Pet emergency
My dog ate Catesby's Trillium — what to do
Step by step
- Take catesby's trillium 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 catesby's trillium — FAQ
Is catesby's trillium poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Catesby's Trillium (Trillium catesbaei) as mildly toxic to dogs. Trillium catesbaei is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Like other Trillium species, it is understood to contain steroidal saponins, particularly concentrated in the roots and berries, which can cause gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) if ingested by pets or humans. Not regarded as severely toxic but ingestion should be taken seriously — consult a vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if a pet consumes any part of the plant.
How serious is it if my dog ate catesby's trillium?
Catesby's Trillium 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. Trillium catesbaei is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Like other Trillium species, it is understood to contain steroidal saponins, particularly concentrated in the roots and berries, which can cause gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) if ingested by pets or humans. Not regarded as severely toxic but ingestion should be taken seriously — consult a vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if a pet consumes any part of the plant. 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 catesby's trillium well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is catesby's trillium toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Catesby's Trillium and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide