Toxic — keep away from pets
Yes — tulips are toxic to dogs and cats, and the bulb is the most dangerous part. Dogs that dig up and chew bulbs are the classic case.
Tulips contain allergenic compounds called tulipalin A and B, concentrated heavily in the bulb. A pet nibbling the petals or leaves usually gets mild mouth irritation and drooling, but a dog that digs up and eats bulbs — which look temptingly like a snack — can get severe vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling and, with large amounts, heart and breathing changes. Spring gardens and bags of stored bulbs are the common danger spots.
Both dogs and cats are affected. Dogs are the usual patients because of bulb-digging; cats more often nibble cut tulips in a vase.
For petal or leaf nibbling, watch for drooling and tummy upset and call your vet if it is severe. If your dog has eaten bulbs, treat it more seriously and contact your vet or a poison helpline promptly. Store bulbs sealed and out of reach, and supervise dogs around freshly planted beds.
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General information, not veterinary advice. If your pet has eaten a toxic plant or shows symptoms, contact your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately. Full disclaimer.