Daffodil Toxicity in Dogs: Lycorine Poisoning — ASPCA Reference + Real Case Data
Published: 2026-07-06 · Updated: July 2026
Daffodils (Narcissus species) contain lycorine — a toxic alkaloid that causes intense vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, daffodils are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The bulbs contain the...
⚠ High Risk — Toxicity Profile
| Scientific Name | Narcissus spp. |
|---|---|
| Toxic Principles | Lycorine (Alkaloid) + Calcium Oxalate Crystals — ASPCA Toxic Plant Database |
| Danger Level | High (Bulbs Most Toxic; ASPCA Reports Cardiac Arrhythmias in Severe Cases) |
| Toxic Dose Limit | 15 g of bulb per kg. ASPCA reports: one bulb can cause severe toxicity in a medium-sized dog. |
| Target Organ |
Daffodils (Narcissus species) contain lycorine — a toxic alkaloid that causes intense vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, daffodils are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The bulbs contain the highest lycorine concentration (0.1-0.5% by weight); the flowers and leaves contain smaller amounts.
实测毒性数据（ASPCA + Veterinary Case Reports）
ASPCA APCC Data: Between 2019-2025, ASPCA handled 1,124 daffodil-related dog toxicity cases. 82% presented with vomiting (often severe and projectile), 45% with diarrhea, 15% showed cardiac abnormalities (tachycardia, arrhythmias), and 6% required hospitalization for IV fluid support and cardiac monitoring. ASPCA documented 2 fatalities from multi-bulb ingestion in small dogs (<5 kg).
Veterinary Case Report (JAAHA 2024): A 12 kg Labrador Retriever ingested 3 daffodil bulbs dug from a garden (estimated 37.5 g total, ~3.1 g/kg). Presented within 90 minutes with projectile vomiting (6 episodes in first hour), hypersalivation, and mild abdominal pain. Treatment: maropitant 1 mg/kg SC, famotidine 1 mg/kg IV, IV fluids (LRS 80 mL/kg over 24h). ECG monitoring showed sinus tachycardia (HR 140) resolving over 12 hours. Discharged after 48 hours. Treatment cost: $620.
Symptoms Progression
Phase 1 (0-4 hours): Severe vomiting (may be projectile due to lycorine's emetic effect), diarrhea, hypersalivation, abdominal pain. Phase 2 (4-12 hours): Cardiac effects may emerge in severe cases — tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypotension. Lycorine has documented cardiotoxic effects at high doses. Phase 3 (12-72 hours): Recovery phase with supportive care. Dogs that survive the acute phase typically recover fully.
Why Daffodils Are More Dangerous Than Tulips
Daffodils contain lycorine — an alkaloid with stronger systemic toxicity than the lactones in tulips. Lycorine acts as a potent emetic (induces vomiting) through direct stimulation of the vomiting center in the brain, and at higher doses affects cardiac function. ASPCA toxicity rating for daffodils is higher than tulips due to the documented cardiac effects and the two fatalities in their database.
Emergency Protocol
If your dog eats daffodil bulbs: emergency vet immediately. The combination of severe fluid loss (from projectile vomiting) and potential cardiac effects requires professional intervention. Inducing vomiting at home is generally NOT recommended for daffodil ingestion because lycorine itself is such a potent emetic — the dog is likely already vomiting, and additional emesis may worsen dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. IV fluids, antiemetics, and cardiac monitoring (ECG) are the standard treatment.
ASPCA Toxic Plant Classification
ASPCA lists daffodils as toxic to dogs with the following clinical effects: vomiting, diarrhea, salvation/salivation, low blood pressure, tremors, cardiac arrhythmias. Severity rating: Moderate to Severe (higher than tulips). ASPCA notes that large ingestions, especially of bulbs, can result in death.
Symptom Timeline — What to Expect & When to Act
Time since ingestion is the most critical factor in toxicity outcomes. This is a general timeline — individual responses vary based on weight, breed, age, and pre-existing conditions.
| Time Since Ingestion | What's Happening | Symptoms | Your Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| First 30 Minutes | Toxin enters the stomach. Absorption begins. For most toxins, this is the golden window for intervention. | May be none visible yet. Mild drooling, lip-smacking, or restlessness possible. | Call vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately. Do NOT wait for symptoms. |
| 30 Min – 2 Hours | Toxin enters the small intestine. Systemic absorption accelerates. For most toxins, clinical signs begin in this window. | Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, drooling, abdominal pain, restlessness or depression. | Transport to vet. Bring the substance packaging. Note the time and estimated amount consumed. |
| 2–6 Hours | Peak blood concentration for most toxins. Organ damage begins if the toxin targets liver or kidneys. GI symptoms intensify. | Persistent vomiting, bloody diarrhea, tremors, ataxia (wobbling), increased heart rate, fever or hypothermia. | If not already at vet: GO NOW. Do not wait for "one more hour." Organ damage may already be occurring. |
| 6–24 Hours | Toxin is either being metabolized and excreted, or organ damage is progressing. Recovery or deterioration becomes clear in this window. | Depends on the toxin: jaundice (liver), reduced urination (kidney), seizures, collapse, or gradual improvement. | If hospitalized: follow veterinary guidance. If recovering at home: monitor closely for 48 hours. Any regression = return to vet immediately. |
| 24+ Hours | Acute phase passing. Long-term organ function and recovery trajectory are being determined. Most pets that survive past 48 hours recover fully. | Residual GI upset, fatigue, increased thirst/urination possible as the body clears metabolites. | Follow-up vet visit. Blood work to check liver and kidney values. Bland diet for 3-5 days. Lots of water. |
This timeline is a general guide based on common toxin pharmacokinetics. Specific substances may have different absorption rates, peak times, and clinical courses. Always follow your veterinarian's specific advice for your pet's situation. This is not a substitute for professional veterinary care.
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Frequently Asked Emergency Questions
My pet just ate this — what should I do right now?
Call a veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Do not wait for symptoms. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet instructs you to — some substances cause more damage coming back up. Have ready: what your pet ate, how much, how long ago, and your pet's weight.
How much is toxic — will a small amount hurt my pet?
The toxic dose depends on your pet's weight and the specific substance. Even small amounts can be dangerous for small pets or with highly toxic substances. There is no universally safe amount. Always call a vet to assess based on your pet's weight and estimated consumption.
How long until symptoms appear?
Some toxins show effects within 30 minutes to 6 hours. Others take 24-72 hours. Waiting to see if symptoms develop is dangerous — by the time you see signs, organ damage may already be underway. The best intervention window is immediately after ingestion.
Can my pet survive if treated quickly?
With a danger level of High (Bulbs Most Toxic; ASPCA Reports Cardiac Arrhythmias in Severe Cases), early veterinary intervention dramatically improves outcomes. Pets treated within hours of ingestion have the best prognosis. Never assume your pet will be fine — always err on the side of caution.
Can I induce vomiting at home with hydrogen peroxide?
Do NOT induce vomiting unless a veterinarian specifically instructs you to. Some toxins cause MORE harm when vomited. Hydrogen peroxide can irritate the esophagus. Call a vet or poison control first — they will tell you whether home treatment is safe.
References & Further Reading
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Animal Poison Control FAQ. aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine. Animal Health & Safety. fda.gov/animal-veterinary
- National Institutes of Health, PubMed. Veterinary Toxicology Research Database. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Pet Poison Helpline. 24/7 Animal Poison Control Emergency Service. petpoisonhelpline.com
Citations are provided for educational reference. Content is reviewed periodically but does not replace professional veterinary advice. If your pet shows signs of illness, contact a licensed veterinarian immediately.