What To Do If Dog Eats Peace Lily?

Pet ownership comes with its joys and responsibilities, but it also entails being vigilant about the safety of our furry friends. Dogs, known for their curious nature, may sometimes ingest plants that can harm them. The peace lily is one such plant that can threaten dogs (Spathiphyllum spp.). This popular household plant, while aesthetically pleasing, contains compounds that can be toxic to dogs if ingested. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what to do if your dog eats peace lily. We outline the steps to take if your canine companion happens to consume this plant.

What is Peace Lily Poisoning?

Plants belonging to the Araceae family, specifically the peace lilies within the genus, are characterized by their large, flat leaves and distinctive white flowers. These plants pose a risk to animals, particularly dogs, due to calcium oxalate crystals in all plant parts. Ingesting or chewing on the peace lily can result in significant pain and irritation.

When a dog chews on or ingests a peace lily, the sharp calcium oxalate crystals can cause acute discomfort, limiting the animal to only sampling the plant. Sometimes, a dog may consume larger quantities of the plant, necessitating a visit to the veterinarian’s office.

Chewing on a peace lily, scientifically known as Spathiphyllum, can lead to severe oral pain and inflammation. If ingested, the plant can cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by the presence of stubborn calcium oxalate crystals.

Symptoms of Peace Lily Poisoning in Dogs

The peace lily plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in all plant parts. When chewed or swallowed, these crystals can cause various symptoms, including:

• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Diarrhea
• Dilated eyes
• Difficulty swallowing
• Excessive drooling
• Hoarse barking
• Labored breathing
• Loss of appetite
• Numbness of the exposed area
• Obstruction of the airway
• Pawing/rubbing at the face or mouth
• Swelling of the tongue and lips
• Vocalization
• Vomiting

These symptoms indicate the potential toxicity of the plant to animals, particularly dogs, and warrant prompt veterinary attention if observed. The presence of calcium oxalate crystals can lead to severe oral and gastrointestinal complications, affecting various systems in the body. If a pet shows any of these signs after interacting with a peace lily, seeking immediate veterinary care for proper evaluation and treatment is essential.

Spathiphyllum Plant Types

Spathiphyllum plants, commonly known as peace lilies or mauna loa plants, are a genus of flowering plants characterized by attractive broad leaves and large distinctive white flowers. These plants, including the Spathiphyllum genus, contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate. Other types of plants with similar crystals include:

• Arrowhead vine (Syngonium podophyllum)
• Calla or arum lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)
• Candelabra cactus (Euphorbia lactea)
• Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestrum)
• Charming Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia amoena)
• Devil’s ivy (Pothos, Epipremnum)
• Elephant’s Ear (Alocasia/Caladium/Xanthosoma)
• Flamingo plant (Anthurium)
• Fruit salad plant (Monstera)
• Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)
• Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
• Philodendron (Philodendron)
• Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum)
• Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus)
• Wild calla (Calla)

These plants share the commonality of containing calcium oxalate crystals, which, when ingested or chewed, can lead to irritation and various symptoms in animals. Pet owners should be cautious about the presence of these plants in their homes, especially if they have pets, and seek veterinary attention if there is suspicion of plant ingestion.

Causes of Peace Lily Poisoning in Dogs:

Your pet may experience distress due to calcium oxalate crystals in every part of the peace lily. As a calcium salt of oxalic acid, calcium oxalate irritates and numbs the tissues it contacts. Ingesting any part of the peace lily into the mouth or pharynx induces severe inflammation and pain, as microscopic crystals become lodged in the soft tissues upon contact. Ingestion of plant material or sap may lead to the progression of irritation to the gastrointestinal tract and throat, causing internal inflammation and intense discomfort. Moreover, respiratory distress may arise due to airway inflammation.

Diagnosis of Peace Lily Poisoning in Dogs:

The prompt manifestation of symptoms indicative of calcium oxalate crystal exposure, as caused by ingesting a peace lily, allows for an initial diagnosis by comparing the exhibited symptoms with the identification of the plant. There have been reports of symptoms developing with a delay of up to two hours following the ingestion of substantial quantities of plant material without proper digestion. If one fails to observe the ingestion of a significant amount of the plant by their dog, or if such ingestion involves both, the veterinarian may advise an office visit for the animal.

Your canine companion’s physician will require details regarding any observed or suspected opportunistic feeding and any concurrent supplements or prescriptions your pet is taking. Generally, a biochemistry profile, complete blood count (CBC), and urinalysis are performed to identify concurrent diseases or disorders. If your dog experiences vomiting as a result of plant material exposure, the vomitus will be visually examined and subsequently subjected to toxicity testing. Plant matter present in the sputum could potentially aid in the diagnosis.

Treatment of Peace Lily Poisoning in Dogs:

Initiate treatment immediately by thoroughly rinsing the affected areas and the mouth with clean, fresh water to eliminate as many irritating crystals as possible. Additionally, providing your dog with something cold to drink or consume, such as milk or ice cubes, can help alleviate mouth pain until you reach your veterinarian. The unpleasant flavor and discomfort typically deter most dogs from ingesting a significant quantity of botanical material so a simple oral rinse may be sufficient. Under specific conditions, your veterinarian may also recommend administering a suitable analgesic or antihistamine to your dog.

In cases where a substantial quantity of plant material or fluid is ingested, a consultation with a veterinarian is advised. If an antihistamine has not been previously administered, it may be given via intramuscular injection. Intravenous fluid therapy may be implemented to prevent dehydration, and gastroprotective medications can help mitigate damage to the gastric mucosa. If the dog’s airway experiences significant edema, hospitalization for observation may be necessary until the swelling diminishes.

Recovery of Peace Lily Poisoning in Dogs:

In most cases, the prognosis is favorable for canines that have consumed lesser quantities of plants containing calcium oxalate crystals, such as the peace lily. The crystals typically cause relief from discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract and mouth within twelve to twenty-four hours after ingestion. However, a comprehensive assessment by a medical professional is crucial in the event of any airway edema. Massive quantities of calcium oxalate crystals are uncommon, as they cause initial distress and pain in the mouth. For cases involving increased ingestion of sap, heightened surveillance of the liver and kidneys is advised due to the potential for chronic damage to these organs. Regular monitoring is recommended when significant quantities are ingested.

Conclusion

If your dog ingests a Peace Lily, acting promptly is crucial. Peace Lilies contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can lead to severe oral and digestive irritation in pets. First, remain calm and assess the situation. Immediately contact your veterinarian for guidance. Do not induce vomiting without professional advice, as it may worsen the irritation.

Watch for symptoms such as drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing, and inform your vet of these signs. If possible, identify the plant and provide information about the quantity ingested. Veterinary assistance is vital to determine the appropriate treatment, including supportive care, medications, or intravenous fluids. Swift action can make a significant difference in your dog’s well-being.