Pet emergency
My dog ate Lesser Periwinkle — what to do
Step by step
- Take lesser periwinkle 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 lesser periwinkle — FAQ
Is lesser periwinkle poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca minor) as toxic to dogs. Vinca minor is listed as toxic by the ASPCA to both dogs and cats. The plant contains vinca alkaloids (vincamine, vinblastine-related compounds) that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, neurological signs, and tremors. All parts of the plant are considered toxic. Keep away from pets and supervise grazing animals.
How serious is it if my dog ate lesser periwinkle?
Lesser Periwinkle 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. Vinca minor is listed as toxic by the ASPCA to both dogs and cats. The plant contains vinca alkaloids (vincamine, vinblastine-related compounds) that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, neurological signs, and tremors. All parts of the plant are considered toxic. Keep away from pets and supervise grazing animals. 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 lesser periwinkle well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is lesser periwinkle toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Lesser Periwinkle and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide