Pet emergency
My dog ate Double Pinwheel Flower — what to do
Step by step
- Take double pinwheel flower 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 pinwheel flower — FAQ
Is double pinwheel flower poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Double Pinwheel Flower (Tabernaemontana divaricata 'Flore Pleno') as toxic to dogs. Shares the same alkaloid toxicity profile as the species Tabernaemontana divaricata — all plant parts, including the milky latex, stem, leaves, and seeds, contain toxic ibogamine-type alkaloids. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but the genus and Apocynaceae family are recognised as toxic. Treat as toxic to cats, dogs, and children. Latex causes skin and eye irritation on contact.
How serious is it if my dog ate double pinwheel flower?
Double Pinwheel Flower 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. Shares the same alkaloid toxicity profile as the species Tabernaemontana divaricata — all plant parts, including the milky latex, stem, leaves, and seeds, contain toxic ibogamine-type alkaloids. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but the genus and Apocynaceae family are recognised as toxic. Treat as toxic to cats, dogs, and children. Latex causes skin and eye irritation on contact. 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 pinwheel flower well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is double pinwheel flower toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Double Pinwheel Flower and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide