Pet emergency
My dog ate Double-Flowered Bloodroot — what to do
Step by step
- Take double-flowered bloodroot 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 double-flowered bloodroot — FAQ
Is double-flowered bloodroot poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Double-Flowered Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis 'Multiplex') as toxic to dogs. All parts of Sanguinaria canadensis contain isoquinoline alkaloids, principally sanguinarine and chelerythrine. The ASPCA and the Pet Poison Helpline list bloodroot as toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion can cause excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, and in severe cases dilated pupils, dizziness, and cardiac effects. The orange-red rhizome sap is most concentrated in toxins; seek veterinary attention immediately if ingestion is suspected.
How serious is it if my dog ate double-flowered bloodroot?
Double-Flowered Bloodroot 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. All parts of Sanguinaria canadensis contain isoquinoline alkaloids, principally sanguinarine and chelerythrine. The ASPCA and the Pet Poison Helpline list bloodroot as toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion can cause excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, and in severe cases dilated pupils, dizziness, and cardiac effects. The orange-red rhizome sap is most concentrated in toxins; seek veterinary attention 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 double-flowered bloodroot well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is double-flowered bloodroot toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Double-Flowered Bloodroot and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide