Why Lily of the Valley is Dangerous
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a popular ornamental plant found in gardens and containers.
All parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides, which interfere with heart function.
Ingestion of even small amounts can be life-threatening for dogs and cats.
Why speed matters
Delaying care significantly worsens outcomes. Some signs appear hours or days later, so "looks fine right now" is not a reason to wait.
Symptoms of lily-of-the-valley poisoning
- Vomiting and diarrhea (possibly bloody)
- Loss of appetite and lethargy
- Abdominal pain
- Slow or irregular heart rate
- Collapse or weakness
- Seizures in severe cases
What to do right now
- Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately.
- Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by a professional.
- Collect plant material and any vomit for identification.
- Bring your pet to an emergency clinic if advised.
- Be prepared to describe the amount ingested and time of exposure.
Sources & further reading
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control — pet poison database & dosage references
- Pet Poison Helpline — toxicology triage guidelines
- Merck Veterinary Manual — toxicology monographs
- Vets Now (UK) — emergency toxicosis guidance
Other poisonings with overlapping signs
- Human Topical Pain Creams — shares signs: loss of appetite and lethargy, abdominal pain
- Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic Poisoning in Dogs and Cats — shares signs: vomiting and diarrhea, loss of appetite and lethargy
- Mistletoe & Holly — shares signs: abdominal pain, slow or irregular heart rate
Owners also ask
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- Could a prescribed dose of ciprofloxacin give my 20 kg dog with a sensitive stomach diarrhea and gas?
Frequently asked questions
Is Lily of the Valley Poisoning in Dogs and Cats poisonous to a dog or cat?
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a popular ornamental plant found in gardens and containers.
What are the symptoms of lily-of-the-valley poisoning?
Vomiting and diarrhea (possibly bloody); Loss of appetite and lethargy; Abdominal pain; Slow or irregular heart rate
What should I do if my pet ate Lily of the Valley Poisoning in Dogs and Cats?
Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by a professional. Collect plant material and any vomit for identification.
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