Pet emergency
My dog ate Million bells — what to do
Step by step
- Take million bells 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 a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.
My dog ate million bells — FAQ
Is million bells poisonous to dogs?
Yes — Million bells (Calibrachoa × hybrida) is regarded as mildly toxic to dogs, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Calibrachoa belongs to Solanaceae, the same family as petunias. While not listed individually by the ASPCA, Solanaceae plants can contain alkaloids that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea) if ingested by dogs or cats. Not considered severely toxic, but keep pets from grazing on plants as a precaution.
How serious is it if my dog ate million bells?
Million bells is mildly toxic, so most dogs get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your dog ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Calibrachoa belongs to Solanaceae, the same family as petunias. While not listed individually by the ASPCA, Solanaceae plants can contain alkaloids that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea) if ingested by dogs or cats. Not considered severely toxic, but keep pets from grazing on plants as a precaution. 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 a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep million bells well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your dog.
Related
- Is million bells toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Million bells and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide
- Best plant app for pet owners — which apps actually flag ASPCA toxicity before you buy the plant