Are Peace Lilies Poisonous to Pets? A Guide to Keeping Your Furry Friends Safe

Peace lilies are a popular houseplant known for their air-purifying abilities and easy care requirements. But while their lush green leaves and delicate white blooms may brighten up your home, you may wonder – are peace lilies poisonous to pets?

The short answer is yes, peace lilies contain some compounds that can cause irritation or discomfort if ingested by dogs and cats. However the level of toxicity is relatively mild compared to true lilies from the Lilium genus. By taking a few precautions you can safely keep peace lilies in homes with pets.

Understanding Peace Lily Toxicity

Peace lilies belong to the Araceae plant family along with calla lilies anthurium and philodendron. All members of this family contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in their leaves, stems, and other parts.

If chewed or swallowed, these crystals can cause mouth pain, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea in pets. In very rare cases, swelling of the mouth and airway may also occur.

However, peace lily toxicity is mild to moderate. Serious poisoning is very uncommon, and fatalities are extremely rare. Things would likely have to progress to a dangerous point before causing life-threatening issues in healthy adult pets.

So while peace lilies can’t be considered 100% pet-safe, they aren’t nearly as toxic as true lilies (Lilium spp), which can cause kidney failure in cats even with minor exposure to pollen or water

Peace Lily Safety Tips for Cat and Dog Owners

While severe peace lily poisoning is very unusual, it’s still smart to take some basic precautions around pets:

• Keep plants out of reach of pets to avoid chewing. Place on high shelving or hang from the ceiling. Deter access if needed.

• Avoid placing plants in areas pets frequent like sleeping spots. Keep peace lilies in separate non-carpeted rooms when possible.

• Monitor pets around new plants until you see they leave it alone. Redirect any interest.

• Check for and clean up any fallen or chewed leaves before pets can ingest.

• Don’t let pets drink or play in water from the plant’s drip tray. Replace with fresh water frequently.

• Opt for small or juvenile peace lilies which have less foliage. Prioritize other non-toxic plants.

• Only bring peace lilies into the home if your pets don’t have a habit of chewing plants.

With supervision and common sense, peace lilies can safely be kept in homes with pets in most cases. But if your dog or cat has a curious nature and tendency to nibble greenery, it’s best to choose a different non-toxic houseplant.

Signs of Peace Lily Poisoning in Pets

If you have any reason to suspect your pet ingested part of a peace lily, monitor them closely for these signs:

• Drooling, lip smacking, or excessive swallowing

• Pawing at the mouth

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea or bloody stool

• Reduced appetite or refusal to eat

• Lethargy, weakness, or tremors

• Difficulty breathing

• Collapse or unconsciousness

Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately if you notice these symptoms or have any concerns after exposure. With prompt supportive care, pets usually make a full recovery. But delays can allow more severe issues to develop.

Common Questions About Peace Lilies and Pets

Here are answers to some other frequently asked questions about peace lily toxicity and safety around pets:

Are peace lilies poisonous to cats?

Yes, peace lilies are considered mildly toxic to cats. All parts of the plant contain insoluble oxalate crystals that can cause mouth and stomach irritation if chewed or ingested. Serious poisoning is very rare, but monitor cats closely if exposure occurs.

Are peace lilies poisonous to dogs?

Peace lilies are also mildly toxic to dogs. The calcium oxalate crystals can cause similar irritation and gastrointestinal upset compared to cats. Supervise dogs around peace lilies and redirect any interest in chewing the plant.

Can peace lily pollen hurt pets?

Peace lily pollen is not considered toxic or hazardous to dogs or cats. Only direct contact with the plant’s tissues can cause irritation. But pollen may collect on pet’s fur, so wash or wipe it off to prevent licking and accidental ingestion.

Are peace lilies safe for pets if they don’t try to eat it?

As long as pets show no interest in nibbling a peace lily, it’s considered non-toxic. Simply keep the plant out of reach to prevent any possible chewing. Monitor any new indoor plants until you’re sure pets don’t interact with them.

What if my dog or cat eats a peace lily?

If you see a pet ingest a peace lily, call your vet or poison control right away. Depending on the amount eaten, they’ll advise you on inducing vomiting at home or bringing your pet in for hospitalization and monitoring. With treatment, most pets recover fully.

Keeping Pets Safe Around Houseplants

Peace lilies are just one of many common houseplants that can pose a risk to curious cats and dogs that may chew on the leaves and stems. While serious poisoning is rare, it’s smart to take some basic precautions:

• Research plant toxicity before bringing new plants home
• Place houseplants out of reach of pets
• Redirect any interest in nibbling plants
• Opt for non-toxic alternatives like orchids, roses, and air plants

With supervision and by following some simple tips, you can safely decorate your home with plants like peace lilies while still protecting your furry friends. Just take care to discourage chewing and immediately address any exposure that does occur.