Growli
Let's go

If your dog ate bleeding heart vine — 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.

Bleeding heart vine is mildly toxic to dogs (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My dog ate Bleeding heart vine — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take bleeding heart vine 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 bleeding heart vine — FAQ

Is bleeding heart vine poisonous to dogs?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Bleeding heart vine (Clerodendrum thomsoniae) as mildly toxic to dogs. Clerodendrum is NOT listed in the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database, so no clearance exists; the Pet Poison Helpline reports the genus as mildly toxic, causing gastrointestinal upset if eaten and contact dermatitis in cats, dogs, horses and birds. Treat as mildly toxic and keep away from pets. Note: this is NOT the toxic true bleeding heart (Dicentra), a completely different, unrelated plant.

How serious is it if my dog ate bleeding heart vine?

Bleeding heart vine 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. Clerodendrum is NOT listed in the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database, so no clearance exists; the Pet Poison Helpline reports the genus as mildly toxic, causing gastrointestinal upset if eaten and contact dermatitis in cats, dogs, horses and birds. Treat as mildly toxic and keep away from pets. Note: this is NOT the toxic true bleeding heart (Dicentra), a completely different, unrelated 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 bleeding heart vine well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.

Related