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If your dog ate narrow-leaved water plantain — 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 now. If you cannot reach one, a poison-control line will triage you — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both services charge a fee.

Narrow-leaved Water Plantain is mildly toxic to dogs (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My dog ate Narrow-leaved Water Plantain — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take narrow-leaved water plantain 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 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.
  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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.

My dog ate narrow-leaved water plantain — FAQ

Is narrow-leaved water plantain poisonous to dogs?

Yes — Narrow-leaved Water Plantain (Alisma lanceolatum) is regarded as mildly toxic to dogs, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Alisma lanceolatum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. However, Alisma species contain acrid, irritant compounds (alisols and proto-anemonin-like substances) that can cause oral and gastrointestinal irritation if ingested raw. These substances are partly broken down on drying. As the ASPCA listing is absent and irritant compounds are documented in the genus, it is classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution. Keep pets away from the foliage and roots.

How serious is it if my dog ate narrow-leaved water plantain?

Narrow-leaved Water Plantain 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. Alisma lanceolatum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. However, Alisma species contain acrid, irritant compounds (alisols and proto-anemonin-like substances) that can cause oral and gastrointestinal irritation if ingested raw. These substances are partly broken down on drying. As the ASPCA listing is absent and irritant compounds are documented in the genus, it is classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution. Keep pets away from the foliage and roots. 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 narrow-leaved water plantain 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.

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