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Is Red Indian Water Lily toxic to dogs?

Nymphaea rubra

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists red indian water lily as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Nymphaea rubra is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Nymphaea species are distinguished from the highly nephrotoxic true lilies (Lilium, Hemerocallis), and are generally considered low-risk to pets; however rhizomes contain steroidal alkaloids that may cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Classified mildly-toxic as a precaution — keep pets from chewing rhizomes.

What to do if your dog ate red indian water lily

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move red indian water lily 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 red indian water lily to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is red indian water lily toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is red indian water lily toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists red indian water lily as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Nymphaea rubra is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Nymphaea species are distinguished from the highly nephrotoxic true lilies (Lilium, Hemerocallis), and are generally considered low-risk to pets; however rhizomes contain steroidal alkaloids that may cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Classified mildly-toxic as a precaution — keep pets from chewing rhizomes.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats red indian water lily?

Nymphaea rubra is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Nymphaea species are distinguished from the highly nephrotoxic true lilies (Lilium, Hemerocallis), and are generally considered low-risk to pets; however rhizomes contain steroidal alkaloids that may cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Classified mildly-toxic as a precaution — keep pets from chewing rhizomes. 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 red indian water lily.

What should I do if my dog ate red indian water lily?

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 red indian water lily toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Red Indian Water Lily is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full red indian water lily pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to red indian water lily?

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 red indian water lily pet-safety