Is Calla Lily Poisonous to Dogs? Signs and What to Do

Name: Is Calla Lily Poisonous to Dogs? Signs and What to Do
Creator: Dr. Zubair Khalid

By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD · 2026-10-03

Yes, calla lily is poisonous to dogs. Every part of the plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, along with drooling and vomiting [1]. The good news is that these exposures are usually painful but rarely life threatening when handled promptly. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment.

Quick Answer

Calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) is listed as toxic to dogs, with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals as the toxic principle [1].
The whole plant is a concern, including leaves, stems, flowers, pollen, and the underground bulbs or rhizomes [1].
Typical signs are oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing [1].
Rinse your dog's mouth with water, offer a small drink of water, and call your veterinarian or a poison control line right away.
Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian specifically tells you to.

Is Calla Lily Poisonous to Dogs?

Yes. Calla lily is toxic to dogs and cats according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, which lists the toxic principle as insoluble calcium oxalates [1]. The plant also goes by names like pig lily, white arum, trumpet lily, florist's calla, garden calla, and arum lily, so a label on a bouquet may not say "calla lily" at all [1]. It belongs to the Araceae family, the same plant family as many common houseplants [1].

If you are sorting through a whole house or yard of plants, it helps to know which ones are safe. Our guide to plants poisonous to dogs covers the broader list, and plants that aren't toxic to cats and dogs can help you pick replacements.

Which Parts of the Calla Lily Are Toxic?

All parts of the plant carry the crystals [1]. That includes the leaves, the stems, the showy flower and its pollen, and the bulb or rhizome below the soil. Chewing any of these releases the crystals, so a dog does not need to swallow a large amount to feel the effects.

Are Calla Lily Leaves Toxic to Dogs?

Yes, the leaves are toxic [1]. They are often the part a dog reaches first because they sit low and are easy to grab. Chewing a leaf can cause immediate mouth pain and drooling.

Are Calla Lily Bulbs Toxic to Dogs?

Yes, the bulbs and rhizomes are toxic [1]. Dogs that dig in the garden may find them, and the bulbs can be more concentrated in irritating crystals than the above-ground parts. Keep bulbs out of reach during planting season.

Is Calla Lily Pollen Toxic to Dogs?

The pollen is part of the flower, and the flower is toxic [1]. A dog that sniffs or licks a bloom, or brushes against it and then grooms, can pick up plant material and crystals. Cut flowers in a vase are a common source of exposure because they sit at nose and counter height.

Are Mini Calla Lilies Toxic to Dogs?

Mini calla lilies are the same plant type and carry the same toxic principle [1]. Smaller size does not mean safer. A smaller plant simply means less total plant material, but the crystals still irritate the mouth the same way.

The Toxic Principle: Insoluble Calcium Oxalate Crystals

Calla lily contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals [1]. These are tiny, needle-shaped structures packed inside the plant cells. When a dog bites or chews the plant, the cells break open and the needles are released. They pierce and irritate the soft tissues of the mouth, tongue, lips, and throat. That mechanical injury is what causes the burning pain and swelling.

This is different from plants that contain a chemical toxin absorbed into the bloodstream. Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals act mostly where they touch. That is why mouth signs show up fast and why rinsing the mouth can help. It also explains why most cases are painful but not systemically dangerous. For contrast, some plant poisonings involve toxins that affect the heart, nerves, or other organs after absorption, and those can be far more serious [2][3].

Plant poisoning in animals comes from a wide range of chemical toxins, including alkaloids, glycosides, proteins, and amino acids, and sensitivity can differ between species [3]. Fortunately, many plant ingestions cause mild effects or none at all, but a few plants can be severely toxic in small amounts [3]. Calla lily sits in the painful-but-usually-manageable group for most dogs.

Signs of Calla Lily Poisoning in Dogs

The ASPCA lists these clinical signs for calla lily exposure: oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing [1]. You may also see pawing at the mouth, head shaking, reluctance to eat, or crying out when the mouth is touched. Some dogs drool so heavily that the fur around the muzzle and chest is soaked.

How Soon Do Signs Appear?

Signs usually start within minutes of chewing the plant, because the crystals act on contact. Drooling and mouth pain are often the first things you notice. Vomiting can follow if the dog swallows plant material or a lot of saliva. Difficulty swallowing may develop if the throat is irritated.

How Long Do Signs Last?

Mild mouth irritation often improves over several hours to a day or two with supportive care, though the exact timeline depends on how much was chewed and how sensitive your dog is. If signs are severe or not improving, veterinary care is needed. Your veterinarian can give you a realistic timeline for your dog's specific situation.

