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Is Giant Snowdrop toxic to dogs?

Galanthus elwesii

Toxic to dogs

Yes — giant snowdrop is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Like all Galanthus species, G. elwesii contains the alkaloid galantamine and lycorine, concentrated especially in the bulbs. Ingestion by dogs or cats causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and in significant quantities can cause cardiac and neurological effects. ASPCA lists Galanthus (snowdrop) as toxic to dogs and cats. The larger bulbs of this species contain proportionally more alkaloid than those of G. nivalis.

What to do if your dog ate giant snowdrop

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move giant snowdrop out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of giant snowdrop to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten giant snowdrop, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is giant snowdrop toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is giant snowdrop toxic to dogs?

Yes — giant snowdrop is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Like all Galanthus species, G. elwesii contains the alkaloid galantamine and lycorine, concentrated especially in the bulbs. Ingestion by dogs or cats causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and in significant quantities can cause cardiac and neurological effects. ASPCA lists Galanthus (snowdrop) as toxic to dogs and cats. The larger bulbs of this species contain proportionally more alkaloid than those of G. nivalis.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats giant snowdrop?

Like all Galanthus species, G. elwesii contains the alkaloid galantamine and lycorine, concentrated especially in the bulbs. Ingestion by dogs or cats causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and in significant quantities can cause cardiac and neurological effects. ASPCA lists Galanthus (snowdrop) as toxic to dogs and cats. The larger bulbs of this species contain proportionally more alkaloid than those of G. nivalis. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to giant snowdrop.

What should I do if my dog ate giant snowdrop?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is giant snowdrop toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Giant Snowdrop is toxic to cats as well. See the full giant snowdrop pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to giant snowdrop?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full giant snowdrop pet-safety