Pet emergency
My dog ate Evergreen Candytuft — what to do
Step by step
- Take evergreen candytuft 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 evergreen candytuft — FAQ
Is evergreen candytuft poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Evergreen Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens) as mildly toxic to dogs. Iberis sempervirens is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic Plant database, but as a member of the Brassicaceae family it contains glucosinolates that may cause gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting, diarrhoea) in cats and dogs if ingested in quantity. Some secondary sources report potential cardiac, renal, and hepatic effects with large ingestion. Treat with caution around pets and seek veterinary advice if ingestion occurs.
How serious is it if my dog ate evergreen candytuft?
Evergreen Candytuft 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. Iberis sempervirens is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic Plant database, but as a member of the Brassicaceae family it contains glucosinolates that may cause gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting, diarrhoea) in cats and dogs if ingested in quantity. Some secondary sources report potential cardiac, renal, and hepatic effects with large ingestion. Treat with caution around pets and seek veterinary advice if ingestion occurs. 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 evergreen candytuft well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is evergreen candytuft toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Evergreen Candytuft and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide