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If your dog ate finger lime — 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.

Finger Lime is toxic to dogs (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My dog ate Finger Lime — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take finger lime 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 finger lime — FAQ

Is finger lime poisonous to dogs?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Finger Lime (Microcitrus australasica) as toxic to dogs. The ASPCA lists Citrus species (including limes) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses; the toxic principles are essential oils and psoralens concentrated in the peel, leaves, stems and seeds. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and, with skin contact, photosensitive dermatitis. As a Microcitrus (a true citrus relative), treat the finger lime the same way.

How serious is it if my dog ate finger lime?

Finger Lime 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. The ASPCA lists Citrus species (including limes) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses; the toxic principles are essential oils and psoralens concentrated in the peel, leaves, stems and seeds. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and, with skin contact, photosensitive dermatitis. As a Microcitrus (a true citrus relative), treat the finger lime the same way. 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 finger lime 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.

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