Pet emergency
My dog ate Spencer Waved sweet pea — what to do
Step by step
- Take spencer waved sweet pea 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 spencer waved sweet pea — FAQ
Is spencer waved sweet pea poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Spencer Waved sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus 'Spencer Waved') as toxic to dogs. Lathyrus odoratus (sweet pea) seeds and seed pods contain aminopropionitrile and other lathyrogenic compounds. Ingestion of significant quantities of seeds can cause lathyrism — neurological and musculoskeletal damage — in humans and animals. The ASPCA lists Lathyrus odoratus as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ornamental use is fine, but all parts (especially seeds) must be kept away from pets and children.
How serious is it if my dog ate spencer waved sweet pea?
Spencer Waved sweet pea is toxic to dogs and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, 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. Lathyrus odoratus (sweet pea) seeds and seed pods contain aminopropionitrile and other lathyrogenic compounds. Ingestion of significant quantities of seeds can cause lathyrism — neurological and musculoskeletal damage — in humans and animals. The ASPCA lists Lathyrus odoratus as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ornamental use is fine, but all parts (especially seeds) must be kept away from pets and children. 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 spencer waved sweet pea 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
- My dog ate sweet pea — the species this cultivar belongs to, checked separately
- Is spencer waved sweet pea toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Spencer Waved sweet pea 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