Pet emergency
My dog ate Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans' — what to do
Step by step
- Take hosta sieboldiana 'elegans' 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 sieboldiana 'elegans' — FAQ
Is hosta sieboldiana 'elegans' poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans' (Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans') as toxic to dogs. The ASPCA lists Hosta (plantain lily) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is saponins; signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea and depression. The plant does not produce soap foam in the stomach as some myths claim, but it does cause real gastrointestinal upset, so prevent pets from eating it.
How serious is it if my dog ate hosta sieboldiana 'elegans'?
Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans' 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. The ASPCA lists Hosta (plantain lily) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is saponins; signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea and depression. The plant does not produce soap foam in the stomach as some myths claim, but it does cause real gastrointestinal upset, so prevent pets from eating it. 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 sieboldiana 'elegans' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is hosta sieboldiana 'elegans' toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide