Pet emergency
My dog ate Lobelia erinus 'Riviera Lilac' — what to do
Step by step
- Take lobelia erinus 'riviera lilac' 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 lobelia erinus 'riviera lilac' — FAQ
Is lobelia erinus 'riviera lilac' poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Lobelia erinus 'Riviera Lilac' (Lobelia erinus 'Riviera Lilac') as toxic to dogs. Lobelia species contain piperidine alkaloids (notably lobeline) and are regarded as toxic; L. erinus is not individually itemised on the ASPCA list, but lobelias are well documented as toxic if eaten, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, salivation and tremors in larger doses. Treat as toxic and verify with a vet if ingested.
How serious is it if my dog ate lobelia erinus 'riviera lilac'?
Lobelia erinus 'Riviera Lilac' 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. Lobelia species contain piperidine alkaloids (notably lobeline) and are regarded as toxic; L. erinus is not individually itemised on the ASPCA list, but lobelias are well documented as toxic if eaten, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, salivation and tremors in larger doses. Treat as toxic and verify with a vet if ingested. 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 lobelia erinus 'riviera lilac' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is lobelia erinus 'riviera lilac' toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Lobelia erinus 'Riviera Lilac' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide