# Is Peace Lily Toxic to Dogs? Leaves, Pollen, and Air Is peace lily harmful to dogs? Yes. Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, and every part of the plant is considered toxic to dogs [1]. Chewing a leaf or stem usually causes mouth pain, drooling, and vomiting, but it rarely causes true systemic poisoning. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Peace lilies are toxic to dogs because of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, not because of a poison that spreads through the body [1][2]. - All parts of the plant matter, including leaves, stems, flowers, and roots. A single chewed leaf can cause significant mouth pain. - Pollen is not the main problem. The crystals are in the plant tissue, so airborne pollen is unlikely to poison your dog. - Signs usually start within minutes to a few hours of chewing and include drooling, pawing at the mouth, and vomiting [1]. - Call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 right away. Do not make your dog vomit unless a veterinarian tells you to. ## Is Peace Lily Harmful to Dogs? Yes. The ASPCA lists Spathiphyllum, including the common Mauna Loa peace lily, as toxic to dogs and cats [1][2]. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals [1][2]. These crystals are tiny, needle-shaped structures stored inside the plant cells. When a dog bites into the plant, the cells rupture and the crystals are released. This is why peace lily poisoning in dogs is mostly a story about the mouth and digestive tract, not the whole body. The crystals cause mechanical irritation where they touch tissue. They do not dissolve easily and are not absorbed in large amounts the way some other plant toxins are. ### Which Parts of the Plant Are Toxic? Every part of the peace lily contains calcium oxalate crystals [1][2]. That includes: - Leaves - Stems and stalks - Flowers and the spathe (the white hood-like part) - Roots The leaves and stems are the parts dogs most often chew because they are easy to reach. A dog who digs in the pot may also chew roots. The ASPCA does not rank one part as safer than another, so treat the whole plant as a hazard [1][2]. ### Are Peace Lilies Toxic to Dogs in the Air? No, the air around a peace lily is not a poisoning risk. The calcium oxalate crystals stay inside the plant tissue until the plant is chewed or broken [1][2]. They are not released into the air in a form your dog can inhale and absorb. That said, a dog with a peace lily in the house could still be exposed if the plant is knocked over, if a leaf falls within reach, or if a curious puppy decides to taste it. The risk is contact and chewing, not breathing the same air. ### Is Peace Lily Pollen Toxic to Dogs? Peace lily pollen is not the toxic part of the plant. The toxic principle is the insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in the plant tissue [1][2]. Pollen itself is not listed as a toxic principle for Spathiphyllum. If your dog sniffs a flower and gets pollen on the nose, that is unlikely to cause poisoning. If your dog eats the flower, the spathe, or the stem to get to the pollen, then the crystals are the concern. In practice, the pollen question usually comes up because owners worry about a dog walking past a blooming plant. That kind of exposure is not the same as chewing the plant. ### Is Spathiphyllum Toxic to Dogs? Spathiphyllum is the scientific name for peace lily, and yes, it is toxic to dogs [1][2]. The ASPCA lists both the general peace lily and the Mauna Loa peace lily as toxic to dogs, cats, and in the Mauna Loa record, horses [1][2]. The toxic principle is the same in both records: insoluble calcium oxalates [1][2]. If you see a plant labeled Spathiphyllum, peace lily, or Mauna Loa peace lily, treat it the same way. Keep it out of reach. ## What Calcium Oxalate Crystals Do in the Body Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause irritation by contact. When a dog chews the plant, the crystals pierce and scrape the soft tissues of the mouth, tongue, lips, and throat [1][2]. This triggers pain, swelling, drooling, and sometimes vomiting [1][2]. The word "insoluble" matters. These crystals do not dissolve readily in saliva or stomach fluid, so they keep causing local irritation as they pass. Most dogs swallow only a small amount because the pain makes them stop chewing. That is one reason serious poisoning is uncommon. There is a rare but serious possibility. A case report described a 9-year-old Poodle who chewed the thick stem of a Dieffenbachia plant, which is in the same plant family as peace lily and contains the same type of crystals [3]. The dog developed severe swelling of the glottis, the opening to the airway, and died from asphyxiation a few hours after signs began [3]. The report notes that dogs poisoned by Dieffenbachia usually recover with supportive care, and death from asphyxiation is a rare but possible outcome [3]. That case involved intense chewing of a thick stem, not a single nibble of a leaf. Still, it shows why swelling in the mouth and throat deserves prompt veterinary attention. A separate case in a guinea pig described kidney failure after a peace lily leaf was ingested [4]. That was a different species with different anatomy and metabolism, and it does not mean dogs typically develop kidney failure from peace lily. It does show that peace lily material is not harmless if a large amount is eaten. ## Signs of Peace Lily Poisoning in Dogs Signs usually involve the mouth and stomach. According to the ASPCA, clinical signs include oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing [1]. The Mauna Loa record adds pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips [2]. Common signs include: - Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face - Drooling more than usual - Whining or refusing to eat - Redness, swelling, or visible irritation in the mouth - Vomiting - Trouble swallowing - Head shaking or chattering teeth ### How Soon Do Signs Start? Signs typically begin within minutes to a few hours after chewing the plant. The crystals act on contact, so mouth pain and drooling often show up quickly. Vomiting may follow as your dog swallows irritated saliva and plant material. If your dog chewed a peace lily and has no signs after a few hours, the exposure was likely small. Keep watching for the rest of the day. Call your veterinarian if you are unsure how much was eaten. ### When It Is an Emergency Most peace lily exposures are painful but not life threatening. Get emergency help right away if your dog has: - Trouble breathing or noisy breathing - Swelling around the muzzle, lips, or throat - Repeated vomiting that will not stop - Collapse or extreme weakness - Signs that keep getting worse instead of better Severe swelling of the airway is rare, but it can progress quickly [3]. Do not wait to see if it improves on its own. ## What to Do Right Now If you think your dog ate part of a peace lily, take these steps: 1. Move your dog away from the plant and remove any plant pieces from the mouth if you can do so safely. Do not put your fingers deep into the mouth of a painful, panicking dog. 2. Call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. 3. Tell them what part of the plant was chewed, roughly how much, and when it happened. 4. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. Vomiting plant material back up can irritate the mouth and throat again. 5. Offer small amounts of water if your dog will drink. Do not force food or water. 6. Watch for breathing changes on the way to the clinic. If your dog ate a plant and you are not sure what it was, see [Dog Ate Toxic Plant](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/dog-ate-toxic-plant) for a step-by-step plan. ## How Veterinarians Treat Peace Lily Poisoning Treatment is supportive and focused on comfort. Your veterinarian will likely examine your dog's mouth, check the airway, and ask about the exposure. They may rinse the mouth to remove plant material and crystals. They may give medications to control pain, nausea, and stomach upset. Fluids may be given if your dog is vomiting or not drinking. If there is swelling in the throat, the veterinarian may need to provide oxygen or other breathing support. In the rare Dieffenbachia case, emergency procedures to relieve severe respiratory distress were attempted but were not successful [3]. That outcome is uncommon, and most dogs recover with conservative management [3]. Your veterinarian calculates any medication dose from your dog's weight and health. There is no home antidote for calcium oxalate plant exposure. ## Outlook for Dogs Who Chew Peace Lily The outlook is generally good for dogs who chew a small amount of peace lily. The ASPCA lists the signs as local irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing, which are treatable [1][2]. Most dogs improve within a day or two with supportive care. The outlook is more guarded if a large amount was eaten or if the airway swells. The Dieffenbachia case shows that severe swelling of the glottis can be fatal within hours, even with emergency care [3]. This is rare, but it is the reason a dog with breathing changes needs to be seen immediately. If your dog has underlying health problems, your veterinarian will consider those when giving a prognosis. ## Prevention and Safer Alternatives The simplest prevention is to keep peace lilies out of your dog's reach. Put them on a high shelf, in a room your dog cannot enter, or in a hanging planter. Do not rely on a coffee table or low windowsill. A determined dog can knock over a pot and chew the fallen leaves. Other steps that help: - Pick up fallen leaves and flowers right away. - Cover or block access to plant pots if your dog likes to dig. - Teach a solid "leave it" cue and reward your dog for ignoring plants. - Supervise your dog in homes with houseplants, especially puppies. If you want plants that are safer around dogs, choose from lists of non-toxic species. The ASPCA maintains a toxic and non-toxic plant database, and your veterinarian can help you check a specific plant [1]. For ideas, see [Plants That Aren't Toxic To Cats And Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-that-aren-t-toxic-to-cats-and-dogs). If you have several houseplants and want to know which ones to worry about, [Common Houseplants Toxic to Cats and Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/common-houseplants-toxic-to-cats-and-dogs) covers the common offenders. A broader list is available in [Plants Poisonous To Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-poisonous-to-dogs). ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian This article cannot tell you how much plant your dog ate or how your dog will respond. Individual cases need a veterinarian who can examine your dog and decide on treatment. Contact your veterinarian the same day if your dog chewed a peace lily and has drooling, mouth pain, vomiting, or trouble eating. A routine visit may be enough if signs are mild and your dog is breathing normally. Go to an emergency clinic now if your dog has trouble breathing, swelling of the lips or throat, repeated vomiting, collapse, or signs that are getting worse. Call ahead so the team can prepare. If you are not sure whether your dog ate the plant, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both services can help you decide whether your dog needs to be seen. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can my dog die from eating a peace lily? Death is very rare from peace lily exposure. Most dogs develop mouth pain, drooling, and vomiting and recover with supportive care [1][2]. A related plant in the same family caused fatal airway swelling in one dog who chewed a thick stem intensely, so breathing problems are the main emergency to watch for [3]. ### Will one chewed leaf make my dog sick? It can. Even a small amount of peace lily tissue can cause mouth irritation and drooling because the crystals act on contact [1]. Many dogs stop chewing quickly because of the pain, which limits how much they swallow. ### Should I make my dog throw up after eating a peace lily? No. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. Vomiting plant material back up can irritate the mouth and throat a second time, and it does not remove the crystals that are already causing pain. ### Is it safe to keep a peace lily in a house with a dog? It is safe only if your dog cannot reach it. Keep the plant on a high shelf or in a blocked-off room, and pick up fallen leaves and flowers. If your dog is a chewer, choose a non-toxic plant instead. ### Do peace lilies cause kidney failure in dogs? Kidney failure is not a typical effect of peace lily poisoning in dogs. The main toxic effect is local irritation from calcium oxalate crystals [1][2]. A guinea pig developed kidney failure after eating a peace lily leaf, but that is a different species and not the usual pattern in dogs [4]. ## Related Articles - [Plants Poisonous To Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-poisonous-to-dogs) - [Plants That Aren't Toxic To Cats And Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-that-aren-t-toxic-to-cats-and-dogs) - [Dog Ate Toxic Plant](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/dog-ate-toxic-plant) - [Common Houseplants Toxic to Cats and Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/common-houseplants-toxic-to-cats-and-dogs) - [What Plants And Flowers Are Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-and-flowers-are-toxic-to-cats) - [What Flowers Are Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-flowers-are-toxic-to-cats) - [Is Calla Lily Poisonous to Dogs? Signs and What to Do](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/calla-lily-poisonous-to-dogs) - [Are Lilies Toxic to Dogs? Day, Tiger, and Easter Lilies](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/lilies-toxic-to-dogs) - [Are Peace Lilies Toxic to Cats?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/peace-lilies-toxic-cats) ## References 1. [Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Peace Lily](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/peace-lily). ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 2. [Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Mauna Loa Peace Lily](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/mauna-loa-peace-lily). ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 3. [Accidental fatal poisoning of a dog by Dieffenbachia picta (dumb cane)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14513888/). Veterinary and human toxicology, 2003. 4. [Renal failure in a guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) following ingestion of oxalate containing plants](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16933558/). The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne, 2006. ## Further Reading - [ASPCA: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants) - [ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control) - [ASPCA: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets)