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If your dog ate viper's bugloss — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Viper's Bugloss is mildly toxic to dogs (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My dog ate Viper's Bugloss — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take viper's bugloss away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. 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 viper's bugloss — FAQ

Is viper's bugloss poisonous to dogs?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Viper's Bugloss (Echium vulgare) as mildly toxic to dogs. Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (echimidine and related compounds). The ASPCA lists Echium vulgare as toxic to horses, causing cumulative liver disease when ingested in quantity over time. The ASPCA does not separately list cats or dogs as affected species, but pyrrolizidine alkaloids are hepatotoxic across many animal species; the bristly stems also cause contact skin irritation in humans. Treat as mildly-toxic around cats and dogs pending further species-specific data, and wear gloves when handling.

How serious is it if my dog ate viper's bugloss?

Viper's Bugloss 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. Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (echimidine and related compounds). The ASPCA lists Echium vulgare as toxic to horses, causing cumulative liver disease when ingested in quantity over time. The ASPCA does not separately list cats or dogs as affected species, but pyrrolizidine alkaloids are hepatotoxic across many animal species; the bristly stems also cause contact skin irritation in humans. Treat as mildly-toxic around cats and dogs pending further species-specific data, and wear gloves when handling. 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 viper's bugloss well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.

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