Pet emergency
My dog ate Dracaena 'Song of India' — what to do
Step by step
- Take dracaena 'song of india' 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 dracaena 'song of india' — FAQ
Is dracaena 'song of india' poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Dracaena 'Song of India' (Dracaena reflexa 'Song of India') as toxic to dogs. The ASPCA lists Dracaena (Dracaena spp.) as toxic to both cats and dogs; the toxic principle is saponins. Ingestion can cause vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, loss of appetite, drooling, and dilated pupils in cats. Keep it out of reach of pets and contact a vet if it is eaten.
How serious is it if my dog ate dracaena 'song of india'?
Dracaena 'Song of India' 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 Dracaena (Dracaena spp.) as toxic to both cats and dogs; the toxic principle is saponins. Ingestion can cause vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, loss of appetite, drooling, and dilated pupils in cats. Keep it out of reach of pets and contact a vet if it is eaten. 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 dracaena 'song of india' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is dracaena 'song of india' toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Dracaena 'Song of India' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide