Garden
Is Bluebell toxic to cats and dogs?
Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Hyacinthoides hispanica · also called English bluebell, Spanish bluebell, wild hyacinth
Cats
ToxicDogs
ToxicBluebells are toxic to cats and dogs. Most pets that chew them get vomiting and diarrhoea, but large amounts — especially of the bulbs — can affect the heart.
By Maya HartIf your pet chewed it
- Call your vet or a pet poison helpline, tell them the plant name (a photo helps) and how much was chewed.
- Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and remove any plant material from the fur.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Drooling
- Lethargy
- Abnormal heart rhythm (large amounts)
What is harmful
- Parts
- All parts, especially the bulbs
- Substance
- Scillarens (cardiac glycoside–like compounds)
The details
Bluebell woods are a spring highlight of walks in Britain, and dogs usually pass through without incident. Problems are more common in gardens, where dogs dig up bulbs, or with puppies that chew anything. If your dog has eaten bulbs or a lot of plant, call your vet.
Pet-safe alternatives
- Forget-me-nots
- Violets (Viola)
- Snapdragons
Questions owners ask
Is Bluebell toxic to cats?
Yes — toxic to cats. Harmful parts: all parts, especially the bulbs.
Is Bluebell toxic to dogs?
Yes — toxic to dogs. Harmful parts: all parts, especially the bulbs.
What happens if a pet eats bluebell?
vomiting and diarrhoea, drooling, lethargy, abnormal heart rhythm (large amounts).
What should I do if my pet chewed it?
Call your vet or a pet poison helpline, tell them the plant name (a photo helps) and how much was chewed. Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and remove any plant material from the fur.
What are pet-safe alternatives to bluebell?
Forget-me-nots, Violets (Viola), Snapdragons.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
