Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My dog ate Lily of the Valley - what should I do?
Convallaria majalis
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, cardiac rhythm disturbances, and collapse.
Escalation note
The plant contains potent cardiac glycosides that affect the heart muscle. Immediate veterinary intervention is required if a dog consumes any portion of this plant.
What to watch for
Vomiting and diarrhea come first. Then watch for a slow or irregular heartbeat, weakness or collapse, low blood pressure, disorientation, and possibly seizures. Lethargy paired with GI upset after access to the plant is a red flag.
Time window
Pet Poison Helpline reports onset is typically within 2 hours of ingestion; clinical effects can persist 4–5 days during supportive care.
When to call the vet
Call your vet, ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435), or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) immediately — do not wait to see how it plays out at home. Heart monitoring and supportive care are typically required, and severe cases may need digoxin-binding antibody therapy.
What this means for your dog
Lily of the valley is a cardiac emergency for dogs. The whole plant contains cardiac glycosides similar to digitalis (foxglove), and even a small chew can trigger life-threatening arrhythmias. Dogs are more likely than cats to chew foliage in the yard, so exposures aren't rare.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
Source references
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.