Are spring crocus poisonous to dogs?

Updated 09/08/2023

Popular amongst those of us with green fingers, crocus are super common (and beautiful!) flowers that bloom their sometimes delicate, other times fiery colors throughout late winter and early spring. So as low-effort, high-reward plants, it’s likely many of you will have at least a small patch of crocuses at home if you’re into gardening. And with a furry family at home, you might be wondering – are the plants safe for dogs to be around, or are crocus poisonous to dogs? Well here we explore just that, so sit tight to get in the know.

Are spring crocus poisonous to dogs?

Firstly, we need to clear something up - here, we’re going to be exploring the topic of spring crocus, which aren’t strictly toxic to dogs but can cause some tummy upset if ingested. Spring crocuses aren’t to be confused with the autumn crocus (otherwise known as Cholchicum autumnale). These are in fact in a different plant family to spring crocus and are in the same order as lilies. Autumn crocuses contain a seriously dangerous toxin called colchicine, which can cause death in both dogs and humans. Symptoms may not always be apparent at first but will develop over time so seek help immediately.

So now we’ve clarified that, are spring crocuses poisonous to dogs? Well not strictly, no, but your pup certainly shouldn’t be munching on them. If ingested, spring crocus is likely to cause gastrointestinal upset in your pooch, causing symptoms like sickness and diarrhea. Depending on how much your dog ate, this is often fairly mild and self-limiting but you should contact your vet if you’re concerned.

And are crocus bulbs poisonous to dogs? Like the rest of the plant, your pup certainly shouldn’t be snacking on crocus bulbs. If you think their curious snout may have got the better of them, be sure to contact your veterinarian immediately for a check-up This is especially important if you are unsure whether your dog has eaten a spring crocus bulb or a more dangerous autumn crocus bulb.

Spring crocus poisoning in dogs

So, now we know that spring crocuses aren’t strictly toxic to dogs, know that you should still be extremely cautious with your pup around plants and flowers. Many are seriously toxic to dogs, while others will cause an extremely uncomfortable upset stomach. So, if you think your pooch has nibbled on a crocus plant, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice and potentially an appointment. 

Symptoms

If it’s spring crocus your pup has ingested, they might experience vomiting, diarrhea, and general gastrointestinal upset. It’s important to take these symptoms seriously and to monitor them closely. If your pup is also excreting blood in their vomitus or fecal matter, then there’s a chance they’ve ingested autumn crocus, which can be fatal and should be treated as an emergency.

Diagnosis

If your pooch has ingested part of a crocus plant, take a sample with you to your veterinarian if you’ve been advised to have a check-up. This may help them to determine (alongside the symptoms your pooch is experiencing) which type of crocus was ingested, and therefore the severity of their condition.

Treatments

Most of the time, ingestion of spring crocus won’t require treatment, but it’s vital that you contact your veterinarian for advice if you’re concerned. You should monitor your pup’s symptoms (just in case they worsen or look more like autumnal crocus poisoning) and follow any aftercare advice provided by your vet.

Meet our veterinary expert, Rebecca

This article has been checked by veterinarian Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed MRCVS. Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009 she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George!

Other plants that are poisonous to dogs

Unfortunately, many of the plants and flowers that make our spaces look pretty are in fact poisonous to dogs, or will seriously irritate their stomachs. Get in the know on the plants your pup should avoid, starting with our list below.

• Lilies
• Aloe vera
• Geraniums
• Poinsettias