Pet emergency
My dog ate Rangoon Creeper — what to do
Step by step
- Take rangoon creeper 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 rangoon creeper — FAQ
Is rangoon creeper poisonous to dogs?
Yes — Rangoon Creeper (Quisqualis indica) is regarded as mildly toxic to dogs, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Combretum indicum (Rangoon Creeper) is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The plant is generally considered of low toxicity to pets and humans. However, the seeds contain quisqualic acid, an excitatory amino acid that is toxic to intestinal parasites and in large doses can cause neurological effects. Flowers and leaves have a history of use in traditional medicine. Caution is warranted: keep out of reach of pets and children as a precaution, and do not allow ingestion of seeds.
How serious is it if my dog ate rangoon creeper?
Rangoon Creeper 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. Combretum indicum (Rangoon Creeper) is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The plant is generally considered of low toxicity to pets and humans. However, the seeds contain quisqualic acid, an excitatory amino acid that is toxic to intestinal parasites and in large doses can cause neurological effects. Flowers and leaves have a history of use in traditional medicine. Caution is warranted: keep out of reach of pets and children as a precaution, and do not allow ingestion of seeds. 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 rangoon creeper 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
- Is rangoon creeper toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Rangoon Creeper 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