Pet emergency
My dog ate Creeping Comfrey — what to do
Step by step
- Take creeping comfrey 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 creeping comfrey — FAQ
Is creeping comfrey poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Creeping Comfrey (Symphytum grandiflorum) as mildly toxic to dogs. Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) characteristic of the Symphytum genus, which are hepatotoxic if consumed in significant quantities by people, dogs, cats, or horses. ASPCA does not specifically list Symphytum grandiflorum, but the PA content across all comfreys warrants caution. Avoid ingestion; wear gloves when handling large quantities as the bristly leaves may irritate skin.
How serious is it if my dog ate creeping comfrey?
Creeping Comfrey 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. Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) characteristic of the Symphytum genus, which are hepatotoxic if consumed in significant quantities by people, dogs, cats, or horses. ASPCA does not specifically list Symphytum grandiflorum, but the PA content across all comfreys warrants caution. Avoid ingestion; wear gloves when handling large quantities as the bristly leaves may irritate skin. 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 creeping comfrey well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is creeping comfrey toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Creeping Comfrey and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide