Is Lily of the Valley Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Lily of the valley is severely toxic to both cats and dogs — cardiac glycosides slow or disrupt the heart. Unlike true lilies, it harms the heart, not the kidneys.
Potentially life-threatening — treat any exposure as an emergency.
Potentially life-threatening — treat any exposure as an emergency.
In an emergency, do not wait.
Medical disclaimer: This tool is for general information only and isnot a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Toxicity depends on the amount, your pet’s size, and health history. If your pet may have ingested something harmful, contact your veterinarian or a poison control hotline ((888) 426-4435 / (855) 764-7661) immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear.
What is Lily of the Valley?
Lily of the valley is severely toxic to both cats and dogs — cardiac glycosides slow or disrupt the heart. Unlike true lilies, it harms the heart, not the kidneys.
Also known as: convallaria majalis, may bells, our lady's tears, valley lily, lilly of the valley.
Symptoms to Watch For
🐕 In Dogs
- Vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea within hours
- Slow or irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure
- Weakness, wobbliness, and collapse
- Seizures and death in serious cases (cardiac glycoside poisoning, like foxglove)
🐈 In Cats
- Vomiting, drooling, and loss of appetite
- Slow or irregular heartbeat and low blood pressure
- Weakness, lethargy, and collapse
- Seizures and death in serious cases
What to Do If Ingested
- Call a veterinarian or poison hotline immediately — do not wait for symptoms.
- Note which parts were eaten (flowers, leaves, berries, or water from a vase) and how much.
- Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian instructs you to.
Steps apply to both cats and dogs. When in doubt, call a vet or poison hotline before acting. Have a cat? Run the Pet Poison Triage Wizard for cat-specific steps.
When to Call the Vet Immediately
Call your veterinarian or a poison control hotline right away if you notice any of these:
- Any part of lily of the valley was eaten — even a small amount
- Vomiting, drooling, or weakness
- Slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat, collapse, or seizures
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lily of the valley as dangerous to cats as true lilies?
It is dangerous, but in a different way. True lilies cause kidney failure in cats. Lily of the valley contains cardiac glycosides — the same type of toxin as foxglove and oleander — which disturb the heart rhythm and can be fatal to both cats and dogs. Any exposure warrants an immediate vet call.
Are the berries or the flowers more toxic?
All parts of the plant — flowers, leaves, stems, and the small red-orange berries — contain cardiac glycosides, and even the water the flowers were arranged in can carry the toxin. There is no "safe part" to nibble. Treat any ingestion as an emergency.
What treatment will my pet need?
Veterinarians typically decontaminate (induced vomiting or activated charcoal if appropriate), run an ECG to monitor heart rhythm, give intravenous fluids, and use heart medications such as digoxin-specific antibodies in serious cases. Early treatment before symptoms appear gives the best outcome — which is why calling immediately matters.
Sources
This entry is reviewed against the following authoritative veterinary sources.
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Database
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Toxicology
- Pet Poison Helpline — Poisons
Last reviewed: 2026-10-16