Pet emergency
My dog ate Athyrium angustum f. rubellum 'Lady in Red' — what to do
Step by step
- Take athyrium angustum f. rubellum 'lady in red' 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 athyrium angustum f. rubellum 'lady in red' — FAQ
Is athyrium angustum f. rubellum 'lady in red' poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Athyrium angustum f. rubellum 'Lady in Red' (Athyrium angustum f. rubellum 'Lady in Red') as mildly toxic to dogs. Athyrium (lady fern) is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plant database, and lady fern foliage and rhizomes are reported to contain filicic-acid-type compounds that can cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset in pets if eaten. It should not be assumed pet-safe; treat as mildly toxic, prevent ingestion, and verify with a vet.
How serious is it if my dog ate athyrium angustum f. rubellum 'lady in red'?
Athyrium angustum f. rubellum 'Lady in Red' 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. Athyrium (lady fern) is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plant database, and lady fern foliage and rhizomes are reported to contain filicic-acid-type compounds that can cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset in pets if eaten. It should not be assumed pet-safe; treat as mildly toxic, prevent ingestion, and verify with a vet. 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 athyrium angustum f. rubellum 'lady in red' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is athyrium angustum f. rubellum 'lady in red' toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Athyrium angustum f. rubellum 'Lady in Red' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide