Pet emergency
My dog ate Cape daisy — what to do
Step by step
- Take cape daisy 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 cape daisy — FAQ
Is cape daisy poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Cape daisy (Osteospermum ecklonis) as mildly toxic to dogs. Osteospermum ecklonis is not individually listed by ASPCA. Members of the Asteraceae family are generally considered of low toxicity, but some composite daisy family members can cause contact dermatitis or mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Treat as mildly toxic as a precaution; not considered severely toxic to dogs or cats.
How serious is it if my dog ate cape daisy?
Cape daisy 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. Osteospermum ecklonis is not individually listed by ASPCA. Members of the Asteraceae family are generally considered of low toxicity, but some composite daisy family members can cause contact dermatitis or mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Treat as mildly toxic as a precaution; not considered severely toxic to dogs or cats. 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 cape daisy well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is cape daisy toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Cape daisy and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide