Pet emergency
My dog ate Sally-My-Handsome — what to do
Step by step
- Take sally-my-handsome 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 sally-my-handsome — FAQ
Is sally-my-handsome poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Sally-My-Handsome (Carpobrotus acinaciformis) as mildly toxic to dogs. Carpobrotus acinaciformis is not individually listed by ASPCA as toxic to cats or dogs. The fruits are edible and have been eaten fresh and used in jams in South Africa, but the plant has not been formally assessed for pet safety. Mild gastrointestinal upset is possible if ingested in quantity by pets. Treat with appropriate caution.
How serious is it if my dog ate sally-my-handsome?
Sally-My-Handsome 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. Carpobrotus acinaciformis is not individually listed by ASPCA as toxic to cats or dogs. The fruits are edible and have been eaten fresh and used in jams in South Africa, but the plant has not been formally assessed for pet safety. Mild gastrointestinal upset is possible if ingested in quantity by pets. Treat with appropriate caution. 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 sally-my-handsome well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is sally-my-handsome toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Sally-My-Handsome and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide