Many common flowers are toxic to dogs, causing symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe poisoning. Here is a list of notable toxic flowers for dogs with their associated toxins and symptoms:
- Daffodils : Contain lycorine; symptoms include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, abdominal pain, and abnormal breathing
- Hyacinths : Bulbs contain allergenic lactones; cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and rapid breathing
- Lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species): Highly toxic especially to cats but mildly toxic to dogs; symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and excessive thirst
- Iris : Roots are toxic; cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy
- Holly : Leaves and berries contain saponins, methylxanthines, and cyanogens; cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and appetite loss
- Ivy (English, Branching, Needlepoint): Contains triterpenoid saponins; symptoms include diarrhea, breathing difficulty, fever, weakness, and hyperactivity
- Oleander : Contains cardiac glycosides; symptoms include changes in heart rate, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drooling, and can be fatal
- Peace Lily : Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; causes drooling, pawing at mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, and swelling of mouth and tongue
- Hydrangea : Contains cyanogenic glycosides; causes vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite
- Tulip : Especially bulbs are toxic; symptoms include gastrointestinal upset
- Chrysanthemum : Toxic causing gastrointestinal symptoms
- Azalea/Rhododendron : Contains grayanotoxin; symptoms include stomach upset, weakness, tremors, low blood pressure, and irregular heart rate
- Begonia : Toxic causing vomiting and diarrhea
- Amaryllis : Especially bulbs are toxic; cause vomiting and diarrhea
- Gladiolus : Toxic causing gastrointestinal upset
- Lily of the Valley : Contains cardiac glycosides; causes vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, disorientation, seizures, and arrhythmia
If a dog ingests any of these plants, symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, and changes in heart rate may occur. Immediate veterinary attention is recommended if ingestion is suspected
. For safer flower options, African Violets, Roses, Orchids, Sunflowers, and Marigolds are considered non-toxic to dogs
