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If your dog ate calico flower — 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 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Calico flower is toxic to dogs (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My dog ate Calico flower — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take calico flower 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 the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and 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.

My dog ate calico flower — FAQ

Is calico flower poisonous to dogs?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Calico flower (Aristolochia elegans) as toxic to dogs. All parts of Aristolochia elegans (syn. A. littoralis) contain aristolochic acids — nephrotoxic and carcinogenic compounds capable of causing irreversible kidney failure. Toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and other animals if ingested. Keep away from children and pets at all times. Also note this species is lethal to Pipevine swallowtail butterfly larvae despite superficial similarity to their host plants.

How serious is it if my dog ate calico flower?

Calico flower is toxic to dogs and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 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 Aristolochia elegans (syn. A. littoralis) contain aristolochic acids — nephrotoxic and carcinogenic compounds capable of causing irreversible kidney failure. Toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and other animals if ingested. Keep away from children and pets at all times. Also note this species is lethal to Pipevine swallowtail butterfly larvae despite superficial similarity to their host plants. 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 calico flower well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.

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