Are Tulips Toxic to Dogs and Cats?
By the VetVerdict team · Last updated October 18, 2026 · General information, not veterinary advice
Dogs
ToxicSeriousThe bulb is the most toxic part of a tulip and can cause intense digestive upset, drooling, and in large amounts, heart or breathing effects in dogs.
Cats
ToxicSeriousCats face similar toxicity from tulip bulbs, with digestive upset the most common effect.
Why the bulb is the problem
Tulips contain compounds called tulipalins, and the highest concentration is in the bulb. A pet that chews a petal may drool or vomit, while one that eats a bulb can become much sicker.
Digging season and gift bouquets
Risk peaks in autumn and spring, when bulbs are planted or dug up and dogs find them irresistible. Hyacinths and daffodils are similar, and autumn crocus is considered more dangerous. Cut tulips in a vase are lower risk than bulbs, but chewing can still irritate the mouth and stomach.
Signs to watch for
- Drooling
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Lethargy
- With larger amounts: rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, tremors
Signs usually start soon after chewing, and more serious effects are mostly associated with eating bulbs.
What to do
Call your vet or poison control, especially if a bulb was eaten. Do not try to make your pet vomit unless a professional tells you to, and take a photo or sample of the plant.
Safer alternatives
Pet-friendlier cut flowers include roses, sunflowers, snapdragons and orchids; check others against the ASPCA's plant list.
Frequently asked questions
Are cut tulips in a vase dangerous?
They are less risky than bulbs, but chewing can still upset the stomach and mouth, so keep vases out of reach.
Which other spring bulbs should I worry about?
Daffodils and hyacinths are also toxic, and autumn crocus is especially dangerous. Plant bulbs where pets cannot dig.