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Is White Water Lily toxic to dogs?

Nymphaea alba

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists white 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 alba is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database. The ASPCA's dangerous 'lily' listings refer specifically to Lilium and Hemerocallis, which are botanically unrelated to true waterlilies. However, anecdotal veterinary reports document GI upset — vomiting, drooling, and lethargy — in pets that have chewed waterlily foliage. As ASPCA status is unconfirmed and some irritant compounds (including tannins and alkaloids) have been reported in Nymphaea, treat with caution rather than as confirmed pet-safe. Verify with a vet if ingestion occurs; contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) for guidance.

What to do if your dog ate white water lily

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

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

Is white water lily toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is white water lily toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists white 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 alba is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database. The ASPCA's dangerous 'lily' listings refer specifically to Lilium and Hemerocallis, which are botanically unrelated to true waterlilies. However, anecdotal veterinary reports document GI upset — vomiting, drooling, and lethargy — in pets that have chewed waterlily foliage. As ASPCA status is unconfirmed and some irritant compounds (including tannins and alkaloids) have been reported in Nymphaea, treat with caution rather than as confirmed pet-safe. Verify with a vet if ingestion occurs; contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) for guidance.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats white water lily?

Nymphaea alba is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database. The ASPCA's dangerous 'lily' listings refer specifically to Lilium and Hemerocallis, which are botanically unrelated to true waterlilies. However, anecdotal veterinary reports document GI upset — vomiting, drooling, and lethargy — in pets that have chewed waterlily foliage. As ASPCA status is unconfirmed and some irritant compounds (including tannins and alkaloids) have been reported in Nymphaea, treat with caution rather than as confirmed pet-safe. Verify with a vet if ingestion occurs; contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) for guidance. 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 white water lily.

What should I do if my dog ate white 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 white water lily toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to white 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 white water lily pet-safety