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If your dog ate lords-and-ladies — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Lords-and-Ladies is toxic to dogs (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My dog ate Lords-and-Ladies — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take lords-and-ladies away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. 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 lords-and-ladies — FAQ

Is lords-and-ladies poisonous to dogs?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Lords-and-Ladies (Arum maculatum) as toxic to dogs. Confirmed toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by ASPCA (listed under 'Arum'). All parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides; the bright scarlet-orange autumn berries are especially concentrated and attractive to children and pets. Symptoms: intense oral burning, drooling, swelling of mouth and throat, vomiting, difficulty swallowing. Skin contact with sap can cause contact dermatitis — wear gloves when handling.

How serious is it if my dog ate lords-and-ladies?

Lords-and-Ladies 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. Confirmed toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by ASPCA (listed under 'Arum'). All parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides; the bright scarlet-orange autumn berries are especially concentrated and attractive to children and pets. Symptoms: intense oral burning, drooling, swelling of mouth and throat, vomiting, difficulty swallowing. Skin contact with sap can cause contact dermatitis — wear gloves when handling. 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 lords-and-ladies well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.

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