Plant
Tulip and hyacinth bulbs
Contact a vet if a bulb was eaten or symptoms appear.
ModerateDogsCats
Illustrative cover using relevant category imagery; it does not depict the exact subject.
What to do right now
- 1.Remove any remaining bulb
- 2.Rinse the mouth with water if the animal allows
- 3.Call your vet with an estimate of the amount
Symptoms
- Drooling
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Mouth irritation
- Skin irritation from handling bulbs
Details
- Category
- Plant
- Toxicity
- Moderate
- Species affected
- Dogs, Cats
- Routes of exposure
- Chewing or eating bulbs during planting or digging; flowers and leaves are less toxic.
- Urgency
- Contact a vet if a bulb was eaten or symptoms appear.
Veterinary notes and prevention
Most cases are mild stomach upset, but a swallowed whole bulb can also obstruct the gut — mention the size eaten.
Prepare the information your vet needs
- For Tulip and hyacinth bulbs, report the exposure route: Chewing or eating bulbs during planting or digging; flowers and leaves are less toxic. Tell the clinic the time, possible amount and your pet's species and approximate weight.
- Photograph the packaging, ingredient list or plant if safe. Do not handle contaminated material without protection or delay the call to identify it perfectly.
- Keep other animals away from the source. An animal may appear normal before signs develop; do not wait for symptoms or calculate a home 'safe dose'.
- Follow the clinic's transport instructions. Do not give food, medicines or home remedies unless instructed, and take packaging with you if available.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Sources on this topic
Pages on this specific subject from recognised organisations. They are cited for further reading and do not mean the organisation has reviewed this page.
- Tulips & Hyacinths: toxicity to pets — Pet Poison Helpline
- Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Tulip — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
- Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Hyacinth — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.