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Is Stinking Iris toxic to dogs?

Iris foetidissima

Toxic to dogs

Yes — stinking iris 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. ASPCA lists all Iris species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; pentacyclic terpenoids are the toxic agents, concentrated in the rhizomes. The RHS also notes it is harmful if eaten and recommends gloves and protective equipment when handling. Symptoms of ingestion include salivation, vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea.

What to do if your dog ate stinking iris

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

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

Is stinking iris toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is stinking iris toxic to dogs?

Yes — stinking iris is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists all Iris species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; pentacyclic terpenoids are the toxic agents, concentrated in the rhizomes. The RHS also notes it is harmful if eaten and recommends gloves and protective equipment when handling. Symptoms of ingestion include salivation, vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats stinking iris?

ASPCA lists all Iris species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; pentacyclic terpenoids are the toxic agents, concentrated in the rhizomes. The RHS also notes it is harmful if eaten and recommends gloves and protective equipment when handling. Symptoms of ingestion include salivation, vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea. 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 stinking iris.

What should I do if my dog ate stinking iris?

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 stinking iris toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Stinking Iris is toxic to cats as well. See the full stinking iris pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to stinking iris?

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 stinking iris pet-safety