Are Tulip Bulbs Poisonous to Dogs?

Taking the family dog into consideration is a must when planting a garden. Many garden flowers are wonderful to the senses, but toxic to the dog. Dogs are naturally curious and can get into serious trouble if they think your newly planted tulip bulbs are a treat.

  1. Expert Insight

    • Tulips, particularly the bulbs, are poisonous to dogs, cats and horses. The scientifically named "Tulipa species" contain the toxic principles Tulipalin A and B, warns the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center. The bulb carries the most Tulipalin A and B.

    Effects

    • Dogs that have eaten tulip bulbs suffer serious digestive ailments such as appetite loss, vomiting, diarrhea and drooling. The canine might also become depressed.

    Considerations

    • African daisies, day lilies and petunias are all nontoxic flowering plant varieties that offer the same color vibrancy as tulips, without the danger to the family dog. In fact, hundreds of plants are nontoxic to dogs, according to the ASPCA.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Plant a garden full of nontoxic plants and flowers to ensure the dog does not run the risk of ingesting tulip bulbs or any other poisonous plant. If you think your dog has ingested tulip bulbs, take it to the veterinarian immediately. For a fee of $65 per case (as of October 2010), the ASPCA offers a 24-hour emergency hotline at

      1-888-426-4435.