Are Peace Lilies Dangerous to Pets? What Cat and Dog Owners Should Know
Peace lilies are gorgeous houseplants - a picture of serenity and beauty with lovely white flowers. And it's on NASA’s list of air-purifying plants! But pet-owners and parents of young children often ask: ‘Is peace lily toxic to cats, dogs, and humans?’ After all, a variety of lilies are poisonous.
Peace lilies are gorgeous houseplants - a picture of serenity and beauty with lovely white flowers. And it's on NASA’s list of air-purifying plants! But pet-owners and parents of young children often ask: ‘Is peace lily toxic to cats, dogs, and humans?’ After all, a variety of lilies are poisonous.
Yes. Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are mildly toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists them as toxic because they contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which irritate the mouth when chewed and can cause drooling, vomiting, and trouble swallowing. Peace lilies are not true lilies, so they do not cause the kidney failure that true lilies cause in cats.
If your pet chewed a peace lily and seems unwell, call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply).
How Toxic Is a Peace Lily?
Peace lilies contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. When the plant is chewed, the crystals are released and irritate the mouth. That makes it mildly toxic to pets and people, but serious problems are very rare.
If ingested, the plant usually causes mild discomfort, including common side effects like:
- Burning/tingling sensations in the mouth
- Swollen lips and tongue
- Oral pain
- Rashes and inflammation in individuals with sensitive skin
- Drooling in animals
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- GI tract irritation
- Difficulty in breathing and swallowing (rare)
Severe reactions to peace lilies are rare, however, it’s best to take precautions if you want to grow this plant and have pets or young children.
Is a Peace Lily Toxic to Cats?
Unlike true lilies that contain highly potent toxins, the peace lily is not deadly. But don't relax yet! All parts of this houseplant can make your cat sick.
Why Are Peace Lilies Poisonous to Cats?
Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals make the peace lily poisonous to mammals, including cats. So, if your cat chews on the plant, the toxic substance can cause vomiting, discomfort and drooling. Fortunately, any other more severe side effects are rare.
Related: Peace Lily Meaning & Symbolism
Peace Lily vs. True Lilies: Which Is Dangerous for Cats?
True lilies in the Lilium and Hemerocallis groups, such as Easter, Asiatic, and stargazer lilies and daylilies, are extremely toxic to cats. Even a little pollen licked off the fur can cause a severe reaction and kidney damage, so call your vet right away if you think your cat has chewed or licked one. The peace lily is not a true lily and does not carry that risk. The problem with a peace lily is chewing: the crystals are released when the plant is chewed.
Symptoms Of Peace Lily Poisoning in Cats
Visible symptoms and side effects that you must pay heed to, include the following:
- Drooling
- Burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips
- Swelling in the mouth or throat
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Difficulty swallowing
Very rarely, swelling in the mouth can make breathing difficult.
What Do You Do If Your Cat Eats a Peace Lily?
If your cat eats a peace lily, supportive care is needed. Contact your vet or a pet poison control center and explain the symptoms.
You may have to take your pet for a physical checkup.
Your vet may want to examine your cat. Do not try to make your cat vomit or give home treatment unless your vet or poison control tells you to.
Is a Peace Lily Toxic to Dogs?
Like cats, dogs can experience reactions to the toxins present in peace lilies. When a dog chews on peace lilies, it can experience oral irritation and inflammation. If the inflammation impacts its throat, it can have trouble breathing and eating.
What Happens If a Dog Eats a Peace Lily?
Calcium oxalate contained in the peace lily is poisonous to dogs, just like cats and other mammals. The effects of the crystals start with pain and burning sensations in the lips and tongue.
Signs of peace lily poisoning in dogs include the following:
- Drooling
- Burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips
- Swelling in the mouth or throat
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Difficulty swallowing
Very rarely, swelling in the mouth can make breathing difficult.
How Long Does Peace Lily Poisoning Take in Dogs?
Signs usually start right away, because the crystals irritate the mouth as soon as the plant is chewed.
So, it’s important to keep an eye for signs of poisoning in your furry friend and take it to a vet if it starts feeling unwell.
What Do I Do If My Dog Eats a Peace Lily?
If your four-legged companion has chomped on a peace lily, wipe and rinse their mouth if possible. Remove any remaining parts of the plant.
Of course, contact your vet or a pet poison control center immediately if your dog shows serious or life-threatening symptoms.
Peace Lily Toxicity & Dogs: Prevention Tips
To prevent peace lily poisoning in dogs, you can do the following:
- Keep the peace lily plant out of reach from your dog.
- You can try to train the dog to stay away from your plants, applying positive reinforcement when it listens to you.
- Block the access to your peace lily by arranging dog-friendly plants around it. Remove fallen leaves and brown flowers immediately to minimize the chances of attracting your dog.
Are Peace Lily Plants Toxic to Humans?
The calcium oxalate content makes the peace lily toxic to humans, just like other mammals. The toxicity level is mild, and the reactions can usually be managed at home.
Consuming peace lilies can lead to oral irritation and swelling, nausea, and vomiting in children and adults.
Peace Lilies Are Toxic to Kids & Adults: Safety Measures
To prevent curious toddlers from eating peace lilies, keep the plant out of their reach. If a child accidentally chews on peace lilies, take the following safety steps:
- Wipe the mouth and rinse out remnants of the plant with water.
- Take ice chips or frozen treats to soothe mouth irritation, pain, or swelling.
- Contact your physician/pediatrician or call poison control.
When it comes to preventing unpleasant side effects in adults, make sure you wear gloves when taking care of your peace lily. Don’t touch your face, eyes and mouth, especially if you’ve just cleaned or repotted the plant.
Pet-Safe Alternatives to a Peace Lily
Houseplants can surely elevate any indoor environment. So, get pet-friendly plants instead. Here are the top three picks for you:
1. Red Christmas Cactus
This holiday bloomer covers its flat, spineless stems with red flowers in winter. The ASPCA lists Christmas cactus as non-toxic to dogs and cats.
2. Cast Iron Plant
If you love the peace lily because it copes with low light, this is the closest match. It tolerates low light, irregular watering, and changing humidity, and the ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to dogs and cats.
3. Parlor Palm
This compact palm does well in low light and fits on a desk or shelf. The ASPCA lists parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) as non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Peace Lilies, Pets, and Kids: FAQs
Q: Can I have a peace lily in the house with a cat?
A: Yes, as long as your cat cannot reach it. A peace lily only causes problems when it is chewed, so place it on a high shelf, in a hanging planter, or in a room your cat cannot enter. If your cat is a determined plant chewer, choose one of our pet-friendly plants instead.
Q: What happens if my cat sniffs a peace lily?
A: Sniffing is not the concern. The irritating crystals are released when the plant is chewed, so the risk comes from biting leaves, stems, or flowers. Pollen on the fur is a true-lily danger, not a peace lily one.
Q: Is peace lily fragrance harmful to dogs?
A: No, the fragrance of the plant is not harmful to dogs. The toxins in peace lilies can only be released and cause harm when the plant parts are ingested.
Q: What happens if a child eats a peace lily?
A: If a child eats peace lily parts, the calcium oxalate crystals will instantly cause oral discomfort. This includes irritation, pain, and swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat. The child may also experience coughing, nausea, and vomiting.
Conclusion
Peace lilies are only mildly toxic, but they are best kept out of reach of pets and young children. If you would rather not worry, choose from our pet-friendly plants.
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