Pet emergency
My dog ate Etruscan Santolina — what to do
Step by step
- Take etruscan santolina 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 etruscan santolina — FAQ
Is etruscan santolina poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Etruscan Santolina (Santolina etrusca) as mildly toxic to dogs. Santolina etrusca is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database. Like all Santolina species it contains volatile aromatic oils (including camphor-type compounds) that can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in significant quantities and contact dermatitis on sensitive skin; treat as mildly toxic around cats and dogs and seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.
How serious is it if my dog ate etruscan santolina?
Etruscan Santolina is mildly toxic, so most dogs get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your dog ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Santolina etrusca is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database. Like all Santolina species it contains volatile aromatic oils (including camphor-type compounds) that can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in significant quantities and contact dermatitis on sensitive skin; treat as mildly toxic around cats and dogs and seek veterinary advice 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 etruscan santolina well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is etruscan santolina toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Etruscan Santolina and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide