NYC Spring Flowers & Dog Safety

What Every Dog Parent Should Know Before Chasing Tulips

Let's talk about something important that every dog parent should know: spring flowers are stunning, but some of them are also toxic to your dog. This doesn't mean you can't enjoy the season with your pup — it just means going in informed, and ensure they definitely don't consume these. Here's what you need to know.

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Tulips & Daffodils: Beautiful, But Dangerous

Tulips contain allergenic lactones concentrated primarily in the bulb, though the stems, leaves, and flowers also carry toxins. Ingestion can cause drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in larger amounts, increased heart rate and difficulty breathing.

Daffodils (narcissus) contain lycorine, an alkaloid that triggers intense vomiting. The bulb is the most toxic part, but all parts of the plant — stem, flower, and leaves — are considered poisonous. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmia and tremors.

Both flowers are planted widely across New York City's public parks every spring — which is exactly why we felt it was important to say something. When you're walking through Bryant Park or strolling the Park Avenue malls, keep your dog close, on leash, and away from the beds. A sniff from a distance is fine. Chewing on a stem is not.

If you suspect your dog has ingested any part of a tulip or daffodil, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately: (888) 426-4435.

A Comprehensive List of Flowers & Plants Toxic to Dogs

Tulips and daffodils are far from the only offenders. Here is a reference list every dog parent should keep handy — especially heading into spring and summer when gardens, bouquets, and floral arrangements are everywhere.

🌷 Spring Bulbs & Garden Flowers

Tulips (Tulipa) — bulb most toxic
Daffodils / Narcissus — all parts toxic
Hyacinths — bulb most toxic, causes vomiting and diarrhea
Iris — rhizome most toxic, causes GI upset and lethargy
Lily of the Valley — highly toxic, affects the heart
Crocus (Autumn Crocus / Colchicum) — can cause organ failure; note that Spring Crocus causes milder GI upset

🌸 Trees & Flowering Shrubs

Azalea / Rhododendron — all parts toxic, can cause cardiac issues
Oleander — extremely toxic, affects the heart
Sago Palm — highly toxic, can cause liver failure
Wisteria — seeds and pods most toxic

🌿 Common Houseplants

Pothos — causes mouth irritation and GI upset
Peace Lily — causes oral irritation and vomiting
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) — causes intense oral burning
Philodendron — causes oral and GI irritation
ZZ Plant — toxic if ingested
Aloe Vera — causes vomiting and lethargy

💐 Common Cut Flowers

Lilies (especially Tiger, Easter, Day, and Stargazer) — extremely toxic to cats; toxic to dogs as well, causing GI upset
Chrysanthemums — causes vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling
Baby's Breath — mild toxicity, GI irritation
Peonies — causes vomiting and diarrhea
Foxglove — highly toxic, affects the heart
Hydrangea — contains cyanogenic glycosides; causes vomiting and lethargy

🍃 Outdoor & Wild Plants