Pet emergency
My dog ate Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Black Dragon' — what to do
Step by step
- Take plectranthus scutellarioides 'black dragon' 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 plectranthus scutellarioides 'black dragon' — FAQ
Is plectranthus scutellarioides 'black dragon' poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Black Dragon' (Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Black Dragon') as toxic to dogs. Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides, syn. Coleus blumei) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs; the toxic principle is essential oils and diterpenes. Signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, loss of appetite and, with skin contact, dermatitis.
How serious is it if my dog ate plectranthus scutellarioides 'black dragon'?
Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Black Dragon' is toxic to dogs and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, 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. Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides, syn. Coleus blumei) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs; the toxic principle is essential oils and diterpenes. Signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, loss of appetite and, with skin contact, dermatitis. 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 plectranthus scutellarioides 'black dragon' 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
- My dog ate painted nettle — the species this cultivar belongs to, checked separately
- Is plectranthus scutellarioides 'black dragon' toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Black Dragon' 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