Can dogs and cats eat Lily of the valley?
Lily of the valley contains cardiac glycosides that can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems. Not a true lily, but very toxic to both dogs and cats.
Why
Cardiac glycosides (convallatoxin)
Signs to watch for
- vomiting
- drooling
- slow or irregular heart rate
- weakness
- collapse
- seizures
Good to know
Common in Slovak gardens and woods in spring and in bouquets. Vase water is also a risk.
If you think your pet has been poisoned
If you suspect your dog or cat has eaten or touched something poisonous, contact your vet or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic immediately, even if your pet seems fine – some poisons take hours or days to show signs, and early treatment works best. Do not try to make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to, as this can cause more harm. Take the packaging, label or a piece of the plant with you, and note what was eaten, roughly how much, and when.
Sources
Sources
- ASPCA – Lily of the Valley
- Pet Poison Helpline – Cardiac Glycosides
- ASPCA – Which Lilies Are Toxic to Pets?
Checked against these sources in October 2026.