragrant star-shaped flowers. Both grow from bulbs that look like small onions and are often stored in garages or sheds before planting.
Signs to watch for
- Drooling and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Pawing at the mouth
- Faster heart rate and breathing difficulty after eating large amounts of bulb
What to do
- Contact your veterinarian, especially if a bulb was eaten.
- Store bulbs where pets cannot reach them before planting.
- Watch dogs that like to dig in garden beds during spring.
Pet-safe alternatives
Looking for something similar without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Related plants
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List (dogs, cats).
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.