Pet emergency
My dog ate Johnny Jump Up — what to do
Step by step
- Take johnny jump up 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 johnny jump up — FAQ
Is johnny jump up poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Johnny Jump Up (Viola tricolor) as mildly toxic to dogs. The ASPCA lists Viola tricolor as toxic to dogs and cats, with the plant containing saponins that may cause mild vomiting, diarrhoea, or skin irritation if ingested in quantity. Toxicity is low, but consumption should be discouraged.
How serious is it if my dog ate johnny jump up?
Johnny Jump Up 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. The ASPCA lists Viola tricolor as toxic to dogs and cats, with the plant containing saponins that may cause mild vomiting, diarrhoea, or skin irritation if ingested in quantity. Toxicity is low, but consumption should be discouraged. 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 johnny jump up well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is johnny jump up toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Johnny Jump Up and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide