The very epitome of Spring, bright yellow trumpet like flowers blowing in the breeze, framed by dark green leaves. The Daffodil is one of the earliest sources of nectar for bees and other early pollinators. So many positives related to this Spring flower but are daffodils poisonous to dogs?
Also known as Narcissus, paper white, or Jonquil, the daffodil has roughly 12 main types but within those types there are around 1300 variations. The information below applies to ALL varieties.
Questions Relating to Dogs and Daffodils
YES. Daffodils contain the alkaloid lycorine which is a emetic. This means it causes sickness and/or diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. As if that’s not bad enough, it can also cause breathing difficulties, cardiac arrhythmia, and in serious cases death. They also contain calcium oxalate which can cause kidney failure in severe cases.
If you suspect your dog has eaten a daffodil, be on the look out for sickness, diarrhoea, and excessive saliva, or drooling. Other signs include panting, whining, and trouble swallowing.
If your dog eats daffodils consult your vet immediately. If possible take the plant with you as this will give your vet a better idea of the treatment necessary.
The whole plant is poisonous to dogs. The highest concentration of poisons is in the bulb, but the leaves, flowers, roots and even the dust from dry bulbs can be harmful to dogs.
Even the water that daffodils have stood in a vase or bucket can contain the harmful compounds that poison dogs. If you suspect your dog of drinking this contaminated water contact your vet at once.
Helpful resources
If your dog has eaten a daffodil or any part of the bulb, leaf, stalk, flower, or root, contact your vet at once. Or click the links for more advice.