When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Peace lilies are not true lilies but are in the Araceae family. They are beautiful evergreen plants that produce creamy white spathes, similar to flowers. The presence of these plants in your home or garden may pose a risk to your pets, especially dogs that like to chew different plants in the landscape. How toxic is peace lily? Read this article for the answer and tips on how to protect your pet.
Peace lilies are a popular houseplant known for their lush green leaves and elegant white blooms But many pet owners wonder – are peace lilies poisonous to pets? This comprehensive guide will explain peace lily toxicity and provide pet owners with tips on keeping their furry friends safe,
Understanding Peace Lily Toxicity
The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) contains calcium oxalate crystals in all parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, flowers and even pollen. When ingested, these crystals can cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing and diarrhea in pets.
While peace lily toxicity is not usually fatal it can cause discomfort if large amounts are eaten. Dogs and cats are both susceptible.
Peace lily – 15
Toxic/toxicity – 7
Pet/pets – 11
Dog/dogs – 7
Cat/cats – 5
Is the Peace Lily Toxic to Cats?
Cats are curious creatures and may nibble on houseplants. Unfortunately the peace lily is toxic for cats if ingested.
Chewing or biting the peace lily releases oxalate crystals that can cause pain, drooling, vomiting and swelling of the mouth. Serious reactions are rare, but monitoring for symptoms is important if your cat interacts with the plant.
To keep cats safe, place peace lilies out of reach or in an area inaccessible to pets. Cats should not be allowed access if possible. Provide alternative plants for your cat to munch on, like cat grass.
Cat/cats – 8
Peace lily – 4
Toxic – 2
Can Dogs Safely Be Around Peace Lilies?
Dogs also face risks from peace lily toxicity. Oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing can occur if dogs ingest parts of the peace lily.
Watch dogs closely if peace lilies are present to prevent snacking on the toxic plant. Place peace lilies on elevated surfaces. Deter dogs with bitter anti-chew sprays and provide alternative chew toys.
Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten parts of a peace lily. Prompt treatment is essential to manage poisoning symptoms.
Are Peace Lilies Harmful for Humans and Children?s can also experience oral irritation, pain and swelling from the oxalate crystals if peace lily parts are chewed or eaten. Reactions are generally mild unless large amounts are consumed.
Keep peace lilies out of reach of small children who may be tempted to put plant parts in their mouth. Educate young kids to avoid sampling houseplants. Monitor for drooling, swelling or vomiting.
For adults, wear gloves when handling the peace lily during activities like repotting and cleaning. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth after contact. Wash hands thoroughly after touching the plant.
Key Steps if Your Pet Ingests a Peace Lily
Accidents happen, so it’s vital to be prepared if your pet interacts with a peace lily. Here are important steps to take:
Quick action can help manage peace lily toxicity and prevent lasting harm to pets. Don’t wait to call the vet if poisoning is suspected.
Choosing Safe Alternatives to Peace Lilies
While stunning, pet owners may prefer to avoid peace lilies due to the risk of toxicity. Fortunately, many other beautiful, pet-friendly houseplants can provide appealing greenery without endangering your furry companions.
Some alternatives include:
Research plant toxicity before bringing new greenery into your home. Your pets will thank you!
Peace lilies are mildly toxic to dogs, cats and people due to calcium oxalate crystals. While fatal reactions are extremely rare, it’s smart to exercise caution around this popular houseplant if you have curious pets or small children.
By placing peace lilies out of reach, monitoring for symptoms and preparing for emergencies, you can continue to enjoy their beauty without undue risk. Or opt for pet-friendly alternatives to remove any concerns about peace lily toxicity.
With a little care, both plant lovers and pet owners can maintain a safe, happy home environment. The key is education and prevention. Follow these tips to avoid peace lily poisoning in pets.
Symptoms of Peace Lily Toxicity in Dogs
As if having an inflamed, irritated mouth, muzzle, and throat arent enough, peace lily toxicity in dogs can also manifest several other symptoms.
Animals may also get diarrhea, vomit, and exhibit excessive drooling. In severe cases, your dog may appear to have trouble breathing due to an inflamed airway. The symptoms can be very distressing but usually dont warrant a trip to your veterinarian.
If the animal shows signs of airway discomfort or if symptoms persist, however, it is time to call your animal doctor and seek treatment. In most cases, the irritation is minor and home remedies can do the trick. If you are unsure what plant your dog may have eaten, it is also a good idea to seek the advice of your vet.Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free copy of our e-book “How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes”. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors
How Toxic is Peace Lily?
As glorious as peace lilies are when they are blooming, there is an underlying menace in these hooded flowering plants. The presence of peace lily and dogs can be an unfriendly equation. Is peace lily toxic to dogs? All parts of the plant, from stems to leaves and even the attractive blooms, contain an irritating toxin that can be dangerous to mans best friend, so it is best to remove or fence off an area where peace lilies grow.
The peace lily isnt technically poisonous, but it contains a compound that can be extremely bothersome to pets, children, and even an adult if consumed. Even the pollen from the spadix can cause oral irritation if licked off fur and paws. The culprit is the presence of calcium oxalate crystals.
These are also called raphides. They are needle sharp and shoot out of damaged parts of the plant. The crystals are insoluble and persistent when they contact tissue. The result is an inflammatory reaction, which can be mild to severe and accompanied by other symptoms.
Are Peace Lily Plants Poisonous To Dogs? – The Plant Enthusiast
FAQ
Can I have a peace lily if I have a dog?
Peace Lily plants (all parts) are considered toxic to dogs and cats because they contain insoluble calcium oxalates salts.
What to do if my dog ate peace lily?
Your pet will require immediate veterinary care if you suspect they have had contact with this plant or you have observed them eating a portion of a lily …
What part of the peace lily is poisonous?
All parts of the peace lily plant are considered toxic because they contain calcium oxalate crystals.
What happens if a cat bites peace lily?
If your cat eats or licks a lily plant, they are likely to develop kidney damage which, left untreated, can lead to kidney failure and death.