Are Snowdrops 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, snowdrops are toxic to dogs. Digging dogs are most at risk, because the alkaloid-rich bulb is the most dangerous part.

Also known as: Common Snowdrop, February Fair-Maids, Galanthus nivalis · Galanthus nivalis

What makes it toxic

Lycorine and related Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, concentrated in the bulb. Lycorine is a strong emetic and galantamine affects nerve signaling.

Warning signs to watch for

Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and belly pain within hours. Bulb ingestion in quantity can progress to tremors, low blood pressure and collapse.

What to do if your dog eats it

Clear the mouth and call your vet promptly, especially if a bulb was eaten. Vomiting that will not stop, trembling or weakness means go to the clinic now.

Common questions

My dog dug up snowdrop bulbs — how serious is it?

Potentially very. The bulb is the most toxic part, so even one or two swallowed bulbs deserves immediate veterinary advice.

Are snowdrops worse than daffodils?

Both are Amaryllidaceae bulbs with lycorine-type toxins. Neither belongs where a digging dog can reach it.

What about dogs just sniffing the flowers?

Sniffing is harmless. Poisoning requires chewing or swallowing plant material.

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.