Pet emergency
My dog ate Greater Celandine — what to do
Step by step
- Take greater celandine 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 greater celandine — FAQ
Is greater celandine poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus) as toxic to dogs. Chelidonium majus contains isoquinoline alkaloids (chelidonine, berberine, coptisine, sanguinarine) throughout all plant parts, particularly concentrated in the orange latex sap. These alkaloids are toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if ingested, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, sedation, and — in larger doses — central nervous system depression and liver damage. The sap is also a potent skin irritant causing contact dermatitis. Wear gloves when handling. Chelidonium majus is listed by ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. Keep away from all pets and children.
How serious is it if my dog ate greater celandine?
Greater Celandine 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. Chelidonium majus contains isoquinoline alkaloids (chelidonine, berberine, coptisine, sanguinarine) throughout all plant parts, particularly concentrated in the orange latex sap. These alkaloids are toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if ingested, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, sedation, and — in larger doses — central nervous system depression and liver damage. The sap is also a potent skin irritant causing contact dermatitis. Wear gloves when handling. Chelidonium majus is listed by ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. Keep away from all pets and children. 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 greater celandine well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is greater celandine toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Greater Celandine and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide