Pet emergency
My dog ate Common Nardoo — what to do
Step by step
- Take common nardoo 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 common nardoo — FAQ
Is common nardoo poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Common Nardoo (Marsilea drummondii) as toxic to dogs. Marsilea drummondii contains a potent thiaminase enzyme that destroys vitamin B1 (thiamine). Ingestion by livestock (sheep, horses) causes serious neurological damage. The same risk applies to dogs, cats, and other pets. Raw sporocarps are also toxic to humans. Keep away from all animals. Not listed individually by ASPCA, but the thiaminase content is documented in the veterinary literature.
How serious is it if my dog ate common nardoo?
Common Nardoo 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. Marsilea drummondii contains a potent thiaminase enzyme that destroys vitamin B1 (thiamine). Ingestion by livestock (sheep, horses) causes serious neurological damage. The same risk applies to dogs, cats, and other pets. Raw sporocarps are also toxic to humans. Keep away from all animals. Not listed individually by ASPCA, but the thiaminase content is documented in the veterinary literature. 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 common nardoo well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is common nardoo toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Common Nardoo and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide