Pet emergency
My dog ate Pygmy Rwandan Water Lily — what to do
Step by step
- Take pygmy rwandan water lily away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My dog ate pygmy rwandan water lily — FAQ
Is pygmy rwandan water lily poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Pygmy Rwandan Water Lily (Nymphaea thermarum) as mildly toxic to dogs. Nymphaea thermarum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As with other Nymphaea species, ingestion of plant material — particularly rhizomes — may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to alkaloid content. Classified as mildly-toxic as a precautionary measure.
How serious is it if my dog ate pygmy rwandan water lily?
Pygmy Rwandan Water Lily is mildly toxic, so most dogs get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your dog ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Nymphaea thermarum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As with other Nymphaea species, ingestion of plant material — particularly rhizomes — may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to alkaloid content. Classified as mildly-toxic as a precautionary measure. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my dog vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep pygmy rwandan water lily well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is pygmy rwandan water lily toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Pygmy Rwandan Water Lily and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide