Pet emergency
My dog ate Spanish Sea Kale — what to do
Step by step
- Take spanish sea kale 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 spanish sea kale — FAQ
Is spanish sea kale poisonous to dogs?
Yes — Spanish Sea Kale (Crambe hispanica) is regarded as mildly toxic to dogs, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Crambe hispanica is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database; as a Brassicaceae relative with no confirmed toxicity record it is classified here as mildly-toxic by precaution. The seed oil contains erucic acid, which at high doses is harmful to mammals; whole seed or seed oil should not be given to pets.
How serious is it if my dog ate spanish sea kale?
Spanish Sea Kale 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. Crambe hispanica is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database; as a Brassicaceae relative with no confirmed toxicity record it is classified here as mildly-toxic by precaution. The seed oil contains erucic acid, which at high doses is harmful to mammals; whole seed or seed oil should not be given to 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 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 spanish sea kale 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 spanish sea kale toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Spanish Sea Kale 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