What to Do Right Now

Act quickly, but stay calm. The goal is to remove plant material from the mouth and reduce pain while you arrange veterinary advice.

Look in the mouth. If you can do it safely, wipe out any visible plant pieces with a cloth or your finger. Do not get bitten. A painful mouth can make even a gentle dog snap.
Rinse the mouth. Flush the mouth with plain water or offer a bowl of water to drink. This helps dilute and wash away crystals.
Offer a small amount of milk, yogurt, bread, or canned food. Coating the mouth and throat can ease the burning sensation. Keep portions small.
Call for advice. Contact your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.
Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. Vomiting brings plant material and crystals back up past the mouth and throat, which can cause more pain and irritation.

If your dog is having trouble breathing, is pawing frantically at the mouth, or seems to be swelling, treat it as an emergency and go to the nearest veterinary hospital. If you are unsure whether the plant your dog chewed is actually a calla lily, bring a piece or a photo with you. Our article on what to do when your dog ate a toxic plant walks through the same steps.

Veterinary Treatment for Calla Lily Exposure

Most dogs with calla lily exposure are treated supportively. Your veterinarian will ask what part of the plant was chewed, how much, and when. They will examine the mouth, tongue, and throat for swelling, redness, or ulcers.

Treatment often includes flushing the mouth, pain medication, and medication to settle the stomach if vomiting is ongoing. If swallowing is difficult, fluids and other support may be needed. A veterinarian calculates any medication dose from your dog's weight and health status, so never give human pain relievers on your own. Some human medications are toxic to dogs.

If a large amount of plant material was eaten, or if the dog has other health problems, your veterinarian may recommend blood work and monitoring. Diagnosis of plant poisoning can be challenging in veterinary medicine, especially when the exposure history is unclear [3]. That is why bringing the plant or a clear photo is so helpful.

Outlook After Calla Lily Ingestion

The outlook is generally good for dogs that chew calla lily. The crystals cause local irritation instead of organ damage, and most dogs recover with supportive care. Severe complications are uncommon but possible, especially if the throat swells enough to interfere with breathing or swallowing. Dogs that receive prompt care and monitoring tend to do well.

Preventing Calla Lily Exposure

Prevention is straightforward once you know the plant is a risk.

Remove calla lilies from areas your dog can reach, including garden beds, patio pots, and low shelves.
Keep cut arrangements and vases above counter height or behind a closed door.
Store bulbs and rhizomes in sealed containers during planting and dividing.
Supervise your dog in yards and parks where ornamental plants grow.
Teach "leave it" and reward your dog for ignoring plants.
Choose pet-safe plants for your home and garden.

If you want to swap out risky plants, our list of plants that aren't toxic to cats and dogs is a good starting point. Keep in mind that other hazards around the home can also sicken dogs, from certain insects to common foods. Our articles on tarantula exposure and garlic toxicity explain two examples.

Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian

This article cannot tell you how serious your dog's specific exposure is. Individual cases need a veterinarian who can examine your dog and ask about the details.

Contact a veterinarian the same day if your dog chewed calla lily and has drooling, mouth pain, vomiting, or trouble eating. Go to an emergency clinic now if you see difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, repeated vomiting, collapse, or severe distress. A routine visit is reasonable if you are not sure whether any plant material was swallowed, or if your dog has a chronic illness that could make irritation worse.

When in doubt, call. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 are staffed to help with exactly this kind of question.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my dog die from eating a calla lily?

Most dogs do not die from calla lily exposure. The crystals cause intense mouth pain and drooling, but serious outcomes are uncommon with prompt care. Call your veterinarian or a poison control line so they can assess your dog's specific situation.

Can my dog get sick just from licking a calla lily?

Yes, licking can cause signs. The crystals irritate on contact, so even a quick lick of a leaf or flower can lead to drooling and mouth discomfort. Rinse the mouth and call for advice.

Should I make my dog throw up after eating a calla lily?

No, do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. Vomiting pushes plant material and crystals back past the already irritated mouth and throat. Follow the guidance of your veterinarian or poison control.

Is calla lily the same as lily of the valley?

No, they are different plants with different toxins. Calla lily contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, while lily of the valley is a separate plant with its own toxicity profile. Always identify the plant by its scientific name when you can.

What plants look like calla lily that I should also avoid?

Several araceae family plants share the same irritating crystals, including many common houseplants with arrow-shaped leaves. If you are unsure what a plant is, keep your dog away from it and ask a veterinarian or a poison control specialist before assuming it is safe.

References

Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Calla Lily. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Grayanotoxin poisoning in animals following the ingestion of Ericaceae plants. Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997), 2026.
Poisonous plants. EXS, 2010.