Pet emergency
My dog ate Hosta 'Pineapple Upside Down Cake' — what to do
Step by step
- Take hosta 'pineapple upside down cake' 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 hosta 'pineapple upside down cake' — FAQ
Is hosta 'pineapple upside down cake' poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Hosta 'Pineapple Upside Down Cake' (Hosta 'Pineapple Upside Down Cake') as toxic to dogs. Hosta plants contain saponins throughout all parts and are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and depression. The large leaf mass of this cultivar makes it particularly important to site away from pets.
How serious is it if my dog ate hosta 'pineapple upside down cake'?
Hosta 'Pineapple Upside Down Cake' 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. Hosta plants contain saponins throughout all parts and are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and depression. The large leaf mass of this cultivar makes it particularly important to site 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 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 hosta 'pineapple upside down cake' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is hosta 'pineapple upside down cake' toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Hosta 'Pineapple Upside Down Cake' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide