Peace lilies are stunning houseplants, known for their serene beauty and white flowers. Many people wonder if peace lilies are toxic to cats, dogs, and even humans. While the name may suggest toxicity, peace lilies are only mildly toxic. In this article, we will explore the potential dangers of peace lilies for our furry friends and provide tips on how to keep them safe.
How Toxic Is a Peace Lily?
Peace lilies contain calcium oxalate crystals, which make the plant mildly toxic to both pets and humans. Ingesting the plant can cause mild discomfort, including symptoms such as burning/tingling sensations in the mouth, swollen lips and tongue, drooling, and nausea. Severe reactions are rare but it’s best to take precautions if you have pets or young children.
Is a Peace Lily Toxic to Cats?
While peace lilies are not deadly to cats like true lilies, they can still make your feline friend sick. The insoluble calcium oxalate crystals present in peace lilies can cause vomiting, discomfort, and drooling in cats. It’s important to note that severe side effects are rare.
Why Are Peace Lilies Poisonous to Cats?
Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals make peace lilies toxic to cats. If a cat chews on the plant, the toxic substance can cause vomiting, discomfort, and drooling. Fortunately, more severe side effects are uncommon.
Symptoms of Peace Lily Poisoning in Cats
If your cat has ingested peace lilies, watch out for the following symptoms:
- Drooling and foaming
- Pawing and scratching at the mouth
- Excessive licking
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting and dry heaving
- Depression and reduced activities
- Loss of appetite
- Head shaking
- Dilated pupils
In severe cases, cats may experience difficulty swallowing, seizures, and other serious side effects.
What Should You Do If Your Cat Eats a Peace Lily?
If your cat eats a peace lily, it is important to seek veterinary care. Contact your vet or a pet poison control center and explain the symptoms. In some cases, physical checkup, pollen removal from the coat, and supportive care may be necessary. Inducing vomit to empty the stomach and providing IV fluids to prevent dehydration may be required in severe cases.
Is a Peace Lily Toxic to Dogs?
Similar to cats, dogs can also have reactions to the toxins found in peace lilies. When dogs chew on peace lilies, they may experience oral irritation and inflammation. Ingesting large quantities of any part of the plant can lead to more serious issues.
What Happens If a Dog Eats a Peace Lily?
The calcium oxalate present in peace lilies is poisonous to dogs. Ingesting the plant can cause pain and burning sensations in the lips and tongue. Signs of peace lily poisoning in dogs include abnormal drooling, scratching and pawing at the face, swollen lips and tongue, hoarse barking, diarrhea, vomiting, appetite loss, dilated eyes, and lethargy.
In severe cases, dogs may experience difficulty swallowing and eating, irregular heartbeat, and more.
What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats a Peace Lily?
If your dog has eaten a peace lily, wipe and rinse their mouth if possible. Remove any remaining parts of the plant and offer some ice to alleviate pain and swelling. Contact your vet or a pet poison control center immediately if your dog shows serious or life-threatening symptoms.
Preventing Peace Lily Poisoning in Pets
To prevent peace lily poisoning in cats and dogs, consider the following tips:
- Keep peace lily plants out of reach from your pets.
- Train your pets to stay away from plants, using positive reinforcement.
- Place dog-friendly plants around the peace lily to block access.
- Remove fallen leaves and flowers promptly to minimize the chances of attracting your pets.
Are Peace Lily Plants Toxic to Humans?
Peace lilies are also toxic to humans due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. Ingesting the plant can lead to oral irritation, swelling, nausea, and vomiting. However, the toxicity level is mild, and these reactions can be managed at home.
Safety Measures for Kids and Adults
To prevent accidental ingestion of peace lilies by children:
- Wipe the mouth and rinse out remnants of the plant with water.
- Use ice chips or frozen treats to soothe mouth irritation, pain, or swelling.
- Contact your physician or call poison control if necessary.
For adults, wearing gloves when handling peace lilies and avoiding touching the face, eyes, and mouth after contact with the plant can minimize the risk of unpleasant side effects.
Pet-Friendly Alternatives to Peace Lilies
If you are concerned about the toxicity of peace lilies, there are many pet-friendly alternatives to consider. Here are three top picks:
1. Pink Christmas Cactus
The Pink Christmas Cactus is a tropical plant that blooms with white-and-pink flowers during winter. It is non-toxic to pets, and the flat shape of its stems means there’s no risk of getting pricked.
2. Francesca Guzmania Bromeliad
This beautiful indoor plant offers a combination of white and pink flowers that can brighten up your home. The plant usually flowers for 3-5 months and is safe for both cats and dogs.
3. Evita Vriesea Bromeliad
The Evita Vriesea Bromeliad is a pet-safe flowering tropical plant. It takes a few years to bloom, but when it does, its fiery red and yellow sword-shaped flowers are a sight to behold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I keep my cat away from my peace lily?
A: You can keep your cat away from your peace lily by placing the plant in an inaccessible spot, such as an elevated shelf or a hanging planter. Alternatively, keep the plant in a room that your cat cannot access.
Q: What happens if my cat smells a peace lily?
A: If your cat sniffs a peace lily, the pollen can be harmful if accidentally transferred to the animal’s fur and paws. Eventually, your cat may lick it, causing a toxic reaction.
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 cause harm when the plant parts are ingested.
Q: What happens if a child eats a peace lily?
A: If a child eats any part of a peace lily, the calcium oxalate crystals can cause immediate oral discomfort. This includes irritation, pain, and swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat. The child may also experience coughing, nausea, and vomiting.
Conclusion
While peace lilies have an elegant appearance and divine fragrance, their mild toxicity should not be underestimated, especially if you have pets or young children. Prioritize the safety of your loved ones by keeping even mildly poisonous plants out of their reach. Consider pet-friendly alternatives to peace lilies to add natural beauty to your home without the potential risks. For more pet-related information, visit Pawsoha.
*[IV]: Intravenous