Pet emergency
My dog ate Small Solomon's Seal — what to do
Step by step
- Take small solomon's seal 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 small solomon's seal — FAQ
Is small solomon's seal poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Small Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum biflorum) as toxic to dogs. All plant parts, particularly the blue-black autumn berries, contain saponins, anthraquinone glycosides, and cardiotoxic heterosides. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain; berries pose the greatest hazard. Native Americans used cooked rhizomes as food, but the raw plant is toxic. Polygonatum biflorum is not individually listed by ASPCA but is documented as toxic to pets and humans in veterinary and horticultural literature. Keep berries away from children and pets.
How serious is it if my dog ate small solomon's seal?
Small Solomon's Seal 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. All plant parts, particularly the blue-black autumn berries, contain saponins, anthraquinone glycosides, and cardiotoxic heterosides. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain; berries pose the greatest hazard. Native Americans used cooked rhizomes as food, but the raw plant is toxic. Polygonatum biflorum is not individually listed by ASPCA but is documented as toxic to pets and humans in veterinary and horticultural literature. Keep berries away from children and pets. 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 small solomon's seal well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is small solomon's seal toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Small Solomon's Seal and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide