Is Tulip Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Tulips are moderately toxic to cats and dogs — the bulb is most dangerous, causing vomiting, drooling, and heart-rate changes. Call a vet if a bulb is eaten.
Can cause real harm — call a vet for guidance.
Can cause real harm — call a vet for guidance.
In an emergency, do not wait.
Medical disclaimer: This tool is for general information only and isnot a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Toxicity depends on the amount, your pet’s size, and health history. If your pet may have ingested something harmful, contact your veterinarian or a poison control hotline ((888) 426-4435 / (855) 764-7661) immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear.
What is Tulip?
Tulips are moderately toxic to cats and dogs — the bulb is most dangerous, causing vomiting, drooling, and heart-rate changes. Call a vet if a bulb is eaten.
Also known as: tulipa, tulip bulb, tulip petals, tulip flowers.
Symptoms to Watch For
🐕 In Dogs
- Drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea from mouth and gut irritation
- Increased heart rate and changes in breathing with larger amounts
- Tremors or lethargy with significant ingestion
- The bulb is far more toxic than the leaves or flowers
🐈 In Cats
- Drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Mouth irritation and reduced appetite
- Lethargy or increased heart rate with larger amounts
What to Do If Ingested
- Remove any remaining plant or bulb material from the mouth.
- Rinse the mouth with water to reduce irritation.
- Note whether the bulb was eaten (it is most concentrated).
- Call a veterinarian or poison hotline for guidance.
Steps apply to both cats and dogs. When in doubt, call a vet or poison hotline before acting.
When to Call the Vet Immediately
Call your veterinarian or a poison control hotline right away if you notice any of these:
- A tulip bulb was eaten
- Persistent vomiting, drooling, or diarrhea
- Changes in breathing or heart rate
- Lethargy or tremors
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the tulip bulb more dangerous than the flower?
The highest concentration of the toxic compounds (tulipalin A and B, and other glycosides) is in the bulb. Eating a bulb is much more dangerous than nibbling a leaf or petal, and digging up stored bulbs is a common cause of poisoning in dogs.
What are the signs of tulip poisoning?
Drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea from irritation are most common. With larger amounts — especially from the bulb — watch for an increased heart rate, breathing changes, tremors, and lethargy. Call a vet if a bulb was eaten or symptoms appear.
Are cut tulips in a vase safe around pets?
Cut tulip stems and flowers are less toxic than bulbs but can still cause drooling and vomiting if nibbled. The vase water can also become irritating. Keep bouquets out of reach and call a vet if your pet chews on them.
Sources
This entry is reviewed against the following authoritative veterinary sources.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-11