Are tulips poisonous to dogs?

Updated 06/09/2023

Tulips: pretty, dainty, and the national flower of the Netherlands, no less. Tulips can be a bright and bold addition to your floral repertoire, sure. But if you’re a plant-loving pet parent, you may be wondering this: are tulips toxic to dogs?

If there’s one thing we can say for sure about our canine pals, it’s that they love to sniff, snuffle, and scoff anything they find in their path - many of which can be toxic to dogs! So, tulips and dogs: is it a safe combo? Let’s find out…

Are tulips poisonous to dogs?

Yes - tulips (and all spring bulbs, including daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths, and amaryllis) are toxic to dogs.

According to the ASPCA, all parts of this pretty little plant (including the stem and leaves) are toxic to dogs - but the bulb is where most of the toxins are concentrated, which makes it the most toxic part.

Tulips contain toxic compounds known as allergenic lactones, or similar alkaloids such as tulipalin A, tulipalin B, and tuliposide A, which, if eaten, can cause irritation to your pooch's mouth and stomach - not to mention, lead to a whole host of painful and unpleasant symptoms. Not good. 

Tulip poisoning

Symptoms

According to the ASPCA, the severity of your pup's symptoms can depend on how much and which part of the tulip plant your pup has eaten. Here are the most common symptoms to look out for:

• Vomiting
• Nausea 
• Diarrhea 
• Drooling 
• Dehydration 
• Lethargy 
• Stomach pain
• Increased heart rate 
• Increased respiratory rate
• Difficulty breathing
  

With larger ingestions of tulip plants/bulbs, the more severe symptoms of an increased heart rate, increased respiratory rate, or difficulty breathing, can be seen. 

Diagnosis

If you suspect your pooch has been nibbling on your tulip plant, be sure to speak to your vet for advice in the first instance. Let them know how much (and what part) of the tulip you believe your dog has eaten, along with any symptoms they are displaying. 

Remember, only your vet can give you the right advice for your pooch - so don't hesitate to call. If your dog is displaying more severe symptoms (such as difficulty breathing, or if they appear to be extremely unwell), don't wait around - head to your nearest veterinary clinic for help. 

Diagnosis will usually be based on a history of having eaten tulip plant, clinical signs, and a clinical exam. Your vet may also run a blood test to check organ function.

Treatments

Treatment will depend on the severity of your pup's symptoms. In some cases, where symptoms are very mild, your vet may suggest that you monitor and treat your dog at home. However, more severe cases will require a trip to the vet. While there's no antidote to tulip poisoning, your vet can administer treatment and medication that can help to manage the symptoms and support their recovery.

If the plant was recently eaten, your vet may induce emesis (make your dog sick to rid the body of the toxin and reduce the absorption and therefore symptoms). Your vet may administer activated charcoal, a medication that binds with the toxin to reduce its absorption and limit symptoms. Some pups may need hospitalization for IV fluid administration, blood tests, and monitoring to make sure they recover fully. Oxygen therapy and EKG (heart monitoring) may be needed in more severe cases. 

The good news is that in most cases, and with the right care, most dogs will recover well from tulip poisoning. However, the severity of symptoms can depend on a number of factors, such as your dog's age, size, and if your pet has any pre-existing conditions (small dogs or young puppies are particularly at risk, for example). The bottom line? In the case of tulip poisoning (or any other suspected poisoning, for that matter), seek the advice of your vet as soon as possible.

Meet our veterinary expert, Lily

This article has been checked by veterinarian Lily Richards BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS. Lily qualified from Liverpool University in 2011 and spent 5 years as a veterinarian working in mixed animal practice. As Lily’s passion for exotics and exploring more complicated small animal medical cases developed, she stepped into small animal-only practice. By 2018 Lily was leading a busy branch of a large hospital practice with a fantastic team, enjoying working on both surgical and medical cases. Since falling poorly in 2021 Lily has found a new passion in medical writing. Sharing medical knowledge and writing for the public is a particular passion. 

Other plants that are poisonous for dogs

So, can dogs eat tulips? That’ll a big no. Unfortunately, tulips aren’t the only horticultural hazards that our canines pals should be avoiding. Here are some other popular plants and flowers that are poisonous to dogs:

• Rhododendrons
• Oleander
• Morning glory
• Lily of the valley
• Laburnums