Calla lilies, with their elegant trumpet-shaped blooms, are a popular choice for homes and gardens. Their beauty is undeniable, but if you’re a pet owner, especially of cats or dogs, you might be wondering: Are Calla Lilies Poisonous To Pets? It’s a valid concern, as the safety of our furry companions is always a top priority. While calla lilies are often grouped with more dangerous lilies, understanding the specific risks they pose is crucial for responsible pet parenting.
Understanding Lily Toxicity in Pets: Calla Lilies vs. True Lilies
The world of lilies can be confusing when it comes to pet safety. It’s important to distinguish between different types of lilies because their toxicity levels vary significantly. When we talk about lilies being fatally poisonous to cats, we’re primarily referring to “true lilies” – plants belonging to the Lilium and Hemerocallis genera. These include popular varieties like Easter lilies, Tiger lilies, Asiatic lilies, Daylilies, and Japanese Show lilies. These true lilies are incredibly dangerous, especially for cats, and can cause severe kidney failure even from ingesting small amounts.
Calla lilies, on the other hand, are not true lilies. They belong to the Zantedeschia genus and contain different toxic substances. The primary culprit in calla lily toxicity is calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals are sharp and needle-like and cause irritation upon contact or ingestion. While calla lilies are considered less toxic than true lilies, they are still poisonous to both cats and dogs and should be treated with caution around pets. Other lilies to be aware of include Peace lilies and Lily of the Valley. Peace lilies, like calla lilies, contain calcium oxalate crystals and cause similar, though generally milder, symptoms. Lily of the Valley, however, is toxic to the heart and poses a different kind of threat.
Calla Lily Poisoning in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms and Effects
If your cat or dog decides to investigate or even taste a calla lily, they are likely to experience some unpleasant symptoms. The calcium oxalate crystals are the main cause of immediate discomfort.
In Cats: Cats, being more sensitive and curious, are more frequently affected by plant poisonings. If a cat chews on or ingests part of a calla lily, the most immediate symptom is typically oral irritation. You might notice your cat pawing at their mouth, drooling excessively, or vocalizing in discomfort. Other common symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty swallowing
In Dogs: Dogs are generally less severely affected by calla lilies compared to cats. They might experience similar symptoms but often in a milder form. The primary signs of calla lily poisoning in dogs are usually related to gastrointestinal upset:
- Oral irritation (though less pronounced than in cats)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
While calla lily poisoning is rarely fatal, it can still cause significant discomfort and, in severe cases, dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea. It’s important to note that the severity of symptoms can vary depending on the amount ingested and the size of your pet.
What to Do If Your Pet Ingests a Calla Lily
If you suspect your pet has ingested any part of a calla lily, prompt action is key. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Stay Calm and Assess: Try to estimate how much of the plant your pet might have eaten. Collect any plant pieces your pet may have vomited for your vet.
- Remove Access: Immediately remove the calla lily plant from your pet’s reach to prevent further ingestion.
- Wash the Mouth: Gently rinse your pet’s mouth with water to help remove any remaining plant material and alleviate oral irritation.
- Contact Your Veterinarian Immediately: Do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Call your veterinarian or a pet poison control hotline right away. Early intervention is crucial in managing plant poisoning. Be prepared to provide information about the plant ingested (calla lily), the amount you think they ate, and the symptoms your pet is exhibiting.
Your veterinarian will advise you on the best course of action. In most cases of calla lily ingestion, treatment is supportive. This might include:
- Fluid therapy: To prevent dehydration, especially if your pet is vomiting or has diarrhea.
- Anti-nausea medication: To control vomiting.
- Pain relief medication: To manage oral or esophageal irritation.
Preventing Calla Lily Poisoning in Pets
Prevention is always better than cure. The best way to protect your pets from calla lily poisoning is to prevent them from accessing the plants in the first place.
- Keep Calla Lilies Out of Reach: If you choose to have calla lilies in your home or garden, place them in areas that are completely inaccessible to your pets. This might mean high shelves, rooms your pets don’t enter, or in fenced-off garden areas.
- Consider Pet-Safe Alternatives: There are many beautiful and pet-friendly plants you can choose instead of calla lilies. Options like orchids, African violets, and ferns are generally considered safe for cats and dogs.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Inform family members and visitors about the potential dangers of calla lilies to pets, so everyone is aware and takes precautions.
Conclusion: Calla Lilies and Pet Safety – Caution is Key
While calla lilies are not as deadly as true lilies, they are still poisonous to pets, particularly cats and dogs. Ingestion can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like oral irritation, vomiting, and drooling due to calcium oxalate crystals. If you suspect your pet has eaten a calla lily, contact your veterinarian immediately. The best approach is prevention: keep calla lilies out of reach of your furry friends and consider pet-safe plant alternatives. By being informed and proactive, you can ensure a safe and beautiful environment for both you and your beloved pets.
