Is Amaryllis Toxic to Dogs?

☠️ ToxicSeverity: Moderate

✅ Cross-checked against veterinary poison-control guidance · Oct 2026 audit

⚠️ Educational info only. If your pet just chewed something and looks unwell, skip the reading and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (US): (855) 764-7661.

Yes, amaryllis is toxic to dogs. The showy blooms get the blame less often than the bulb, which holds most of the toxic alkaloids.

Also known as: Hippeastrum, Barbados Lily · Hippeastrum spp.

What makes it toxic

Lycorine and related phenanthridine alkaloids that irritate the digestive tract and, at higher doses, affect blood pressure, heart rate and the nervous system.

Warning signs to watch for

Vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with blood), drooling, abdominal pain and depression within hours. Large bulb ingestions can add tremors, wobbliness and low blood pressure.

What to do if your dog eats it

Take the plant away, note what part was chewed and call your vet. Bulb chewing or any tremors mean going to a clinic without waiting for symptoms to worsen.

Common questions

How dangerous is one amaryllis bulb to a dog?

An entire bulb is a genuinely serious ingestion for a small dog and has caused severe poisoning. One bite of leaf is usually limited to GI upset. When in doubt, call the vet or a poison hotline.

Are amaryllis and belladonna lily the same plant?

Amaryllis houseplants are actually Hippeastrum, while the true Amaryllis belladonna is the outdoor belladonna lily. Both contain lycorine-type alkaloids, so both are unsafe for dogs.

More plants checked for dogs

Pothos☠️ ToxicYes, pothos is toxic to dogs. Chewing any part of the vine releases calcium oxalate crystals tha Aloe Vera⚠️ Mildly ToxicAloe vera is mildly to moderately toxic to dogs. The skin and latex layer of the leaf contain co Spider Plant✅ Non-ToxicNo, spider plants are non-toxic to dogs. A dog that nibbles the arching leaves is not at risk of Easter Lily⚠️ Mildly ToxicEaster lilies are only mildly toxic to dogs — they usually cause stomach upset, not the fatal ki Sago Palm☠️ ToxicYes — sago palm is severely toxic to dogs, with a documented fatality rate around 50% when untre Boston Fern✅ Non-ToxicNo, Boston ferns are non-toxic to dogs. Chewing a frond will not poison your dog.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.