Pet emergency
My dog ate Carnation of India — what to do
Step by step
- Take carnation of india 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 carnation of india — FAQ
Is carnation of india poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Carnation of India (Ervatamia coronaria) as toxic to dogs. Ervatamia coronaria (syn. Tabernaemontana) belongs to Apocynaceae, a family known for toxic indole alkaloids and cardiac glycosides. The milky white latex and all plant parts contain toxic alkaloids including tabersonine, coronaridine, and ibogaine-related compounds. Ingestion causes vomiting, cardiac arrhythmia, and potentially serious systemic toxicity in dogs and cats. The ASPCA does not individually list this species, but the family toxicity is well documented. Keep away from pets and children; contact a vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if ingestion occurs.
How serious is it if my dog ate carnation of india?
Carnation of India 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. Ervatamia coronaria (syn. Tabernaemontana) belongs to Apocynaceae, a family known for toxic indole alkaloids and cardiac glycosides. The milky white latex and all plant parts contain toxic alkaloids including tabersonine, coronaridine, and ibogaine-related compounds. Ingestion causes vomiting, cardiac arrhythmia, and potentially serious systemic toxicity in dogs and cats. The ASPCA does not individually list this species, but the family toxicity is well documented. Keep away from pets and children; contact a vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if ingestion occurs. 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 carnation of india well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is carnation of india toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Carnation of India and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide