Pet emergency
My dog ate Bladder Cyphostemma — what to do
Step by step
- Take bladder cyphostemma 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 a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.
My dog ate bladder cyphostemma — FAQ
Is bladder cyphostemma poisonous to dogs?
Yes — Bladder Cyphostemma (Cyphostemma uter) is regarded as mildly toxic to dogs, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Cyphostemma uter is not individually listed by ASPCA, but the genus is a member of the Vitaceae (grape family). The foliage and grape-like fruit contain oxalic acid and are known to be toxic if ingested by humans or animals. Keep away from pets and children; consult a vet if ingestion is suspected.
How serious is it if my dog ate bladder cyphostemma?
Bladder Cyphostemma 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. Cyphostemma uter is not individually listed by ASPCA, but the genus is a member of the Vitaceae (grape family). The foliage and grape-like fruit contain oxalic acid and are known to be toxic if ingested by humans or animals. Keep away from pets and children; consult a vet if ingestion is suspected. 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 a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep bladder cyphostemma well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your dog.
Related
- Is bladder cyphostemma toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Bladder Cyphostemma and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide
- Best plant app for pet owners — which apps actually flag ASPCA toxicity before you buy the plant