Pet emergency
My dog ate Drooping Star of Bethlehem — what to do
Step by step
- Take drooping star of bethlehem 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 drooping star of bethlehem — FAQ
Is drooping star of bethlehem poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Drooping Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum nutans) as toxic to dogs. The ASPCA lists Ornithogalum species as toxic to cats and dogs. The plants contain cardenolide cardiac glycosides that affect heart function. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, excess salivation, lethargy, and potentially cardiac arrhythmias in significant quantities; all parts are toxic.
How serious is it if my dog ate drooping star of bethlehem?
Drooping Star of Bethlehem 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 Ornithogalum species as toxic to cats and dogs. The plants contain cardenolide cardiac glycosides that affect heart function. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, excess salivation, lethargy, and potentially cardiac arrhythmias in significant quantities; all parts are toxic. 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 drooping star of bethlehem well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is drooping star of bethlehem toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Drooping Star of Bethlehem and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide