Why it's dangerous
Hostas contain saponins, which are bitter-tasting phytochemicals that cause gastrointestinal distress upon ingestion.
Toxic compound: saponins
How vets treat it
No treatment specific to hosta has been described. For plants that only irritate the stomach and gut, Merck describes care aimed at the signs: anti-vomiting medicine, anti-diarrhea medicine and a bland diet. Merck's list of these plants doesn't name hosta, so this is general guidance.
Outlook
There is no outcome data specific to hosta. Pet Poison Helpline puts plantain lily (hosta) among the "less toxic" lilies, which cause stomach upset that ranges from mild to severe. For gut-irritant plants in general, Merck says most animals recover within 24 to 48 hours and the outlook is excellent. Animals that already have gut disease may take longer.
Where pets are exposed
- Gardens. Hostas are very common shade-garden perennials grown for their big leaves, and most pets are exposed by chewing leaves in a garden bed, a border or a patio pot.
- Hostas are also called plantain lily, hosta lily, August lily or Funkia (an older name). Despite these names, hosta is not a true lily.
- Every part of the plant: leaves, flowers, stems and roots. The ASPCA names saponins as the toxic compounds.
- Clippings, divided clumps and uprooted plants left lying around after gardening. Curious puppies and kittens, and bored pets left alone or shut in, are the most likely to chew them.
- Neighbors' gardens, which cats that go outside can reach and you can't fully control.
- Slug and snail bait. Slugs and snails are common hosta pests, and bait containing metaldehyde is often used in the same beds. It tastes good to pets and is a separate, much more serious poisoning risk.
Prevention
- If you have a puppy, a kitten or a pet that likes to chew, keep it away from hosta beds and pots, or supervise it there.
- Clear away hosta clippings, divisions and uprooted plants after gardening instead of leaving them where pets can reach them.
- Don't use metaldehyde slug and snail bait anywhere your pet can reach. Pets find it attractive, and dogs are the species most often poisoned by it.
- Know the common and scientific names of the plants in your garden, and keep the plant labels, so you can tell a vet or poison line exactly what was eaten.
- If you have a cat, keep true lilies and daylilies out of your home and garden completely, and don't assume every plant called a lily is low risk.
Good to know
Hostas are common outdoor ornamental plants; the bitter taste of saponins often limits the amount ingested.
Common questions
Are hostas poisonous to dogs?
Yes, but they are generally low risk. The ASPCA lists hosta as toxic to dogs because of its saponins, and the usual signs are vomiting, diarrhea and seeming dull or tired. Knight's Guide to Poisonous House and Garden Plants, a veterinary reference, says hostas are only likely to be a problem when eaten in quantity. Call your vet or a pet poison line if your dog has eaten some.
Are hostas poisonous to cats? Can they cause kidney failure like lilies?
Hostas are toxic to cats and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and low energy. They are sometimes called plantain lilies, but hosta is not a true lily and doesn't cause kidney failure in cats. Merck says only true lilies (Lilium) and daylilies (Hemerocallis) do, and Pet Poison Helpline lists plantain lily among the "less toxic" lilies, which cause stomach upset. If you aren't sure the plant was a hosta, treat it as a lily emergency and take your cat to a vet straight away.
What part of a hosta is poisonous to pets?
Every part. The leaves, flowers, stems and roots are all listed as toxic to dogs and cats. The ASPCA names saponins as the toxic compounds, and they irritate the stomach and gut.
My dog or cat ate a hosta leaf. What should I do?
Take away any leftover leaves and call your vet or a pet poison line. In the US: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 (both may charge a fee). Don't make your pet vomit unless a professional tells you to. Note when it happened and roughly how much was eaten.
How long do hosta poisoning symptoms last?
There is no timeline specific to hosta. For plants that only irritate the gut in general, Merck says most animals recover within 24 to 48 hours. If signs are severe or don't settle, see your vet.
My dog was in the hosta bed and now it's trembling. Is that the hosta?
Trembling, twitching and seizures are not listed as hosta signs. They do match poisoning from metaldehyde slug and snail bait, which is often used around hostas and can be life-threatening. Go to a vet immediately.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Houseplants and Ornamentals Toxic to Animals
- Merck Veterinary Manual (Pet Owner Version) — Metaldehyde Poisoning
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — Hosta
- Pet Poison Helpline — Hosta
- Pet Poison Helpline — Lilies, Lilies and more Lilies
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Hosta plantaginea (Plantain lily)
- IVIS (Knight, Guide to Poisonous House and Garden Plants) — Hosta species: Hosta
- International Cat Care — Poisonous Plants
- 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.
