Pet emergency
My dog ate Choy Sum 'Green Lance' — what to do
Step by step
- Take choy sum 'green lance' 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 choy sum 'green lance' — FAQ
Is choy sum 'green lance' poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Choy Sum 'Green Lance' (Brassica rapa var. parachinensis 'Green Lance') as mildly toxic to dogs. ASPCA lists cultivated Brassica/Indian Mustard species as toxic to horses (toxic principle: isothiocyanates; signs include GI irritation and colic). Cats and dogs are not flagged as toxic on that entry and tolerate small cooked amounts, but isothiocyanates and oxalates can cause stomach upset, and large repeated quantities carry thiocyanate risk, particularly in cats. Keep away from horses; verify with a vet if a pet seems unwell.
How serious is it if my dog ate choy sum 'green lance'?
Choy Sum 'Green Lance' 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. ASPCA lists cultivated Brassica/Indian Mustard species as toxic to horses (toxic principle: isothiocyanates; signs include GI irritation and colic). Cats and dogs are not flagged as toxic on that entry and tolerate small cooked amounts, but isothiocyanates and oxalates can cause stomach upset, and large repeated quantities carry thiocyanate risk, particularly in cats. Keep away from horses; verify with a vet if a pet seems unwell. 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 choy sum 'green lance' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is choy sum 'green lance' toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Choy Sum 'Green Lance' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide