Is Lily of the valley toxic to dogs & cats?
Also known as: convallaria
🚑 What to do right after ingestion
Emergency with ECG monitoring; cardiac-glycoside-specific antibodies exist but must be used early.
Toxicity notes
The whole plant holds cardiac glycosides (same family as oleander) — flowers, leaves and even vase water are dangerous; small amounts cause arrhythmia.
Poisoning symptoms
- • Vomiting
- • Drooling
- • Slow abnormal heart rate
- • Weakness
- • Seizures
Symptoms can be delayed (e.g. onion/garlic-induced hemolysis may take days) — a pet looking fine right now is no reason to relax.
FAQ
How much causes poisoning?
The whole plant holds cardiac glycosides (same family as oleander) — flowers, leaves and even vase water are dangerous; small amounts cause arrhythmia.
Can I make my pet vomit at home?
Home-induced vomiting is not advised: corrosive cleaners, sharp bones or existing neurological signs make it dangerous, and improper technique risks aspiration pneumonia. Vomiting should be induced by a vet with proper drugs at the right moment — most effective within 1-2 hours. So “head to the clinic as soon as you know” beats “try to induce vomiting first”.
Even without symptoms, use the symptom checker to review what to watch for
Start symptom check →