Pet emergency
My dog ate Candle Larkspur 'Guardian Blue' — what to do
Step by step
- Take candle larkspur 'guardian blue' 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 candle larkspur 'guardian blue' — FAQ
Is candle larkspur 'guardian blue' poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Candle Larkspur 'Guardian Blue' (Delphinium elatum) as toxic to dogs. The ASPCA lists Delphinium (larkspur) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; all parts contain norditerpenoid alkaloids (diterpenoid alkaloids in the seeds and young foliage are most concentrated) causing neuromuscular blockade, cardiac depression, and potentially death if ingested in quantity. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected.
How serious is it if my dog ate candle larkspur 'guardian blue'?
Candle Larkspur 'Guardian Blue' 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. The ASPCA lists Delphinium (larkspur) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; all parts contain norditerpenoid alkaloids (diterpenoid alkaloids in the seeds and young foliage are most concentrated) causing neuromuscular blockade, cardiac depression, and potentially death if ingested in quantity. Seek emergency veterinary care 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 candle larkspur 'guardian blue' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is candle larkspur 'guardian blue' toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Candle Larkspur 'Guardian Blue' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide