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Pet safety

Is Paperwhite Narcissus toxic to dogs?

Narcissus papyraceus

Toxic to dogs

Yes — paperwhite narcissus 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. All Narcissus species including N. papyraceus contain lycorine, narcissine, and other alkaloids. ASPCA lists Narcissus (daffodil) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The bulbs are the most concentrated source. Contact dermatitis ('daffodil itch') can affect humans handling bulbs. Keep bulbs, cut flowers, and vase water away from pets and children.

What to do if your dog ate paperwhite narcissus

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move paperwhite narcissus 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 paperwhite narcissus to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is paperwhite narcissus toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is paperwhite narcissus toxic to dogs?

Yes — paperwhite narcissus is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All Narcissus species including N. papyraceus contain lycorine, narcissine, and other alkaloids. ASPCA lists Narcissus (daffodil) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The bulbs are the most concentrated source. Contact dermatitis ('daffodil itch') can affect humans handling bulbs. Keep bulbs, cut flowers, and vase water away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats paperwhite narcissus?

All Narcissus species including N. papyraceus contain lycorine, narcissine, and other alkaloids. ASPCA lists Narcissus (daffodil) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The bulbs are the most concentrated source. Contact dermatitis ('daffodil itch') can affect humans handling bulbs. Keep bulbs, cut flowers, and vase water away from pets and children. 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 paperwhite narcissus.

What should I do if my dog ate paperwhite narcissus?

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 paperwhite narcissus toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Paperwhite Narcissus is toxic to cats as well. See the full paperwhite narcissus pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to paperwhite narcissus?

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 paperwhite narcissus pet-safety