Is it toxic to dogs?
Peace lily
Spathiphyllum spp. · Araceae
Also called Mauna Loa peace lily, Spathiphyllum
Toxic to dogs
Severity: Mild
Yes, though it is not a true lily. Peace lily is toxic to dogs because of calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth and cause drooling and vomiting, but serious problems are very rare.
- Toxic parts
- Leaves and stems
- Toxic compounds
- Insoluble calcium oxalates
- Where you’ll find it
- Houseplant
- When signs start
- Mouth pain starts right after the plant is chewed.
Signs of poisoning
- Irritation and burning of the mouth, tongue and lips
- Heavy drooling
- Gagging
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Rarely, mouth swelling that affects breathing
Why it’s harmful to dogs
Peace lily is a glossy, dark green houseplant that produces white, hood-shaped flowers called spathes. It copes well with low light, which makes it a favorite in offices and living rooms.
Despite the name, it is not a true lily. It belongs to the same plant family as pothos and philodendron, and like them it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. When a dog chews it, the crystals are released and cause oral pain, drooling, vomiting or diarrhea. An ASPCA article says it is very rare for peace lilies to cause serious or life-threatening problems, though swelling in the mouth could very rarely make breathing difficult.
Merck Veterinary Manual says insoluble oxalates are not a kidney concern and gives plants like peace lily a good to excellent outlook. True lilies are a different plant group, and the ASPCA lists them as non-toxic to dogs.
If your dog ate peace lily
Move the plant away and note how much your dog chewed. Drooling, pawing at the mouth and vomiting are the usual result. Call your vet or a poison helpline for advice. US owners can call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply), and owners elsewhere can call their local emergency vet. Don't induce vomiting at home.
Go to an emergency clinic right away if your dog's face, lips or tongue swell, breathing becomes noisy or hard, or your dog can't swallow. Bring a leaf or photo of the plant.
Keeping your dog safe
Keep peace lily on a high shelf or in a room your dog can't enter, and pick up fallen leaves and spent flowers. Puppies explore with their mouths, so watch them closely.
Teach a reliable "leave it" and give chew toys to bored dogs. For a leafy, low-light plant that is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs, parlor palm and spider plant are good choices, and African violets add flowers.
Dog-safe alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Is peace lily poisonous to dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists peace lily as toxic to dogs. The crystals in the leaves irritate the mouth and cause drooling and vomiting.
Is a peace lily a true lily?
No. It belongs to a different plant family from true lilies and contains calcium oxalate crystals instead. True lilies and daylilies are listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs.
Does peace lily cause kidney damage?
No. Merck Veterinary Manual says insoluble oxalates are not a kidney concern, and Pet Poison Helpline's lily guidance says the crystals in peace lilies don't cause body-wide poisoning or kidney failure.
Is peace lily dangerous to a puppy?
Puppies explore with their mouths, so call your vet any time a puppy chews one. Serious problems are rare, but watch closely for swelling of the mouth or throat or any trouble breathing.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy