Pet emergency
My dog ate Wild Angelica — what to do
Step by step
- Take wild angelica 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 wild angelica — FAQ
Is wild angelica poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Wild Angelica (Angelica sylvestris) as mildly toxic to dogs. Angelica sylvestris is not listed by ASPCA as toxic to pets. However, all parts of the plant contain furanocoumarins (psoralens) that cause phototoxic skin reactions in humans and animals — sap on skin exposed to sunlight causes burns and blistering. Ingestion of large quantities may cause GI upset. The plant looks dangerously similar to Conium maculatum (hemlock) and Heracleum mantegazzianum (giant hogweed), both severely toxic. Treat as mildly toxic and wear gloves when handling.
How serious is it if my dog ate wild angelica?
Wild Angelica 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. Angelica sylvestris is not listed by ASPCA as toxic to pets. However, all parts of the plant contain furanocoumarins (psoralens) that cause phototoxic skin reactions in humans and animals — sap on skin exposed to sunlight causes burns and blistering. Ingestion of large quantities may cause GI upset. The plant looks dangerously similar to Conium maculatum (hemlock) and Heracleum mantegazzianum (giant hogweed), both severely toxic. Treat as mildly toxic 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 wild angelica well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is wild angelica toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Wild Angelica and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide