Pet emergency
My dog ate Water Forget-me-not — what to do
Step by step
- Take water forget-me-not 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 water forget-me-not — FAQ
Is water forget-me-not poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Water Forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) as mildly toxic to dogs. Myosotis scorpioides is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. However, other Boraginaceae family members are known to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are hepatotoxic in quantity, and not all Myosotis species have been individually assessed. Out of caution the plant is classified as mildly-toxic rather than confirmed pet-safe. No significant poisoning incidents involving this species are documented in cats or dogs. If a pet consumes a large quantity, consult a vet.
How serious is it if my dog ate water forget-me-not?
Water Forget-me-not 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. Myosotis scorpioides is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. However, other Boraginaceae family members are known to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are hepatotoxic in quantity, and not all Myosotis species have been individually assessed. Out of caution the plant is classified as mildly-toxic rather than confirmed pet-safe. No significant poisoning incidents involving this species are documented in cats or dogs. If a pet consumes a large quantity, consult a vet. 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 water forget-me-not well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is water forget-me-not toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Water Forget-me-not and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide