Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
dog safety reference
Is Lily of the Valley safe for dogs?
Convallaria majalis
Lily of the Valley is a popular spring-flowering perennial known for its fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers. It contains cardiac glycosides that are highly toxic to pets if ingested.
Convallaria majalisLily of the ValleyMay bells
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Habit
- Rhizomatous perennial
- Care
- Low
Safety status
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.
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.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
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.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Contains cardiac glycosides which can cause cardiac arrhythmias, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Questions about Lily of the Valley
Is Lily of the Valley toxic to dogs?
Yes, Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is highly toxic to dogs. It contains potent cardiac glycosides that affect the heart muscle, and even small ingestions can cause serious harm. Immediate veterinary intervention is required if your dog consumes any part of this plant.
What happens if a dog eats Lily of the Valley?
Symptoms typically begin within 2 hours of ingestion and include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy, followed by cardiac rhythm disturbances, slow or irregular heartbeat, weakness, low blood pressure, disorientation, collapse, and possibly seizures. Clinical effects can persist 4–5 days during supportive care.
What should I do if my dog ate Lily of the Valley?
Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 immediately — do not wait to see how symptoms develop at home. Heart monitoring and supportive care are typically required, and severe cases may need digoxin-binding antibody therapy. Time is critical with cardiac glycoside poisoning.
What part of Lily of the Valley is poisonous to dogs?
All parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides and are considered toxic — flowers, leaves, stems, and roots. There is no safe portion to expose your dog to, so the entire plant should be kept out of reach.
Same dog verdict
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