Is Calla Lily Toxic to Dogs?

☠️ ToxicSeverity: Mild

✅ 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, calla lily is mildly toxic to dogs. Chewing the elegant white blooms or leaves embeds oxalate crystals in the mouth and gut.

Also known as: Arum Lily, Pig Lily, Zantedeschia · Zantedeschia aethiopica

What makes it toxic

Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals throughout the plant, which pierce the lining of the mouth, tongue and stomach when chewed.

Warning signs to watch for

Drooling, oral pain, head shaking, vomiting and loss of appetite within minutes of chewing.

What to do if your dog eats it

Rinse the dog’s mouth with water, remove plant material and offer fresh water. Contact your vet if signs last more than a few hours or the dog cannot swallow.

Common questions

Why do vets stress that calla lily is not a true lily?

Because owners panic — or relax for the wrong reasons. Calla lily is an oxalate irritant plant, while true lilies are the deadly kidney threat to cats. Dogs get GI upset from both, so monitor either way.

Are colored calla lilies (pink, yellow, black) also toxic?

Yes. All Zantedeschia cultivars contain the same crystals in every part.

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.