Pet emergency
My dog ate Coris-Leaved St John's Wort — what to do
Step by step
- Take coris-leaved st john's wort 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 coris-leaved st john's wort — FAQ
Is coris-leaved st john's wort poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Coris-Leaved St John's Wort (Hypericum coris) as toxic to dogs. ASPCA lists Hypericum (St John's wort) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; the toxic principle is hypericin, which causes photosensitisation — ulcerative and exudative dermatitis when exposed to sunlight after ingestion. Seek veterinary advice immediately if ingestion is suspected.
How serious is it if my dog ate coris-leaved st john's wort?
Coris-Leaved St John's Wort 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. ASPCA lists Hypericum (St John's wort) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; the toxic principle is hypericin, which causes photosensitisation — ulcerative and exudative dermatitis when exposed to sunlight after ingestion. Seek veterinary advice immediately if ingestion is suspected. 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 coris-leaved st john's wort well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is coris-leaved st john's wort toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Coris-Leaved St John's Wort and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide