Your Festive Easter Decor Could Land Your Dog or Cat in the ER
Rocky Kanaka
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Did you know that many plants are toxic to dogs and cats? Among them are Easter Lilies, the classic holiday decorations known for their lovely smell and delicate petals. If your dog enjoys snacking on plants, Easter Lilies are the last thing you want to bring into your home. Here’s what you can do to keep your pets safe this easter:
What are Easter Lilies?
Easter Lilies are delicate, fragrant flowers that have been icons of the holiday for decades. As a flower that symbolizes purity and innocence, they seem perfect for the Easter season– except they’re toxic to dogs and cats.
Flowers in the lily family may be gorgeous, but not all of them are safe. Here’s how you can keep your pets safe around lilies this spring:
Are Easter Lilies Poisonous to Dogs?
Easter Lilies are poisonous to dogs, but they don’t cause death. If your pup eats an Easter Lily or ingests its pollen, they’ll get lily poisoning. In dogs, lily poisoning looks like:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
Are Easter Lilies Poisonous to Cats?
In cats, Easter lilies are one of the deadliest plants around. If a cat is exposed to an Easter lily’s pollen or eats any part of the flower, they will experience lily poisoning. Symptoms of lily poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
Easter Lilies also cause kidney failure and even death in cats. Try to keep your kitties as far away from these flowers as possible.
Are All Lilies Poisonous to Dogs?
While many lilies are poisonous to dogs, not all of them are. The ASPCA has a fantastic infographic about which lilies you should avoid and which are safe to enjoy in your home. Here’s our short version:
Toxic Lilies
Toxic lilies will cause lily poisoning in dogs and cats, and it’s best to avoid them. Stay away from these lilies!
- Easter Lilies
- Japanese Lilies
- Oriental Lily Hybrids
- Stargazer Lilies
- Tiger Lilies
- Casablanca Lilies
- Daylilies
Less-Deadly Lilies
These lilies are still toxic but aren’t nearly as deadly as the ones above:
- Peruvian Lilies
- Lily of the Valley (also called Jacob’s Ladder)
- Calla Lilies (also called Trumpet Lilies)
- Peace Lilies
- Flame Lilies
What Parts of Lilies are Toxic to Dogs?
All parts of poisonous lilies are considered toxic, including their petals, stems, leaves, pollen, and nectar. When pollen counts are high in the spring, it can be easy for your pets to get lily pollen on their fur, especially if you have them in your home or garden. Typically, severe lily poisoning signs occur a day after ingestion.
What to do if Your Dog Eats a Lily
If your fur baby has decided lilies are the perfect snack, contact your local veterinarian immediately. If your puppy’s been outside playing and comes in covered in pollen, give them a quick bath to wash it out of their coats.
If you think your dog’s eaten a toxic lily, contact the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426- 4435. Don’t wait for symptoms– if you think your pet’s eaten a lily, call immediately; It may save their life!
Are Easter lilies toxic to dogs?
While Easter lilies are extremely toxic to cats, causing kidney failure, they are not considered as toxic to dogs. However, ingesting large amounts of any plant material could potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset in dogs.
What symptoms should I look for if my dog eats part of an Easter lily?
If your dog eats part of an Easter lily, you might notice symptoms of gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or loss of appetite. These symptoms are generally mild and often resolve on their own.
What should I do if my dog has eaten an Easter lily?
While Easter lilies are not considered highly toxic to dogs, it’s always a good idea to monitor your pet closely for any signs of illness. If your dog shows symptoms of gastrointestinal upset or if you’re concerned about the amount ingested, contact your veterinarian.
How can I prevent my dog from eating Easter lilies?
The best way to prevent your dog from eating Easter lilies is to keep these plants out of reach. Consider placing them in areas that your dog cannot access. Additionally, training your dog to avoid eating plants can also help reduce the risk.
Are there other common household plants that are toxic to dogs?
Yes, there are several other household plants that are toxic to dogs, including sago palm, azaleas, rhododendrons, oleander, and certain types of lilies other than the Easter lily. Always research the safety of plants before bringing them into your home or yard if you have pets.
Can Easter lilies cause skin irritation in dogs?
While not commonly reported, it’s possible for some dogs to have a mild skin reaction to plant sap. If you notice redness, itching, or swelling on your dog’s skin after contact with an Easter lily, wash the affected area with soap and water and consult your vet if the symptoms persist.
What are some dog-safe alternatives to Easter lilies for holiday decorations?
If you’re looking for pet-safe plants to decorate your home, consider spider plants, Boston ferns, or African violets, which are generally considered safe for both dogs and cats. Always double-check the safety of any plants before bringing them into your home.
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