Growli
Let's go

If your dog ate cape leadwort (blue plumbago) — 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 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Cape Leadwort (Blue Plumbago) is mildly toxic to dogs (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My dog ate Cape Leadwort (Blue Plumbago) — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take cape leadwort (blue plumbago) 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 the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and 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.

My dog ate cape leadwort (blue plumbago) — FAQ

Is cape leadwort (blue plumbago) poisonous to dogs?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Cape Leadwort (Blue Plumbago) (Plumbago auriculata) as mildly toxic to dogs. True Plumbago auriculata is NOT individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic database — and the ASPCA "Plumbago Larpentiae" entry that shows as non-toxic is actually a different genus, Ceratostigma larpentiae, so it does NOT clear this plant. Because the whole plant contains plumbagin, a naphthoquinone that causes contact dermatitis/blistering and GI upset if eaten, treat it as mildly toxic, keep pets from chewing it, and verify with your vet.

How serious is it if my dog ate cape leadwort (blue plumbago)?

Cape Leadwort (Blue Plumbago) 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. True Plumbago auriculata is NOT individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic database — and the ASPCA "Plumbago Larpentiae" entry that shows as non-toxic is actually a different genus, Ceratostigma larpentiae, so it does NOT clear this plant. Because the whole plant contains plumbagin, a naphthoquinone that causes contact dermatitis/blistering and GI upset if eaten, treat it as mildly toxic, keep pets from chewing it, and verify with your vet. 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 cape leadwort (blue plumbago) well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.

Related