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If your dog ate blue cohosh — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet now. If you cannot reach one, a poison-control line will triage you — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both services charge a fee.

Blue Cohosh is toxic to dogs (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My dog ate Blue Cohosh — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take blue cohosh away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 blue cohosh — FAQ

Is blue cohosh poisonous to dogs?

Yes — Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) is regarded as toxic to dogs, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. All parts of Caulophyllum thalictroides are toxic, particularly the roots and seeds. The plant contains the alkaloid methylcytisine (a nicotinic agonist), the saponin caulosaponin, and glycosides. Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, elevated heart rate, and in high doses potentially more serious cardiac effects. The blue berry-like seeds are particularly hazardous to children. Contact with the plant can also cause contact dermatitis. Toxic to dogs and cats. Not individually listed by the ASPCA; classified as toxic by university Extension sources (NCSU, UVM) and veterinary plant-poison references. Wear gloves when handling roots, and prevent children and pets from accessing the fruit.

How serious is it if my dog ate blue cohosh?

Blue Cohosh is toxic to dogs and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. All parts of Caulophyllum thalictroides are toxic, particularly the roots and seeds. The plant contains the alkaloid methylcytisine (a nicotinic agonist), the saponin caulosaponin, and glycosides. Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, elevated heart rate, and in high doses potentially more serious cardiac effects. The blue berry-like seeds are particularly hazardous to children. Contact with the plant can also cause contact dermatitis. Toxic to dogs and cats. Not individually listed by the ASPCA; classified as toxic by university Extension sources (NCSU, UVM) and veterinary plant-poison references. Wear gloves when handling roots, and prevent children and pets from accessing the fruit. 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 blue cohosh 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.

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