Is Lily of the Valley Toxic to both?
Lily of the valley contains cardiac glycosides similar to digitalis. All parts of the plant are toxic, and even small amounts can cause fatal heart arrhythmias. If you suspect your both has ingested lily of the valley, contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency vet clinic immediately.
✓ You're doing the right thing by checking — Lily of the Valley is toxic to both, and acting quickly can make a real difference. You did the right thing by looking this up.
If Your Pet May Have Ingested Something Toxic
Contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency vet clinic immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — early intervention significantly improves outcomes.
| Toxic? | Severity | Time to Onset | Commonness | Urgency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | CRITICAL — Life-Threatening | 1-6 hours | common | emergency |
The Toxic Principle
The dangerous compound in Lily of the Valley is Cardiac glycosides (convallatoxin, convallarin).
The cardiac glycosides in lily of the valley act similarly to digitalis from foxglove. They increase heart contractility while slowing conduction, leading to dangerous arrhythmias at toxic doses. Even the water from a vase of cut lily of the valley can be poisonous.
How Much Is Dangerous?
The risk depends on your both's weight and the amount ingested.
| Pet Weight | Dangerous Amount | Expected Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Small dog/cat (under 10 lbs) | 2-3 leaves or flowers | CRITICAL — Life-Threatening |
| Medium dog (10-50 lbs) | Small handful | Severe |
| Large dog (50+ lbs) | Large handful | Severe |
Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms of lily of the valley poisoning in boths typically progress through these stages:
Early Signs
1-4 hours- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Abdominal pain
Progression
4-12 hours- Irregular heartbeat
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Collapse
Severe
12-48 hours- Fatal arrhythmia
- Seizures
- Cardiac arrest
- Death
You just learned the symptoms. Now be ready for them.
The #1 regret pet owners have after an emergency? "I wish I'd been prepared."
You care enough to research this — that puts you ahead of most pet owners. But research without preparation is just worry. This guide covers exactly what to do in the first 15 minutes after poisoning — the window that determines whether your both lives or dies.
Get the First Aid Guide — Protect Your both →
Be Ready If This Happens to Your both
You just read what lily of the valley does to boths. The symptoms. The suffering. The $500–$4,000 vet bill. The question is: are you prepared if it happens again?
Get the Emergency Kit — Be Ready →What to Do Right Now
- 1 Remove any remaining plant material.
- 2 Call your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY — cardiac glycoside poisoning is life-threatening.
- 3 Call your vet immediately for guidance — do not attempt any treatment at home.
- 4 Keep your pet calm and still.
- 5 Transport to emergency vet for cardiac monitoring.
Treatment and Recovery
Treatment includes continuous ECG monitoring, IV fluids, anti-arrhythmic medication, activated charcoal, and potentially digoxin-specific antibody fragments.
Estimated Cost
$500 – $4,000
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Having basic first aid supplies and an emergency reference on hand is something most veterinary professionals recommend.
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Why Lily of the Valley Is Dangerous for both
Dogs are vulnerable to lily of the valley because they metabolize Cardiac glycosides (convallatoxin, convallarin) differently than humans. While dogs are generally more resilient than cats, the compound can still cause significant health issues depending on the dose consumed.
The cardiac glycosides in lily of the valley act similarly to digitalis from foxglove. They increase heart contractility while slowing conduction, leading to dangerous arrhythmias at toxic doses. Even the water from a vase of cut lily of the valley can be poisonous.
Other Substances to Watch For
If your both got into lily of the valley, be aware of these related hazards that often appear in the same contexts:
Expected Veterinary Costs
Based on typical veterinary treatment for lily of the valley toxicity in both, including:
- •Veterinary examination
- •Decontamination and supportive care
- •Monitoring and follow-up
Actual costs vary by location, clinic, and severity of the case. Emergency clinics typically charge more than daytime veterinary offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lily of the valley related to true lilies?
No. Despite the name, it belongs to the asparagus family, not the lily family. However, it is just as toxic as true lilies — especially to cats.
Are dried lily of the valley flowers toxic?
Yes. Drying does not destroy the cardiac glycosides. Dried flowers in potpourri or arrangements remain poisonous.
Is it safe to have lily of the valley in my garden?
If you have pets, especially dogs that like to dig or cats that graze on plants, it is best to remove lily of the valley or fence it off completely.
How is lily of the valley poisoning treated?
With aggressive cardiac monitoring, anti-arrhythmic drugs, IV fluids, and supportive care. Early treatment significantly improves survival chances.
People Also Ask
One more thing to check
Many both owners who worry about lily of the valley also need to know about Is Foxglove Toxic?. If your both had access to lily of the valley, they may have been exposed to other hazards too.
Related Dangers
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Sources & Citations
Toxicity data is based on published veterinary toxicology references. In an emergency, contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency vet clinic immediately.
📚 Sources & Methodology
Toxicity data compiled from the following veterinary toxicology databases:
- • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — case data and species-specific toxicity ratings
- • Pet Poison Helpline — dosage threshold data and symptom timelines
- • Merck Veterinary Manual — clinical treatment protocols
Weight-based severity thresholds are calculated using established veterinary toxicology formulas. All "toxic" and "non-toxic" classifications are based on peer-reviewed veterinary literature. Last reviewed: May 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency vet clinic immediately. This page was last reviewed on 2026-05-22.
Sable T. Thornwood
Pet Toxicity Researcher
Sable T. Thornwood has spent over a decade researching pet toxicity and companion animal safety, with a focus on common household substances, plants, and foods. Her research draws on veterinary toxicology databases, ASPCA case records, and peer-reviewed clinical literature to help pet owners make informed, timely decisions during potential poisoning events.
About Sable & PetToxCheck