Why is it dangerous to pets?
Tulips and hyacinths contain tulipalin A and B, and daffodils contain lycorine and other alkaloids. The concentration is highest in the bulb, lower in the stem and leaves.
Dogs are poisoned most often in spring when they dig up newly planted bulbs, or in winter when bulbs are forced indoors in pots.
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 spring-bulbs poisoning
- Drooling, lip smacking, pawing at the mouth
- Vomiting, sometimes repeated, and diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain, not eating, lethargy
- Wobbliness or tremors after eating several bulbs
- Heart rhythm changes, low blood pressure and collapse in large ingestions
What to do right now
- Call your vet or a poison line and say how many bulbs and which flower.
- Rinse the mouth with water and wipe any plant sap off the fur and paws.
- Do not induce vomiting yourself — ask the vet first, especially if the pet is already vomiting.
- Dig up and fence off bulbs; keep forced pots on a shelf a pet cannot reach.
If your pet shows any of the signs above, go to the nearest emergency vet now and call ahead.
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