Pet emergency
My dog ate Narrow-Leaf Bird of Paradise — what to do
Step by step
- Take narrow-leaf bird of paradise 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 narrow-leaf bird of paradise — FAQ
Is narrow-leaf bird of paradise poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Narrow-Leaf Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia juncea) as toxic to dogs. The ASPCA classifies Strelitzia as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; toxic principles are GI irritants concentrated particularly in the fruit and seeds, including tannins and cyanogenic glycosides. Clinical signs include nausea, vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, and drowsiness. Strelitzia juncea belongs to the same genus and carries the same risk. Contact ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or a vet if a pet ingests any part.
How serious is it if my dog ate narrow-leaf bird of paradise?
Narrow-Leaf Bird of Paradise 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. The ASPCA classifies Strelitzia as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; toxic principles are GI irritants concentrated particularly in the fruit and seeds, including tannins and cyanogenic glycosides. Clinical signs include nausea, vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, and drowsiness. Strelitzia juncea belongs to the same genus and carries the same risk. Contact ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or a vet if a pet ingests any part. 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 narrow-leaf bird of paradise well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is narrow-leaf bird of paradise toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Narrow-Leaf Bird of Paradise and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide