Pet emergency
My dog ate Agapanthus africanus 'Albus' — what to do
Step by step
- Take agapanthus africanus 'albus' away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My dog ate agapanthus africanus 'albus' — FAQ
Is agapanthus africanus 'albus' poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Agapanthus africanus 'Albus' (Agapanthus africanus 'Albus') as mildly toxic to dogs. Agapanthus africanus is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database and is not a true lily, so it poses no lily-type kidney risk. The sap and rhizome contain saponins that can cause drooling, mouth irritation and vomiting if chewed. Treat with caution and verify with a vet if a pet ingests it.
How serious is it if my dog ate agapanthus africanus 'albus'?
Agapanthus africanus 'Albus' is mildly toxic, so most dogs get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your dog ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Agapanthus africanus is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database and is not a true lily, so it poses no lily-type kidney risk. The sap and rhizome contain saponins that can cause drooling, mouth irritation and vomiting if chewed. Treat with caution and verify with a vet if a pet ingests it. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my dog vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep agapanthus africanus 'albus' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is agapanthus africanus 'albus' toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Agapanthus africanus 'Albus' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide