Pet emergency
My dog ate Large-flowered Tylecodon — what to do
Step by step
- Take large-flowered tylecodon 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 large-flowered tylecodon — FAQ
Is large-flowered tylecodon poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Large-flowered Tylecodon (Tylecodon grandiflorus) as toxic to dogs. Like all Tylecodon species, T. grandiflorus contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides (cotyledoside and tyledosides) — neurotoxic compounds that cause cardiac arrhythmia and neuromuscular failure. These are well documented in veterinary toxicology literature (NCBI/PMC) and SANBI. Not individually listed by ASPCA (a US-focused database that rarely covers specialist succulents from southern Africa), but the genus toxicity is unambiguous. Do not keep where children, cats, dogs, or other pets can access any part of the plant.
How serious is it if my dog ate large-flowered tylecodon?
Large-flowered Tylecodon 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. Like all Tylecodon species, T. grandiflorus contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides (cotyledoside and tyledosides) — neurotoxic compounds that cause cardiac arrhythmia and neuromuscular failure. These are well documented in veterinary toxicology literature (NCBI/PMC) and SANBI. Not individually listed by ASPCA (a US-focused database that rarely covers specialist succulents from southern Africa), but the genus toxicity is unambiguous. Do not keep where children, cats, dogs, or other pets can access any part of the plant. 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 large-flowered tylecodon well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is large-flowered tylecodon toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Large-flowered Tylecodon and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide