Are Dahlias Poisonous to Dogs?

The toxic compound in dahlias:

• Unknown (per ASPCA)

If your dog ate dahlias, watch for:

• •Mild gastrointestinal signs (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea)
• •Mild dermatitis (skin irritation, redness, itching on contact)

Are dahlias poisonous to dogs?

Yes. The ASPCA lists Dahlia species as toxic to dogs. Ingestion typically causes mild gastrointestinal upset, and contact can cause mild skin irritation (dermatitis). It is generally a mild toxicity, but you should still keep dogs away from the plant and contact your vet if your dog eats any part of it.

What happens if my dog eats a dahlia?

Most dogs develop mild signs such as vomiting or diarrhea, and sometimes skin redness or itching from contact. Signs usually appear within a few hours and resolve within a day or two. The exact toxic compound is unknown, so monitor your dog and call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) if signs are severe, persistent, or if a large amount (especially tubers) was eaten.

Are dahlia tubers more dangerous than the flowers?

All parts of the dahlia are considered toxic. The tubers are dense and stored underground, so they can contain a more concentrated amount of the irritant compounds, which may make digestive upset more likely if a dog digs them up and eats them. The overall toxicity remains mild, but tubers are the part most worth keeping out of a dog's reach.

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control — Dahlia

Last updated 2026-06-25