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If your dog ate prickly saltwort — 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.

Prickly Saltwort is mildly toxic to dogs (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My dog ate Prickly Saltwort — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take prickly saltwort 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 prickly saltwort — FAQ

Is prickly saltwort poisonous to dogs?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Prickly Saltwort (Salsola kali) as mildly toxic to dogs. Salsola kali is not specifically listed in the ASPCA database. However, the plant is known to accumulate soluble oxalates and nitrates, particularly in young leaves and in plants grown in nitrogen-rich soils. Oxalate accumulation can cause kidney damage and hypocalcaemia in livestock and potentially in cats and dogs if consumed in significant quantity. The sharp, hardened spine-tips on mature plants also pose a physical injury risk. Classified as mildly-toxic out of caution; consult a veterinarian if pet ingestion occurs.

How serious is it if my dog ate prickly saltwort?

Prickly Saltwort 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. Salsola kali is not specifically listed in the ASPCA database. However, the plant is known to accumulate soluble oxalates and nitrates, particularly in young leaves and in plants grown in nitrogen-rich soils. Oxalate accumulation can cause kidney damage and hypocalcaemia in livestock and potentially in cats and dogs if consumed in significant quantity. The sharp, hardened spine-tips on mature plants also pose a physical injury risk. Classified as mildly-toxic out of caution; consult a veterinarian if pet ingestion occurs. 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 prickly saltwort well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.

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