Pet emergency
My dog ate Tiger Flower — what to do
Step by step
- Take tiger flower 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 tiger flower — FAQ
Is tiger flower poisonous to dogs?
Yes — Tiger Flower (Tigridia pavonia) is regarded as mildly toxic to dogs, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Tigridia pavonia is not listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats or dogs, and multiple horticultural sources including the BBC Gardeners' World and Gardenia.net state it has no toxic effects reported. The bulbs were historically consumed by the Aztecs. However, as a member of Iridaceae — a family that does include toxic genera — and in the absence of a formal ASPCA non-toxic listing, a cautious mildly-toxic classification is applied here. Discourage pets from chewing the plant; consult a vet if substantial ingestion occurs.
How serious is it if my dog ate tiger flower?
Tiger Flower 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. Tigridia pavonia is not listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats or dogs, and multiple horticultural sources including the BBC Gardeners' World and Gardenia.net state it has no toxic effects reported. The bulbs were historically consumed by the Aztecs. However, as a member of Iridaceae — a family that does include toxic genera — and in the absence of a formal ASPCA non-toxic listing, a cautious mildly-toxic classification is applied here. Discourage pets from chewing the plant; consult a vet if substantial ingestion occurs. 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 tiger flower 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 tiger flower toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Tiger Flower 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