Growli
Get the app

If your dog ate ficus retusa bonsai — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet now. If you cannot reach one, a poison-control line will triage you — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both services charge a fee.

Ficus Retusa Bonsai is toxic to dogs (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My dog ate Ficus Retusa Bonsai — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take ficus retusa bonsai away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet, or a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. Follow their advice.
  5. 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.

My dog ate ficus retusa bonsai — FAQ

Is ficus retusa bonsai poisonous to dogs?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Ficus Retusa Bonsai (Ficus retusa) as toxic to dogs. Ficus is listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses by the ASPCA (e.g. weeping fig, Ficus benjamina). The milky latex sap contains the toxic principles ficin (a proteolytic enzyme) and the psoralen ficusin, causing oral and gastrointestinal irritation, drooling and vomiting if chewed, and skin irritation on contact. Keep away from pets.

How serious is it if my dog ate ficus retusa bonsai?

Ficus Retusa Bonsai is toxic to dogs and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, 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. Ficus is listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses by the ASPCA (e.g. weeping fig, Ficus benjamina). The milky latex sap contains the toxic principles ficin (a proteolytic enzyme) and the psoralen ficusin, causing oral and gastrointestinal irritation, drooling and vomiting if chewed, and skin irritation on contact. Keep away from pets. 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 a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

Keep ficus retusa bonsai well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.

Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your dog.

Related