Why it's dangerous
The plant contains irritating compounds that cause tissue irritation upon contact or ingestion, with the highest concentration found in the rhizomes.
How vets treat it
No treatment plan written for cats was found. For pets that ate a bulb, corm or rhizome, or a large amount of leaves, the 2002 toxicology brief recommends making the pet vomit when appropriate, then giving activated charcoal, treating the signs, protecting the stomach and gut, and watching for dehydration. Knight's Guide to Poisonous House and Garden Plants says treatment, when needed, may include intestinal protectants and IV fluids for dehydration.
Outlook
No outcome figures for cats were found. The 2002 toxicology brief says that with most bulb plants, the outlook is good with treatment aimed at the signs. Its table lists death among the effects of iris, and the only case it describes is in calves. None of the sources used here describes a death in a cat.
Where pets are exposed
- Gardens. Iris is one of the most popular garden perennials, planted in borders, along walkways and in cottage and cutting gardens. Some kinds grow in wet or marshy ground and even in standing water.
- Iris is also called flag, water flag, snake lily, sword lily, bearded iris or German iris. There are about 300 species and thousands of cultivars.
- Rhizomes and bulbs. Irises grow from a rhizome (a thick underground stem), a bulb or a corm. Iris rhizomes grow at the soil surface, where pets can easily reach them. Dogs may be more likely than other pets to eat bulb plants, and in spring the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has reported a rise in calls about pets that ate or dug up spring bulbs.
- Bulbs and rhizomes being planted, divided or stored. Bulb plants are a risk all year: in autumn when they are planted, in spring while they grow, and whenever they are grown in pots indoors. Rhizomes or bulbs stored in the house over winter can poison pets too.
- Every part of the plant contains the toxins, but they are most concentrated in the rhizome or bulb, which makes it the most dangerous part. Knight's Guide to Poisonous House and Garden Plants, a veterinary reference, also names the seed capsules.
- Cut flowers. Irises are prized as cut flowers.
Prevention
- Fence off iris beds or keep your dog out of them, especially if it digs. The ASPCA advises keeping spring bulb flowers fenced off and curious paws away from the garden.
- Keep your dog away while you plant bulbs in autumn or divide iris rhizomes, and pick up loose bulbs and rhizomes straight away.
- Store bulbs and rhizomes over winter where your pets can't reach them.
- Keep potted irises and cut irises out of your cat's reach. Iris can irritate a pet that only mouths or paws it.
- Learn to recognize iris: sword-shaped leaves, often arranged in a fan, and flowers with 3 upright petals (standards) and 3 downward-facing sepals (falls).
Good to know
The bulb or rhizome is the most toxic part of the plant.
Common questions
Are irises poisonous to dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists iris as toxic to dogs. Its toxins are most concentrated in the rhizomes and bulbs, and eating the plant can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and tiredness. A 2002 toxicology brief also describes ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and small intestine. Dogs that dig up and chew bulbs or rhizomes are the main concern, so call your vet or a pet poison line if your dog eats any.
Are irises toxic to cats? Are they like lilies?
Irises are toxic to cats: the ASPCA lists them, and Pet Poison Helpline says they irritate a pet that eats, mouths or paws them. Iris is sometimes called snake lily or sword lily, but it isn't a true lily. The Merck Veterinary Manual says only true lilies (Lilium) and daylilies (Hemerocallis) cause kidney failure in cats. Call your vet if your cat chews an iris, and treat it as an emergency if the plant might have been a true lily.
Which part of an iris is most poisonous?
The rhizome or bulb. Every part of the plant contains the toxins, but they are most concentrated there, which makes it the most dangerous part. Knight's Guide to Poisonous House and Garden Plants, a veterinary reference, also names the seed capsules. A 2002 toxicology brief links poisoning to a small amount of bulb or rhizome, or a large amount of leaves.
My dog dug up and ate an iris bulb. What should I do?
Call your vet or a pet poison line now, even if your dog seems fine: the bulb or rhizome holds the most toxin. Don't make your dog vomit at home. Your vet decides whether to make it vomit and give activated charcoal. Tell the vet if your dog swallowed the bulb whole, because a whole bulb can also block the gut.
Are cut irises in a vase dangerous to pets?
They can be. Every part of the plant contains the toxins, and iris can irritate a pet that only mouths or paws it. Cut flowers don't include the bulb or rhizome, where the toxins are most concentrated, and a 2002 toxicology brief links poisoning to a large amount of leaves. Call your vet if your pet chews them.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Houseplants and Ornamentals Toxic to Animals
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Iris
- ASPCA — April Showers May Bring Spring Bulbs. What Does that Mean for Your Pet? (2018)
- Veterinary Medicine (Toxicology Brief, hosted by ASPCApro) — Spring-blooming bulbs: A year-round problem (2002)
- Pet Poison Helpline — Iris
- IVIS (Knight, Guide to Poisonous House and Garden Plants) — Iris species: Iris
- NC State Extension — Iris (Gardener Plant Toolbox)
- Pet Poison Helpline
This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has been exposed to something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.
