Life at home
Are lilies poisonous to dogs?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Certain true lilies are significantly more dangerous to cats than dogs, but several lily varieties, including some day lilies and Peace lilies, can still cause real digestive upset and mouth irritation in dogs, and dogs can occasionally show more serious reactions from certain species. Because identifying the exact variety at home is unreliable, treat any lily ingestion as worth an immediate call to a vet or poison helpline.
Why lilies cause confusion
The term lily covers a very wide range of plants with very different toxicity profiles: true lilies in the Lilium and Hemerocallis genera are famously severe in cats but generally cause milder gastrointestinal symptoms in dogs, while Peace lilies and Calla lilies, which are not true lilies at all, contain crystals that irritate the mouth and throat in any pet that chews them.
What symptoms can look like
Drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and reduced appetite are the most common signs after a dog chews on lily leaves or flowers, usually appearing within a few hours. These symptoms can range from mild and short-lived to more concerning depending on the specific plant and the amount chewed, which is difficult to judge accurately without professional input.
What to do if it happens
Remove any remaining plant material from your dog's reach immediately, and call a vet or a pet poison helpline right away, describing the plant as precisely as you can, including a photo if possible. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling, since early guidance often changes the recommended course of action.
Keeping lilies safely if you want them
If you want lilies in a garden a dog has access to, consider keeping them in raised planters well out of reach rather than removing them entirely, and always supervise closely around fresh-cut lilies brought indoors as gifts, which are a common and easily overlooked source of exposure.
Key takeaways
- Different plants called lily vary widely in how seriously they affect dogs.
- Drooling, mouth pawing, and vomiting are the most common early signs of ingestion.
- Call a vet or poison helpline immediately rather than waiting to see if symptoms appear.
- Cut lilies brought indoors as gifts are a commonly overlooked source of exposure.