Pet emergency
My dog ate Smokebush 'Royal Purple' — what to do
Step by step
- Take smokebush 'royal purple' 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 smokebush 'royal purple' — FAQ
Is smokebush 'royal purple' poisonous to dogs?
Yes — Smokebush 'Royal Purple' (Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple') is regarded as mildly toxic to dogs, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Cotinus coggygria is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, and there is no authoritative ASPCA non-toxic listing for it. Sap can contain urushiol-type compounds that may irritate skin, and ingestion may cause mild stomach upset. Treat as uncertain, discourage chewing, and verify with a vet before assuming it is pet-safe.
How serious is it if my dog ate smokebush 'royal purple'?
Smokebush 'Royal Purple' 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. Cotinus coggygria is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, and there is no authoritative ASPCA non-toxic listing for it. Sap can contain urushiol-type compounds that may irritate skin, and ingestion may cause mild stomach upset. Treat as uncertain, discourage chewing, and verify with a vet before assuming it is pet-safe. 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 smokebush 'royal purple' 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 smokebush 'royal purple' toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Smokebush 'Royal Purple' 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