What should I do if my dog ate Calla Lily?

Wipe out the mouth with a clean damp cloth to remove visible plant fragments and offer cool, fresh water to rinse the oral tissue. Do not induce vomiting. Skip milk, peanut butter, vegetable oil, and salt — Pet Poison Helpline lists these as ineffective and sometimes harmful home remedies. Then call your vet. Call right away for any swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, audible changes in breathing, or persistent retching. Otherwise contact your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control hotline (888-426-4435) for drooling that does not settle within an hour, or if your dog refuses water for more than a few hours.

Calla Lily — (c) Bruce Calvert, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bruce Calvert — Photo by (c) Bruce Calvert, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bruce CalvertiNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Bruce Calvert, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bruce CalvertiNaturalistCC BY

dog safety reference

Is Calla Lily safe for dogs?

Q: Is Calla Lily safe for dogs?

Calla Lily is potentially toxic to dogs. Symptoms are generally localized to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center if ingestion is suspected.

Zantedeschia aethiopica

The Arum Lily is a popular ornamental plant known for its striking white spathes, but it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon ingestion. It is considered toxic to both cats and dogs.

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Calla LilyLily of the NilePig LilyZantedeschia aethiopica

Light: Bright indirect light
Habit: Rhizomatous perennial
Care: Moderate

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 bite into a calla lily get an instant dose of needle-like calcium oxalate crystals — sharp enough that most spit the plant back out before swallowing much. The reaction is dramatic but almost always limited to the mouth and stomach; systemic poisoning and kidney failure are not part of this plant's profile.

What to watch for

Pawing at the mouth, head shaking, and a sudden distressed expression are usually the first signs. Heavy drooling or foaming, lip or tongue swelling, and a hoarse or muffled bark can follow if the airway is irritated. Vomiting, retching, and a temporary refusal to eat or drink are common; persistent severe vomiting is less typical for this plant.

Time window

Burning starts within seconds of biting the plant; drooling and oral irritation typically peak within the first 30 to 60 minutes. Most dogs settle within 12 to 24 hours with supportive care.

When to call the vet

Call right away for any swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, audible changes in breathing, or persistent retching. Otherwise contact your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control hotline (888-426-4435) for drooling that does not settle within an hour, or if your dog refuses water for more than a few hours.

First aid at home

Wipe out the mouth with a clean damp cloth to remove visible plant fragments and offer cool, fresh water to rinse the oral tissue. Do not induce vomiting. Skip milk, peanut butter, vegetable oil, and salt — Pet Poison Helpline lists these as ineffective and sometimes harmful home remedies. Then call your vet.

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

Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Escalation note

Symptoms are generally localized to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center if ingestion is suspected.

Safer alternatives

Safer pick

African Violet

Saintpaulia spp.

African violet is a pet-safer flowering houseplant that won't cause the calcium oxalate burns calla lily can.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

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Safer pick

Christmas Cactus

Schlumbergera bridgesii

Christmas cactus delivers similar elegant blooms in a pet-safe form.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Shop on Amazon

Some links earn us a small commission. They never affect our safety classifications.

Source evidence

Kew Plants of the World Online

botanical · 95% reliability

Open source

Accepted scientific name for the Arum Lily.

Cats & dogs page cats page My dog ate Calla Lily

Same dog verdict

Related plants for dogs

Lily of the Valley

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.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Mayapple

Podophyllum peltatum

American Mandrake is a perennial woodland plant known for its umbrella-like leaves and single white flower. It contains podophyllotoxin, which is highly irritating and potentially dangerous if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Monstera

Monstera deliciosa

Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Snake Plant

Dracaena trifasciata

Dracaena trifasciata is a popular, hardy houseplant known for its stiff, sword-like leaves with striking yellow margins. It is widely appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions.

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