Jonquil — (c) David~O, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo by (c) David~O, some rights reserved (CC BY)iNaturalistCC BY
dog safety reference

Is Jonquil safe for dogs?

Narcissus jonquilla

The jonquil is a bulbous perennial known for its fragrant, clustered yellow flowers and grass-like foliage. It contains alkaloids that can cause significant gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.

JonquilNarcissusNarcissus jonquillaRush-leaved daffodil
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Habit
Bulbous perennial
Care
Low

Safety status

Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

What this means for your dog

Dogs that munch on jonquil are likely to vomit, and they can be hit harder than cats because they're more likely to dig up and swallow the bulb. The lycorine alkaloid causes severe vomiting and drooling; large bulb ingestions can lead to abdominal pain, cardiac arrhythmias and respiratory depression.

What to watch for

Most-common: severe vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea, often with abdominal pain. Less common but more serious — especially after a bulb is consumed — irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, tremors, and respiratory depression. Bulbs are the most poisonous part.

Time window

Pet Poison Helpline notes signs may appear immediately but can be delayed for days. Precise onset and recovery windows are not well documented; supportive veterinary care is the standard.

When to call the vet

Call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately if you saw your dog dig up or chew a bulb, or as soon as vomiting or drooling starts. For known bulb ingestion, treat as urgent — don't wait to see how it plays out.

First aid at home

Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian instructs you to.

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.

Dogsconcern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and drooling.

Escalation note

While symptoms are often gastrointestinal, severe cases may involve cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory distress. Seek veterinary care promptly if ingestion occurs.

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

Kew Plants of the World Online

botanical · 95% reliability

Open source

Accepted scientific name and distribution data for Narcissus jonquilla.

Cats & dogs pagecats pageMy dog ate Jonquil

Questions about Jonquil

Are jonquils toxic to dogs?

Yes, jonquils (Narcissus jonquilla) are toxic to dogs. They contain alkaloids that cause significant gastrointestinal distress, and in severe cases — particularly after bulb ingestion — can lead to cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory distress.

What symptoms will my dog show after eating a jonquil?

The most common signs are severe vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain. If your dog ate a bulb (the most poisonous part), watch for more serious signs: irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, tremors, and respiratory depression.

What should I do if my dog ate a jonquil?

Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian immediately — do not induce vomiting unless a vet instructs you to. If you saw your dog dig up or chew a bulb, treat it as urgent and don't wait to see if symptoms develop.

Are jonquil bulbs more dangerous to dogs than the flowers or leaves?

Yes, the bulbs are the most poisonous part of the jonquil. Bulb ingestion raises the risk of serious systemic effects like irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, and respiratory depression, beyond the gastrointestinal symptoms seen with other plant parts. Note that signs may appear immediately or be delayed for days.

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