Garden
Is Lily of the valley toxic to cats and dogs?
Convallaria majalis · also called May bells, Our Lady’s tears
Cats
Highly toxicDogs
Highly toxicLily of the valley contains heart toxins and is dangerous to cats and dogs. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, an abnormal heart rhythm and seizures.
By Maya HartIf your pet chewed it
- This is an emergency.
- Call your vet or a pet poison helpline straight away, even if your pet seems well — heart effects can appear hours later.
- Take a piece of the plant or a photo with you.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Very slow or irregular heartbeat
- Weakness and collapse
- Disorientation
- Seizures
What is harmful
- Parts
- All parts, including flowers and the water in a vase
- Substance
- Cardiac glycosides (convallatoxin)
The details
Despite its name, lily of the valley is not a true lily and doesn’t cause the kidney failure seen with Lilium lilies in cats. Its danger is different: its toxins act on the heart, like digoxin. It is popular in wedding bouquets and spring posies, so check arrangements before they come into a pet home.
Pet-safe alternatives
- Snapdragons
- Sweet alyssum
- Pansies
- Roses
Questions owners ask
Is Lily of the valley toxic to cats?
Yes — highly toxic to cats. Harmful parts: all parts, including flowers and the water in a vase.
Is Lily of the valley toxic to dogs?
Yes — highly toxic to dogs. Harmful parts: all parts, including flowers and the water in a vase.
What happens if a pet eats lily of the valley?
vomiting and diarrhoea, very slow or irregular heartbeat, weakness and collapse, disorientation, seizures.
What should I do if my pet chewed it?
This is an emergency. Call your vet or a pet poison helpline straight away, even if your pet seems well — heart effects can appear hours later. Take a piece of the plant or a photo with you.
What are pet-safe alternatives to lily of the valley?
Snapdragons, Sweet alyssum, Pansies, Roses.
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
