Pet emergency
My dog ate Pacifica Vinca — what to do
Step by step
- Take pacifica vinca 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 pacifica vinca — FAQ
Is pacifica vinca poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Pacifica Vinca (Catharanthus roseus 'Pacifica') as toxic to dogs. Catharanthus roseus is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (ASPCA-listed). The plant contains cytotoxic vinca alkaloids including vincristine and vinblastine. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases coma or death. Highly dangerous for pets — do not plant where animals can access it.
How serious is it if my dog ate pacifica vinca?
Pacifica Vinca 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. Catharanthus roseus is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (ASPCA-listed). The plant contains cytotoxic vinca alkaloids including vincristine and vinblastine. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases coma or death. Highly dangerous for pets — do not plant where animals can access it. 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 pacifica vinca well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is pacifica vinca toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Pacifica Vinca and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide