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 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 rangoon creeper — FAQ
Is rangoon creeper poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Rangoon Creeper (Quisqualis indica) as mildly toxic to dogs. 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 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 rangoon creeper well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is rangoon creeper toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Rangoon Creeper and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide