Reference
Are Daffodils, Tulips, and Hyacinths Toxic to Dogs?
The short answer
Yes. The ASPCA lists daffodils (Narcissus), tulips (Tulipa), and hyacinths (Hyacinthus) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. For daffodils and tulips, the bulb holds the highest concentration of toxin, so a dog that digs up and chews bulbs is at greater risk than one that nibbles a flower.
Typical signs are hypersalivation, vomiting, and diarrhea; large daffodil ingestions can also cause convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. If your dog eats any part - and especially a bulb - contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888-426-4435). Do not assume a small amount is safe.
Daffodils (Narcissus)
The ASPCA lists daffodils (Narcissus spp.) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, with the toxic principle lycorine and other alkaloids, and notes the bulbs contain the highest concentration of toxins. This is why bulbs are the biggest hazard.
Clinical signs include vomiting, salivation, and diarrhea; large ingestions can cause convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. Dogs are most at risk during autumn planting or if stored bulbs are left within reach.
Tulips and hyacinths
The ASPCA lists tulips (Tulipa spp.) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, with toxic principles Tulipalin A and B, and states the bulb contains the highest concentration of toxin. Signs include vomiting, depression, diarrhea, and hypersalivation.
Hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis) are likewise listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, with possibly narcissus-like alkaloids as the toxic principle. Signs include intense vomiting, diarrhea (occasionally with blood), depression, and tremors. As with the other spring bulbs, the concentrated bulb is the part to keep away from a digging dog.
Practical protection and what to do
The highest-risk moment is planting season, when bulbs are out of the bag and going into the ground. Keep bags of bulbs off the floor and out of reach, supervise dogs around freshly planted beds, and be aware that some dogs will dig up and eat newly buried bulbs.
If your dog eats any part of a daffodil, tulip, or hyacinth - particularly a bulb - contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888-426-4435), and note how much was eaten. For choosing pet-safer plants generally, see our page on how to check whether a plant is pet-safe.
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.
- ASPCA - Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Daffodil (Narcissus) — Lists daffodil (Narcissus spp.) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, toxic principle lycorine and other alkaloids, states bulbs contain the highest concentration of toxins, and lists vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, and (large ingestions) convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias.
- ASPCA - Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Tulip (Tulipa) — Lists tulip (Tulipa spp.) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, toxic principles Tulipalin A and B, states the bulb contains the highest concentration of toxin, and lists vomiting, depression, diarrhea, and hypersalivation.
- ASPCA - Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) — Lists hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, toxic principle possibly narcissus-like alkaloids, with clinical signs of intense vomiting, diarrhea (occasionally with blood), depression, and tremors.