Pet emergency
My dog ate Portuguese Squill — what to do
Step by step
- Take portuguese squill 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 portuguese squill — FAQ
Is portuguese squill poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Portuguese Squill (Scilla peruviana) as toxic to dogs. All parts of Scilla peruviana are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principles are cardiac glycosides (scilliroside and related bufadienolide compounds). Ingestion causes severe gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain), drooling, and potentially cardiac arrhythmia. Skin contact with the sap can cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Seek veterinary advice immediately if a pet ingests any part of this plant.
How serious is it if my dog ate portuguese squill?
Portuguese Squill 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. All parts of Scilla peruviana are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principles are cardiac glycosides (scilliroside and related bufadienolide compounds). Ingestion causes severe gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain), drooling, and potentially cardiac arrhythmia. Skin contact with the sap can cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Seek veterinary advice immediately if a pet ingests any part of this plant. 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 portuguese squill well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is portuguese squill toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Portuguese Squill and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide