The Hidden Dangers Of Lilies For Your Beloved Pets

Spring is here an that means the flowers are blooming. Before you bring those spring flowers indoors, make sure they won't make your pets sick.

A Popular Spring Easter Flower Can Be Dangerous for Pets

One popular flower used regularly in spring and Easter bouquets and arrangements is incredibly dangerous for cats and dogs. You may even have some growing in your yard or garden.

Every Part of a Lily is Toxic for Pets

Lilies are one of the most toxic and deadly plants when it comes to our fourlegged friends. More specifically, lilies in the “true lily” and “daylily” families are dangerous, and every single part of a lily is toxic.

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Even The Water from the Vase Can Be Toxic

That's right. The whole plant - leaves, stem, flower, and pollen, are all toxic. Even the water in the vase can be dangerous. For dogs, consuming any part of a lily can cause stomach upset and other gastroinestinal symptoms, but for cats, exposure can be fatal.

Lilies Can Be Deadly for Our Feline Friends

A cat that ingest any part of the lily, including by grooming itself after coming into contact with the pollen or drinking the water from the vase can experience fatal kidney failure in as little as three days, according to the FDA.

Know the Early Signs of Lily Toxicity in Cats

Kidney failure in cats can progress very quickly so knowing the early warning signs of lily toxicity is important. A cat that has ingested lily may become less active. You may notice drooling, loss of appetite, and vomiting immediately after exposure, but the symptoms can take as long as 12 hours to appear after ingestion.

Kidney Damage Can Begin In as Little as 12 Hours

It takes only 12 to 24 hours for kidney damage to begin after exposure, and kidney failure can begin as early as 24 hours.

Signs of kidney damage start about 12 to 24 hours after ingestion and include increased urination and dehydration. Kidney failure occurs within 24 to 72 hours, leading to death if the cat isn’t treated. Early veterinary treatment greatly improves the cat’s prognosis. However, if treatment is delayed by 18 hours or more after ingestion, the cat will generally have irreversible kidney failure.

Bottom Line: Don't Bring Lilies Into Your Home

So while lilies are beautiful, it is best to keep them out of your home entirely if you have pets, but especially if you have cats, and this warning goes well beyond spring. Lilies are a popular flower that is regularly included in all types of floral arrangements. Keep that in mind the next time you order flowers for a cat loving friend or family member too.

[SOURCE: FDA]