Pet emergency
My dog ate Hollow-Rooted Fumewort — what to do
Step by step
- Take hollow-rooted fumewort 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 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.
- 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 hollow-rooted fumewort — FAQ
Is hollow-rooted fumewort poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Hollow-Rooted Fumewort (Corydalis cava) as toxic to dogs. Like all Corydalis species, C. cava contains isoquinoline alkaloids — notably corydaline, bulbocapnine, and protopine — throughout the tuber, leaves, and flowers. ASPCA lists Corydalis as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; effects include tremors, ataxia, sedation, and cardiovascular and respiratory depression. The hollow tuber is particularly concentrated in alkaloids. Ingestion of any part warrants prompt veterinary attention.
How serious is it if my dog ate hollow-rooted fumewort?
Hollow-Rooted Fumewort 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. Like all Corydalis species, C. cava contains isoquinoline alkaloids — notably corydaline, bulbocapnine, and protopine — throughout the tuber, leaves, and flowers. ASPCA lists Corydalis as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; effects include tremors, ataxia, sedation, and cardiovascular and respiratory depression. The hollow tuber is particularly concentrated in alkaloids. Ingestion of any part warrants prompt veterinary attention. 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 hollow-rooted fumewort 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
- Is hollow-rooted fumewort toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Hollow-Rooted Fumewort and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide
- Best plant app for pet owners — which apps actually flag ASPCA toxicity before you buy the plant