Emergency: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 - Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 - Available 24/7
PawPlants What to do if your pet ate a toxic plant
Toxic plant safety

What to do if your pet ate a toxic plant

Use this page for the first few minutes after a suspected plant exposure. It does not replace advice from your veterinarian or an animal poison hotline.

Emergency hotlines - 24/7
ASPCA Poison Control
(888) 426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline
(855) 764-7661
Fee may apply. If your pet is having trouble breathing or collapsing, go to an emergency clinic immediately.
Safety guide:
Emergency - call a vet or poison hotline Check first - verify before placing within reach Placement matters - supervise chewers and diggers
Safety note: PawPlants is for general plant safety education only. If your pet ate a plant or is acting sick, contact your veterinarian, ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.

What to do first

Immediate steps to take when your dog or cat may have eaten a toxic plant, including what to tell the vet, what not to do, and 24/7 poison hotline numbers.

Move the plant away, keep your pet calm, identify the plant, and call your veterinarian or a poison hotline. Fast information helps the veterinary team decide whether monitoring, decontamination, or emergency treatment is needed.

Information to have ready

  • Plant name or clear photo— include the tag, receipt, or leaf and flower photo if availableHelpful
  • Part eaten and amount— leaf, stem, flower, bulb, seed, soil, or water from the potHelpful
  • Time of exposure— estimate when your pet chewed or swallowed itHelpful

Need help deciding what to do next?

You can ask an online vet for general guidance, but do not delay emergency care if your pet has severe symptoms or you know they ate a toxic plant.

Emergency note: Online vet help is not a replacement for emergency veterinary care. If your pet has severe symptoms, contact your veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital, ASPCA Animal Poison Control, or Pet Poison Helpline immediately.

Affiliate disclosure: This may be an affiliate link, which means PawPlants may earn a commission if you use it.

In case of emergency

If your pet ingested a potentially toxic plant, act immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling for help.

ASPCA Poison Control
24/7 - Fee may apply
Pet Poison Helpline
24/7 - Toxicologists on call
What to tell the vet
Plant - Part eaten - Amount - Time
Bring a photo or sample if possible
Do not
Induce vomiting without vet guidance
Can worsen some poisonings