Pet emergency
My dog ate Queen of Hearts Plant — what to do
Step by step
- Take queen of hearts plant 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 queen of hearts plant — FAQ
Is queen of hearts plant poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Queen of Hearts Plant (Homalomena rubescens) as toxic to dogs. Homalomena rubescens is an Araceae aroid containing insoluble calcium oxalate crystals throughout its tissues. Chewing or ingesting any part causes intense oral pain, drooling, swelling of the mouth and throat, and vomiting in dogs, cats, and humans. Keep away from pets and children. ASPCA lists the Homalomena genus as toxic to dogs and cats.
How serious is it if my dog ate queen of hearts plant?
Queen of Hearts Plant 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. Homalomena rubescens is an Araceae aroid containing insoluble calcium oxalate crystals throughout its tissues. Chewing or ingesting any part causes intense oral pain, drooling, swelling of the mouth and throat, and vomiting in dogs, cats, and humans. Keep away from pets and children. ASPCA lists the Homalomena genus as toxic to dogs and cats. 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 queen of hearts plant well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is queen of hearts plant toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Queen of Hearts Plant and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide